Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has demanded urgent action be taken by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure to combat illegal fishing on Lough Neagh.
The North Antrim MLA, who represents his Party on the Culture, Art & Leisure committee commented;
“I recently tabled a question to the Minister if Culture, Arts and Leisure seeking information regarding the level of illegal fishing which is taking place in Lough Neagh.
The reply confirmed that in 2009 , 9,300 yards of illegal (unlicensed) nets were recovered with around 6,600 fish. This is bad enough but what really concerned me was the news that in the first six months of this year this had soared to 25,831 yards of nets and 18,100 fish.
I am convinced that this increase is due to the fact that the problem of illegal fishing is getting out of control, depleting fish stocks which is in itself a major concern, but also having an impact on the tourist industry, in particular angling.
I am very concerned at reports that a significant quantity of this illegally caught fish is due to well organised gangs as part of a relatively sophisticated operation.
It is quite unreasonable to expect one Fisheries patrol vessel to cover the largest freshwater Lake in the British Isles. I am therefore calling on the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure to take urgent steps to ensure that adequate resources are made available to patrol the Lough and thwart the activities of those who would seek to plunder our fish stocks with unlicensed illegal nets.”
