Salmon Ambassadors Graduate
Loughs Agency has completed the 2022 Salmon Ambassadors programme and proudly announces the graduation of more than 200 new Salmon Ambassadors.
Our interactive and hands-on learning programme encouraged pupils to learn about their local river system and included various activities and topics such as salmon life cycles, migration, conservation, preservation, restoration and the role of Loughs Agency.
This year’s programme culminated in an online conference showcasing the outstanding salmon projects carried out by each school since the beginning of February. At the virtual event, pupils presented animations, videos, posters and works of art to their fellow Salmon Ambassadors. Each class focused on a particular life stage. Participants also had the opportunity to hear stories – a grandfather of one of the pupils was famous for catching the largest salmon ever recorded in the River Finn. Pupils highlighted the habitats in which the fish live, the food they eat, the natural threats they face and the impact of human activities and waste on their health and survival. 
Each class also had the opportunity to create a pledge to work towards in the future to continue conserving and protecting salmon populations and their surrounding environments. Loughs Agency initiated Salmon Ambassadors as part of the International Year of the Salmon to help connect young people to the array of incredible fish that inhabit the Foyle and Carlingford river catchments.
This year’s participating schools included:
- Broadbridge Primary School (Eglinton)
- Drumrane Primary School (Dungiven)
- Nazareth House Primary School (Derry~Londonderry)
- Scoil Naomh Lorcan (Omeath)
- St Columba’s Primary School (Newbuildings)
- St Mary’s National School (Stranorlar)
- St Patrick’s Primary School (Castlederg)
The next Salmon Ambassador programme will commence in early 2023 and is targeted at primary/national school level. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details closer to the time.