It’s one crisis after another for eel fishermen on Lough Neagh.
Dwindling numbers of eels and the algal bloom, which has plagued the water in recent years, has left the fishermen scrambling to make a living.
This year’s eel fishing season, which commenced on May 5, came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, May 12 as a result of the Dutch market’s rejection of Lough Neagh eels due to “insufficient fat content”.
This a direct consequence of the eels’ inability to feed, stemming from the lake’s deteriorating water quality.
As a result, eel fishing vessels have ceased operations, rendering their pursuit economically unviable.
Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Nelson has called for urgent action to address the crisis.
“This sudden halt has led to immediate unemployment and significant income loss for numerous families in the local area,” she said.
“Our fishermen bear no responsibility for this situation; they have consistently demonstrated a profound respect for the waters they navigate.
“In light of this development I urgently request Minister Muir and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to consider the implementation of an emergency financial support package for the affected fishermen.
“Such assistance is crucial to sustain these families while comprehensive efforts to remediate and restore the health of Lough Neagh are undertaken.
“Our eel fishing heritage is a cornerstone of our local economy. Immediate and decisive action is essential to preserve this tradition and support the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
The condition of Northern Ireland’s waterways – many of which feed into the lough system – has been declining for years.
In 2021, none of Northern Ireland’s rivers, lakes, transitional or coastal bodies could be classified as being in “good” health under European water quality legislation.
