A ban on native oyster fishing in Lough Foyle is being extended as concerns continue over conservation.
The ban, introduced in October to preserve stocks, was due to end on 29 February.
However, the Loughs Agency said a decision to extend the ban until 31 March would ensure the preservation of oyster stock.
Sharon McMahon, CEO of the Loughs Agency, said extending the ban would “help maintain a sustainable fishery for the future”.
She said following an assessment of stock in the Foyle over recent months, the agency had determined that the extended closure was “an essential course of action to ensure the continued conservation of oyster stocks”.
“It is not a decision we have taken lightly,” she said.
“We are fully aware of the impact that this will have on our native oyster fishery stakeholders in relation to the fishing of oysters in Lough Foyle.”
Natives are a variety of flat oyster and Lough Foyle is home to one of the last…
