The Lough Neagh yellow eel fishery has been closed for this year and the next two years, with only a minimal amount of silver eels permitted for catch. This measure follows an announcement last month by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, introducing a series of steps for the Lough Neagh eel fishery aimed at ensuring the long-term recovery of stocks.
The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that these new measures are based on scientific advice and reflect its statutory responsibilities to protect the European eel, which is classified as critically endangered. The Lough Neagh eel was the first Northern Ireland product to receive Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the EU.
Fishermen who rely on eel fishing for most of their income are awaiting details of potential support from Stormont. Daera has confirmed that a financial assistance scheme has been developed, and the necessary approvals for this proposal are currently being sought. The approval process involves multiple departments and may take some time to complete, with details to be announced once secured and approved by the Minister.
Scientists attribute the decline in eel populations to human influences, including climate impact, hydropower systems, pollution, the introduction of exotic parasites, and overfishing. Professor Derek Evans from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute noted a significant collapse in eel recruitment to European freshwater bodies in the 1980s, with numbers falling from 14-16 million juveniles annually to just over 200,000.