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.