Loughs Agency extends the closure of the Foyle native oyster fishery

The Loughs Agency has extended the closure of the native oyster fishery in the Foyle area after an analysis of data highlighted the need to prioritise conservation.

The suspension, which was put in place on October 24 last, will continue from 6pm on February 29 until 6pm on March 31.

In a statement, the Lough’s Agency - the cross-border body in charge of conservation, management, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford area -  said the decision to keep the closure in place comes following an analysis of the latest stock assessment data, which is gathered by Loughs Agency scientists on an annual basis. 

“The information obtained from the fishery has highlighted the need to prioritise conservation, with the evidence available supporting the continued suspension of the native oyster fishery,” the agency said.

Moville Community College extension on schedule for completion in 2025

Work began on the project last August, which will consist of a new build extension to the current school that will accommodate up to 550 pupils

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “We took the necessary time over recent months gathering and reviewing as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision on the Native Oyster Fishery in the Foyle area. After careful consideration, the extended closure has been deemed an essential course of action to ensure the continued conservation of oyster stocks.

“It is not a decision we have taken lightly. We are fully aware of the impact that this will have on our native oyster fishery stakeholders in relation to the fishing of oysters in Lough Foyle. However, it is imperative that we take decisions in a science-led approach with the future sustainability of the fishery and the viability of the oyster population in mind. 

“Our marine scientists have provided evidence highlighting the necessity of this decision in order to ensure an acceptable biomass of spawning stock remains in the population for next season. They have also made clear that removal of 100% of the stock above the minimum landing size is not sustainable, and removing a large proportion of stock over 80mm this season could have a detrimental impact on future recruitment to the population.

“Our remit as a regulatory body allows us to make informed management decisions such as this in real-time, which will help maintain a sustainable fishery for the future.”