Northern Ireland’s new Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, recently undertook a visit to Loughs Agency Headquarters in Prehen, gaining first-hand insights into the organisation’s essential work. (L-R) David Simpson DAERA Corporate Branch, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, Board…
Loughs Agency has made the decision to maintain the closure of the Native Oyster Fishery in the Foyle area, with the suspension continuing from 6pm on 29th February 2024 until 6pm on 31st March 2024. The decision to keep the closure in place comes following an analysis of the latest…
Loughs Agency is set to lead a major marine tracking project after €1.6m of EU funding was secured by the European Tracking Network (ETN). The successful bid came following an open call for funding by the EU’s Biodiversa+ scheme, which is designed to support research proposals…
Loughs Agency has made the decision to retain salmon carcass tag numbers for angling licence holders for the 2024 season in line with the policy followed in the previous three years at a maximum of one blue tag (1st March to 31st May) and two black tags (1st…
Loughs Agency recently hosted two Public Consultation events for its draft Climate Action Plan in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas, with various members of the public and elected representatives coming along to find out more about the organisation’s plan to tackle climate change. The Foyle event took place at…
Last week Foyle College became the latest and final school to complete the 2023 Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme after a week of engagement and educational workshops across the Foyle catchment area. On Monday, 21 students from Foyle College were welcomed to the Loughs Agency, making…
The Public Consultation period for Loughs Agency’s Climate Action Plan (Draft) commenced on 8th November 2023. Responses are welcome for twelve weeks, with the consultation period closing on 31st January 2024. Have your say Your feedback on the draft Loughs Agency Climate Action Plan will help the Agency ensure that…
Congratulations to Loughs Agency’s second group of Ambassadors this summer! The Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador Programme was completed after a week of engaging and educational workshops across the Carlingford Catchment this August. Young people signed up from across the catchment to take part. A highly rewarding week witnessing a growth in confidence,…
Omagh Academy were the latest school to complete the Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador Programme after a week of engaging and educational workshops across the Foyle catchment. 20 young people (aged 12-14) were selected across different classes to join the 5-day environmental education programme. They are the first Omagh based…
Students from year ten at Gaelcholáiste Dhoire have participated and completed the first Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador school programme this term during the week storm Agnes hit the UK and Ireland. Day 1 Our intrepid Ambassadors embarked on a week of activity with Jack and Michael, beginning…
A public consultation has been launched on Loughs Agency’s draft Climate Action Plan, which outlines how the organisation aims to reduce its carbon emissions in the coming years. The consultation, which will run for a period of twelve weeks, will provide members of the public with…
Loughs Agency has made the decision to suspend the Native Oyster Fishery in the Foyle area, with the closure coming into effect at 6am on 24th October 2023 and remaining in place until 6pm on 29th February 2024. This decision was reached following an analysis of the latest…
Loughs Agency recently welcomed a delegation from Korea to the North West as part of a two-day workshop focusing on transboundary cooperation for sustainable ocean and coastal areas. The workshop was organised and sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast and the Korea Maritime Institute, to discuss transboundary…
A recent incident on Lough Foyle saw a commercial net fisherman’s licence suspended for one year after being caught illegally fishing in the waters near Redcastle, Co. Donegal. The incident occurred on 30th June 2022, when Fishery protection officers on patrol witnessed a small white boat…
Loughs Agency has released the following statement in relation to a pollution incident in a tributary of the River Finn: On Tuesday, 12th September, Loughs Agency was alerted to the potential presence of a pollutant into a tributary of the River Finn, allegedly stemming from a commercial premises. Loughs Agency…
Congratulations to Loughs Agency’s first group of Summer Ambassadors. The Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador Programme took place across the Foyle Catchment area throughout the month of July. Young ambassadors attended a series of educational workshops, reviewed natural environments, and studied environmental preservation techniques. This highly…
A sea trout tagged as part of a collaborative project led by Loughs Agency and the River Faughan Anglers has provided remarkable insights into the growth and behaviour of these elusive fish within the Lough Foyle system. The ‘Casting for Knowledge’ initiative highlights the value of…
A number of projects funded by Loughs Agency’s Angling Improvement Fund 2023, which aims to reinvest in angling-related initiatives that directly benefit the Foyle and Carlingford catchments, have officially commenced. Angling clubs, fisheries, charities and community organisations were among the groups invited by Loughs Agency to provide project ideas which…
Loughs Agency has appealed to anglers and the general public to remain vigilant and report the presence of any Pacific pink salmon encountered in the Foyle and Carlingford Catchments during the coming months. In 2017, 2019 and 2021 this non-native fish species unexpectedly appeared in unprecedented numbers in…