MLA seeks plan for small lough fishery

MLA seeks plan for small lough fishery

THE future of the hard-pressed Strangford Lough fishery has been debated at Stormont.

Local MLA, Simon Hamilton, who secured the debate, made a plea to Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill for a plan to secure the Lough’s fishery and develop its potential.

“The Strangford Lough fishery is small and has been placed under inordinate pressure to the extent that its future as a sustainable fishery is in major doubt,” said Mr. Hamilton. “The decision to enforce an exclusion zone in almost one third of the Lough as part of attempts to restore damaged horse mussel beds may succeed in staving off infraction charges from the European Union but it could result in making fishing there unviable.

“As the Department responsible for fishing in Northern Ireland, it is my belief that DARD owes the fishermen of Strangford Lough a duty of care.

He said a comprehensive package of measures is needed that deals with both the effects of the imposition of the exclusion zone and develops the fishery for the future.

Mr. Hamilton said the “outstanding seafood” caught and exported from Strangford Lough made a considerable contribution to the tourist economy of the Strangford area.

“Indeed, I would like to see a study of the impact of the fishery on the wider local economy,” he said. “Without the fishery I am in no doubt that our tourism offering would be adversely affected.

“So I would like to see DARD consider pursing EU protected name status for some of the Lough’s seafood, a marketing campaign working alongside local hotels and restaurants to encourage people to enjoy Strangford Lough shellfish, and training and support for fishermen to let them use their vessels for other tourism related purposes.”

South Down Assemblyman Sean Rodgers called for the Departments of the Environment and Agriculture to work together on the issue.

“It is is deeply regrettable that despite its special international status, the Lough’s unique habitat has depleted over the past two decades,” he said. “A new restoration plan for Strangford Lough provides a blueprint for reform; one which ensures protection of the unique species which it possesses. But the plan must take into account the livelihood of fishermen, many of whom reside in the constituency and rely on the waterway as a source of income.”

Strangford MLA Kieran McCarthy agreed that local fishermen who have been disadvantaged because of the fishing zones should be compensated.

“It was some years ago when activities on the Lough’s seabed disturbed the horse mussel to such an extent the Department and eventually Brussels imposed a vast area of Strangford Lough as a no-fishing zone,” he said.

“These restrictions have had a devastating effect on local fishermen and whilst everyone wishes to preserve the Lough, livelihoods have been lost and fairness and justice would call for some compensation.”