Scheme to support eel fishermen announced

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has announced £100K of financial assistance for Lough Neagh brown eel fishers.

The announcement comes after the 2025 season was suspended earlier this year due to environmental changes.

Any payments made from the scheme will be based on the value of brown eels brought ashore during the 2024 season only.

To be considered eligible applicants will need to have landed a minimum of £1000 worth of brown eels.

The vessel they used for fishing will need to have been issued with a license to fish in Lough Neagh from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) and a permit from the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Cooperative.

Similar to the Covid support scheme, payments will be equal to 50% of the annual income fishers lost out on because of the suspension.

The 2025 season started on 5 May, but lasted for just one week, being suspended on 12 May.

That decision was made after the reduced fat content of the eels meant the early catches were rejected by the continental market that usually prizes them.

Muir said the sector is at a "critical juncture as it adjusts to the reality of recurring blue-green algae blooms" on the lough.

"I am pleased that we have been able to offer support and my officials are moving to get this financial assistance to the industry at this difficult time," the minister said in a statement.

He said it will allow the sector to consider how it will adapt to the challenges it faces, and he would "encourage them to use this time to identify new markets and introduce measures to improve the management of eel stocks".

"The situation impacting the Brown Eel Fishers has been a stark reminder of the human cost of the Lough Neagh crisis, and we must collectively work to turn the tide on water pollution in Northern Ireland," he said.