Call for more help for the eel fishing industry during COVID-19 lockdown

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, those working in the fishing industry have been struggling financially.

Sinn Féín MLA John O’Dowd has tabled a question to the Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots asking what measures he will put in place to support those involved in eel fishing on Lough Neagh who will suffer financial hardship as a result of Covid 19.

Mr O’Dowd said: “The eel fishing season starts in May but with Covid-19 still causing a health pandemic and an economic crisis, the international markets the fish are sold into are facing huge difficulties.

“Those involved in the eel fishing sector and their families need support just as other areas of the economy have received.

“I hope Minister Poots does put in place a financial aid package for them just as happened for the sea fishing sector,” said Mr O’Dowd.

Eels are particularly popular in countries like the Netherlands and Japan.

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