New Eel Fishery Measures Announced
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has revealed a set of new regulations for the Lough Neagh eel fishery aimed at promoting the long-term recovery of eel stocks.
Starting with the 2026 season, several actions will be introduced, including a three-year closure of the yellow eel fishery.
In a statement released by his department on Thursday, Minister Muir acknowledged the significance of eel fishing as an important industry.
Additional measures include setting a maximum landing size of 90 centimetres and establishing a total allowable catch of 25 tonnes for the silver eel fishery.
"These measures are necessary to support the recovery of eel stocks and to ensure that this important fishery can be sustained into the future," Muir said.
He also confirmed that a temporary cessation scheme is being developed to assist permit holders impacted by the yellow eel fishery closure.
Scientific Guidance and Conservation Responsibilities
The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that the new regulations are based on scientific advice and align with the department's legal obligations to protect the European eel, which is classified as critically endangered.
Scientific recommendations were provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Fishermen Respond to the Announcement
Gary McErlain, a fisherman and chair of the Lough Neagh Partnership, spoke to Evening Extra expressing that the news was not positive for the local fishing industry.
"Aside from the fact that it's your livelihood, there is a very deep history and heritage, cultural value to the whole thing as well, it's something that generations of our families have done on the lough shore," he said.
"It was devastating and certainly from a financial point of view it's not a good scenario right now."
"It seems the announcement of help or some sort of funding, financial help, is lagging behind so we would like to have seen that as part of this story today."
McErlain further explained that fishermen on Lough Neagh have served as a "blueprint" for European eel conservation through their good practices.
"The biggest issue facing the lough and eels is not over-fishing but pollution," he added.
