Friday February 13, 2026
BBC —
New rules to protect Atlantic salmon are to be introduced on four of Northern Ireland’s premier angling rivers after fish numbers dropped to “exceptionally low levels”.
The Loughs Agency said new fish count data highlighted the need for “urgent and enhanced efforts” to protect “what little stock currently exists”.
It said about 3,500 returning salmon were recorded in the Rivers Finn, Roe, Faughan and Mourne in 2025 – 63% lower than the rivers’ five-year average.