Loughs Agency introduces catch and release to protect Atlantic salmon
Catch and release will apply to the River Roe, River Faughan, River Mourne and their tributaries from Monday, September 21 at 00:00hrs for the remainder of the 2026 season
Following concerns over the numbers of returning Atlantic salmon in the River Roe, River Faughan and River Mourne, Loughs Agency has decided to move to catch and release on these rivers and their tributaries for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The decision follows a review of the 2026 salmon monitoring data, including fish counter information from the River Roe, River Faughan and River Mourne. Based on the information available, Loughs Agency is not satisfied that the required management targets for Atlantic salmon have been met.
Catch and release will therefore apply to the River Roe, River Faughan, River Mourne and their tributaries from Monday, September 21 at 00:00hrs for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Seamus Cullinan, Director of Conservation and Protection at Loughs Agency, said: “The information coming through from our monitoring gives us cause for concern about the number of Atlantic salmon returning to the Foyle system this year. Where we cannot be satisfied that the required management targets have been met, our priority must be to protect returning salmon and give as many fish as possible the opportunity to reach their spawning grounds.
“Moving to catch and release allows angling to continue while reducing pressure on the salmon stock. We recognise the impact this change will have on anglers and greatly value their cooperation and the important role they play in supporting the conservation of Atlantic salmon.”
The decision reflects the precautionary approach to salmon management advocated by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation. This means taking conservation action where there is uncertainty about the status of salmon stocks, rather than delaying action where doing so could place additional pressure on those stocks.
The measure is being introduced under the fisheries management framework set out in Regulation 4 of The Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010.
Loughs Agency will continue to monitor salmon stocks across the Foyle system and work with anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners and other stakeholders to support the long-term conservation and sustainability of Atlantic salmon.