Carlingford Lough's new fisheries and angling improvement strategy

Loughs Agency has announced the launch of its Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and Action Plans for the Carlingford and Foyle catchment areas.

The Strategy aims to provide a pathway for the sustainable growth of fisheries and angling, and ultimately result in various benefits for both the angling community and the general public.

Loughs Agency says it plans to achieve this in various ways, including using nature-based solutions to maximise fisheries productivity and general biodiversity through various ongoing habitats and water quality improvement projects, promoting the sport of angling to new and diverse audiences, and creating vibrant and resilient angling clubs.

The Agency was established as one of the North South Implementation Bodies under the 1998 Agreement between the UK and Irish Governments. It aims to provide sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits through the effective conservation, management, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

Loughs Agency says much of the new strategy was informed by the views of angling clubs and federations during 2021, and the public consultation held last year helped refine how the core objectives set out will be delivered.

It will also tie in with the organisation’s Climate Action Plan, with angling clubs encouraged to partake in practical projects such as tree-planting programmes and resilience initiatives on rivers, which can collectively have a positive impact on the health of our waterways and fish stocks.

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, commented: “We are delighted to launch our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and Action Plans, which outline our aspirations for the sport of angling in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas and the healthy aquatic environment on which it relies.

“The international importance of Loughs Agency’s Fisheries and Angling products is a source of great pride, and we are uniquely placed to help provide social, environmental, and economic benefits for our communities.

“I would like to thank the many angling clubs and federations who took part in the consultations that helped shape this Strategy, and it is now up to us to work collectively and constructively to increase trust, unity, strength and resilience for a better future for fisheries and the sport of angling.”

The Fisheries and Angling Strategy and Action Plans can be viewed on Loughs Agency’s website at www.loughs-agency.org/loughs-agency-launches-fisheries-and-angling-improvement-strategy/