Loughs Agency hosts fisheries and angling engagement event

ABOVE: From left to right, Seamus Cullinan; Director of Conservation & Protection, Loughs Agency; Gary Houston, Chairman, Ulster Angling Federation; Hazel King, Head of Barrier Mitigation Division, Inland Fisheries Ireland; Ciarán McGonigle, Director of Aquaculture & Shellfisheries, Loughs Agency; Dr Sarah McLean, Head of Science, Loughs Agency; Louise Cullen, Agriculture & Environment Correspondent, BBC News NI.

Loughs Agency recently hosted members of the fisheries and angling community for a Freshwater Fisheries Engagement Event in Omagh, with the aim of exploring the latest developments in managing and sustaining freshwater fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the investments being made by Loughs Agency since 2023 on a wide range of fisheries improvement projects completed in their local areas, as well as updates on works that are either underway or planned.

The event was hosted by well-known Agriculture and Environment Correspondent, Louise Cullen, and featured insightful presentations from prominent figures in angling and fisheries circles.

The guest speakers included Gary Houston, Chairman of the Ulster Angling Federation and Hazel King, Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division at Inland Fisheries Ireland. Discussions covered key topics such as angling coaching initiatives and new safeguarding provisions, barriers to fish migration and ongoing conservation efforts being made by Loughs Agency to support the sustainability of local fisheries.

In addition to valuable networking opportunities, an interactive Q&A panel was facilitated on the night, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the guest speakers and members of Loughs Agency’s Senior Management Team.

A spokesperson for Loughs Agency said: “We were delighted to bring together key stakeholders from the fisheries and angling community for this unique event right in the heart of the Foyle catchment area.

“Angling is woven into the cultural fabric of this region and plays a significant role in strengthening connections to our rivers and natural environment. Our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy, launched in 2023, outlines a clear pathway for maintaining a collaborative approach to maximising the full potential of our catchments.

Ciarán McGonigle (pictured left), Director of Aquaculture & Shellfisheries, Loughs Agency and (on right) Louise Cullen, Agriculture & Environment Correspondent, BBC News NI.

“Events like the Freshwater Fisheries Engagement Event are vital to our commitment to ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, ensuring we continue moving in the right direction.”

More information on Loughs Agency’s commitment to enhancing the fisheries and angling in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas can be found at loughs-agency.org.