Interested parties are invited to apply for a licence to fish the 2021/2022 Native Oyster fishery. Applicants will be required to submit a completed application to the address listed below. Due to the covid-19 situation, all applications must be delivered via post. Please post standard delivery not recorded delivery. At this stage, we ask that only completed application forms are sent. Please do not send additional documents or payment.
Please note Loughs Agency Offices are currently closed. Click here to download the application form.
Anyone who held a licence to fish the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery last season will receive an application pack via post. If you do not receive a pack or you did not hold a licence last season but wish to apply this year, please either download a form or contact (+44 (0) 28 71 342100) to receive a hard copy via post. Interested parties must have completed applications with the Loughs Agency on or before Friday 30th July 2021. Licence Fee: £150 or €166 – fees payable on receipt of licence. No late applications will be accepted.
Loughs Agency has been responsible for licensing and regulating the native oyster fishery in Lough Foyle since September 2008.
The fishery operates an annual closed season from April 1 to September 18 inclusive, when the oysters are breeding. From September 19 to March 31 inclusive, fishing is permitted under licence from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Licence holders must adhere to the relevant licence conditions and regulations.
Anyone who wishes to operate a vessel for harvesting native oysters must apply for a licence. Loughs Agency licenses vessels annually and we usually announce a public call for applications, via our website and the local press, in May.
Applicants must submit a completed application form before a specified deadline and provide supporting documentation. Please note that the applicant must deliver the licence application in person and late applications cannot be accepted. The annual fee is £150 or €166.
Licence holders must complete logbooks recording their catches every week and return these to Loughs Agency. Our Fishery Officers carry out regular patrols on land and water. Infringements of the regulations may result in prosecution.