Muir announces Pound 100,000 scheme to assist Lough Neagh Brown Eel Fishers
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced Pound 100K of financial assistance for Lough Neagh Brown Eel Fishers who have been impacted by the suspension of the 2025 season.
Much like the previous Covid support scheme for Lough Neagh Fisheries, payments will be equal to 50% of the annual income foregone because of the closure of the fishery. Due to the number of vessels that have left the industry in the past four years, the financial assistance offered will be based on the value of landings of brown eels during the 2024 season only.
To be eligible, applicants must have met the minimum level of brown eel landings in 2024 (Pound 1,000) with the vessel issued with a license to fish in Lough Neagh from DAERA and a permit from the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Cooperative.
Minister Muir said: "Our historic Eel Fishing Sector is at a critical juncture as it adjusts to the reality of recurring blue-green algae blooms at Lough Neagh and other fishery issues that may have implications for established markets and future seasons operations. 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.
"This one-off payment will allow the sector to consider how it will adapt in subsequent years to the challenges it faces, and I would encourage them to use this time to identify new markets and introduce measures to improve the management of eel stocks. Financial assistance will also assist with maintaining the fleet's vessels and other associated costs.
"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."
The Department will write to eligible stakeholders in early January to seek applications.
