New eel fishery measures 'devastating' for Lough Neagh fishermen

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has announced a series of measures for the Lough Neagh eel fishery to ensure long-term recovery of stocks.

For the 2026 season a number of actions will be implemented including the closure of the yellow eel fishery for a period of three years.

In a statement issued by his department on Thursday, Muir said he recognised eel fishing is an important industry.

Gary McErlain a fisherman and chair of the Lough Neagh Partnership said it was "devastating" and "certainly from a financial point of view it's not a good scenario right now".

Other measures announced include a maximum landing size of 90 centimetres and a total allowable catch of 25 tonnes for the silver eel fishery.

Speaking to Evening Extra McErlain said it was not "good news" for the lough's fishing industry.

"Aside from the fact that it's your livelihood, there is a very deep history and heritage, cultural value to the whole thing as well, it's something that generations of our families have done on the lough shore," he said.

He said it was "devastating" and "certainly from a financial point of view it's not a good scenario right now".

"It seems the announcement of help or some sort of funding, financial help, is lagging behind so we would like to have seen that as part of this story today."

McErlain explained that fishermen on Lough Neagh have been a "blue print" in relation to European eels "by way of good practice".

He said the biggest issue facing the lough and eels is not over-fishing but pollution.

"These measures are necessary to support the recovery of eel stocks and to ensure that this important fishery can be sustained into the future," Muir said.

He also confirmed that a temporary cessation scheme is being developed to support permit holders affected by the closure of the yellow eel fishery.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said the new measures are informed by scientific advice and reflect the department's statutory responsibilities to protect the European eel, which is classified as critically endangered.

Advice was given by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).