Menu
12/12/2014
Lough Foyle Oyster Beds Partially Re-Open
The Loughs Agency has re-opened two of the six main oyster fishing beds in Lough Foyle, following their closure over the past few weeks.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill and Irish Minister of State Joe McHugh have jointly welcomed the decision.
Minister O’Neill said: "Whilst I appreciate the importance of Management interventions to conserve and maintain oyster stocks, I am mindful of the impact that closure of the oyster beds has had on the livelihood of local oystermen particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
"Looking to the future, I am hopeful that there will be constructive engagement between the Agency and local fishermen on a range of issues that will safeguard the future of the Native Oyster Fishery on Lough Foyle."
Minister McHugh said: "The decision to partially re-open the beds from 15 to 19 December 2014 will create potential opportunity to catch up to an additional 25 tonnes (up to a value of €125,000). I believe that the Agency has achieved a good balance between economic opportunity for local fishermen with a dividend for the local communities and the conservation imperative."
He added: "I want to emphasise that sustainability and safeguarding this natural resource in Lough Foyle are the shared responsibilities of all stakeholders, including the licensed fishermen."
(IT/CD)
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill and Irish Minister of State Joe McHugh have jointly welcomed the decision.
Minister O’Neill said: "Whilst I appreciate the importance of Management interventions to conserve and maintain oyster stocks, I am mindful of the impact that closure of the oyster beds has had on the livelihood of local oystermen particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
"Looking to the future, I am hopeful that there will be constructive engagement between the Agency and local fishermen on a range of issues that will safeguard the future of the Native Oyster Fishery on Lough Foyle."
Minister McHugh said: "The decision to partially re-open the beds from 15 to 19 December 2014 will create potential opportunity to catch up to an additional 25 tonnes (up to a value of €125,000). I believe that the Agency has achieved a good balance between economic opportunity for local fishermen with a dividend for the local communities and the conservation imperative."
He added: "I want to emphasise that sustainability and safeguarding this natural resource in Lough Foyle are the shared responsibilities of all stakeholders, including the licensed fishermen."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 May 2017
Hillsborough Oyster Festival Cancelled
The Hillsborough Oyster Festival will not be taking place this year due to rising costs and changes in funding agreements. 2017 would have marked the 25th Anniversary of the festival which over the years has raised in excess of £600,000 for local charities.
Hillsborough Oyster Festival Cancelled
The Hillsborough Oyster Festival will not be taking place this year due to rising costs and changes in funding agreements. 2017 would have marked the 25th Anniversary of the festival which over the years has raised in excess of £600,000 for local charities.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
25 January 2024
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
SDLP Challenges PM To Back UN Call For Gaza Ceasefire
Colum Eastwood has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations' call for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the SDLP Leader and MP asked the PM would the UK's representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire. The UK abstained on the last UN vote.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
