AMBITIOUS new conservation targets have been set by the Loughs Agency to mark the opening of this year’s fishing season.
While some lakes have already opened for angling, rivers in the Foyle and Carlingford areas will start to open from Monday.
In preparation for the new season, the Loughs Agency says it hopes to achieve a catch and release rate of more than 80 per cent. The catch and release scheme involves anglers returning fish to rivers and waterways after catching them to conserve fish stocks.
Loughs Agency conservation director, John McCartney said the organisation was building on the 45 per cent catch and release rate achieved last year. Mr McCartney said the agency also hoped to encourage anglers to reduce the number of tags taken out when purchasing a licence (for retained fish).
“Last year, 45 per cent of anglers purchasing a licence opted not to take tags and there is a growing trend of anglers implementing the practice of catch and release. The agency welcomes this approach to angling and would encourage all anglers to practice this method as a way of continuing to fish whilst limiting the impact on local stocks,” he said.
Anglers place plastic tags through the gills of fish they catch and retain. The tags are later returned to the Loughs Agency so that fish stocks can be monitored.
“The catch return data from anglers is analysed throughout the season and used to make fishery management decisions to ensure the sustainability of species in Foyle and Carlingford,” Mr McCartney said.
The organisation has also released a YouTube video with advice on how to release a fish unharmed after it has been caught.
