Restrictions have been placed on fishing the critically endangered European eel in Lough Neagh in an effort to restore the species. Fishing operations were halted last year when the quality of the catch failed to meet market requirements.
In response to declining populations, Andrew Muir, the Agriculture Minister, announced a series of measures last month intended to ensure the long-term recovery of Lough Neagh's eel fishery. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that these new measures are guided by scientific advice and align with the department's legal obligations to protect the European eel, which is currently classified as critically endangered.
Muir indicated that work is being prioritized to establish a temporary cessation scheme. This scheme is intended to support permit holders impacted by the closure of the yellow eel fishery.
Eel fisherman Gary McErlain, whose family has fished Lough Neagh for seven generations, expressed concern over the collapse of the eel population. He pointed to a "whole host of factors" contributing to the decline, including zebra mussels, climate change, and pollution, noting a significant decrease in the local Lough Neagh fly population alongside increased pollution. McErlain specifically cited the algae blooms of 2023, 2024, and 2025, describing last year's bloom as the worst he has experienced. He anticipates similar events will recur following recent heatwave conditions in Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on his family's legacy, McErlain conveyed the emotional toll of potentially not continuing the tradition. "I'm blessed that I've come from a long line of commercial fishing, and I'm blessed that I had the opportunity to do it," he said. "So to ask me how I feel in relation to that not continuing into the future - that's devastating."
Efforts to restore the eel population focus on increasing the chances of adult fish breeding. Key strategies include management plans, fishing bans, and establishing protected routes to the sea.
Professor Evans, a scientist, expressed cautious optimism about the eel's future. "The eel is a very resilient species, it's been here millions of years," he stated. "It's seen itself through many ice ages. It's a survivor. Given the right chances, it will continue to survive."