Protection
At Loughs Agency, one of our key responsibilities is safeguarding the inland fisheries of Foyle and Carlingford through various measures. Our Fishery Officers patrol lakes, rivers, loughs, shorelines, and marine environments, keeping a watchful eye for any illegal fishing activity and pollution.
We conduct investigations and prosecute offenders under different legislation. The Agency has a strong track record in regulatory enforcement and has successfully partnered with enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
As a member of the public, you also play a vital role in protecting the catchments by reporting incidents of illegal fishing and pollution. You can notify us through our website's reporting tool or by calling our 24-hour response line: +44 (0) 2871 342100.
Regulations
Loughs Agency has a range of statutory functions which it carries out in accordance with primary legislation. The key legislative provisions for the Foyle and Carlingford areas are the Foyle Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1952 and the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952. These set out Loughs Agency’s enforcement powers.
Under the Foyle Fisheries acts, Loughs Agency also has the authority to make secondary legislation. This wide-ranging power is used to enhance and conserve the Foyle and Carlingford fisheries.
Fish Counter Programme
Through advanced technology, our fish counter programme monitors fish stock within key rivers in the Foyle and Carlingford rivers.
