Agency ‘active’ in saving Faughan fish

She made the comment when asked by DUP MLA Peter Weir what steps were taken to improve measures to prevent the destruction of salmon stocks in the Londonderry river.

Mrs O’Neill replied: “The Loughs Agency is responsible for the conservation and protection of salmon in the Foyle system.

“The Agency is proactive in making and enforcing regulations for this purpose and for freshwater habitat management.

“All are underpinned by best scientific advice and reflect the resolutions and guidance from the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.”

Officials are currently introducing new rules which will include a reduction of the number of carcass tags issued to anglers in the Foyle and Carlingford area.

“This will impact on numbers of salmon taken,” the Minister said.

“It should be noted that the River Faughan salmon stocks have met their target population levels in the last four years,” the Minister added.