Commercial fishing banned on Foyle

The Agency says it has introduced regulations in response to declining stocks in the once abundant Foyle system, and in particular in the River Finn.

It says it has been forced to take action to protect and conserve wild Atlantic Salmon, and to ensure their future sustainability.

The Loughs Agency Regulations were made to take account of national and international obligations including the requirements of the European Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) which states that "if a species is included under the Directive (of which North Atlantic Salmon are), measures must be taken to maintain or restore them to favourable status in their natural range.

The failure of the River Finn salmon stocks to meet sustainability targets, is of principle concern. The Loughs Agency has undertaken these of actions which will suspend commercial salmon fishing; and direct that recreational angling in the River Finn and Foyle become strictly catch and release.

These measures should be seen as part of a much wider programme that includes juvenile salmon habitat rehabilitation, anti poaching efforts, pollution control and raising concerns over salmon predators.

Further information on catch and release for recreational anglers can be found on the Loughs Agency website at www.loughs-agency.org.