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Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
NI eel industry failing to meet targets as Windsor Framework hampers ability to restock waterways
It comes after fishing was suspended for the rest of the 2025 season The Windsor Framework has hampered the importation of young eels to NI in recent years, with Lough Neagh officials forced to turn to France for stocking rather than sourcing from UK waters. It comes after a temporary shut-down in eel fishing on Lough Neagh was extended on Thursday to cover the rest of the eel fishing season. The initial decision by the Lough Neagh Fisherman's Co-Operative Society (LNFCS) was taken in May over concerns about the fat content of the eels in the Lough. It is understood the reduction in fat content is connected to significant changes in the Lough's food chain in recent years. Some 80% of Lough Neagh's eel catch is flown daily to the Netherlands to be smoked and sent to markets across Europe, with the remainder exported to England. "Unfortunately the sector is a casualty of significant environmental change within the Lough' – Kathleen McBride (LNFCS) In order to keep the process running smoothly, young eel — known as 'elver' — are imported to NI in the Spring and released into NI waters. However, a 2024 report into the implementation of the UK's Eel Management Plans (2020-2023) revealed Northern Ireland had not achieved its stocking target for any of the years included in the reporting period. The report indicated this was due to a 'disconnect in timing of supply with demand, costs and issues associated with EU exit'. Guidelines on eel management also recommend that 40% are allowed to escape to migrate back to the Sargasso Sea. The report indicated Northern Ireland had failed to meet this target at any time during the reporting period. Department figures have shown that more than 900kg of young eels have been imported to Northern Ireland from France over the last two years, Responding to Freedom of Information requests from this newspaper, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed almost 1,000kg in elver was imported over the last two seasons. A consignment of 400kg was received from the Loire Estuary in France in April 2024, while two separate batches of French eels totalling 516.6kg were sourced in March 2025. It is understood the 2024 delivery was a donation to the LNFCS, while one source told this newspaper this year's imports were a commercial transaction worth between £150,000 and £200,000. In previous years, the LNFCS could have imported elver from UK waters, such as the Severn Estuary, but DAERA said this had been impacted by the withdrawal deal signed by the UK and the EU in February 2023. "The Eel Management Plan for the Lough Neagh/Bann River basin is dependent on the restocking of juvenile eels to support the commercial fishery and meet the escape target,' said a spokesperson. "Under the Windsor Framework the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2023/2770 prohibits the import of glass eels from outside the EU into Northern Ireland. "Therefore, eels for restocking in Northern Ireland in 2025 were sourced from France.' Responsibility for the sourcing of eels for fishing in Lough Neagh lies with the LNFCS, who on Thursday moved to suspend fishing for the remainder of the season. "This is a blow for an industry that has commanded huge respect around the world' – DAERA Minister Andrew Muir The organisation declined to answer direct questions on the importation of eels, but said the decision had been taken to ensure the long term sustainability of the industry. "Over the last number of years, the quality of Lough Neagh brown eels and their sustainability for the premium European market has been decreasing,' said Chairperson Kathleen McBride. "Regrettably, following a number of sample tests during the summer and further recent feedback from the markets, an informed decision has been made by the society to close the brown eel fishing for the 2025 season. "It is hoped that by discontinuing fishing this year, long term it will protect the sustainability of the species and help to address concerns over the recovery of our prestigious market. "LNFCS are aware of the major impact this will have on fishers, their families and the wider community around Lough Neagh. "As a commercial industry on Lough Neagh, unfortunately the sector is a casualty of significant environmental change within the Lough. "LNFCS will continue to work collaboratively with DAERA to attempt to find a solution which will assist all those adversely affected by the closure of the 2025 eel fishing season on Lough Neagh.' For the third year in a row, toxic blue-green algae has been identified in Lough Neagh. A number of factors have contributed to its rise since 2023, with a warming climate and higher levels of nutrients in the water leading to swathes of algae blooming in NI's waterways. DAERA figures have indicated the agriculture industry is responsible for around 60% of those nutrients. The increasing presence of zebra mussels have resulted in clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate further and increase the levels of growth in the algae. Minister Andrew Muir said the closing of the fishing season was 'deeply regrettable' and that he would meet with industry representatives in the coming days. "This is a blow for an industry that has commanded huge respect around the world,' he said. "The next focus is now on the opening of the silver eel fishing season between September and December later this year. Eel fishing has been an intrinsic part of the history and heritage of communities around Lough Neagh.'
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
NI agriculture department confirms items with PCB to be removed from use due to health risks
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogenic, man-made substances used in components of products such as electrical equipment. They were banned in 1986 under the UN Stockholm Convention. Now falling under the Environmental Protection Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, coming into effect July 17, equipment containing more than 0.005% of PCBs -by weight and total volume of 50mm- must be registered with the NIEA before October 31 this year. It must then be subsequently removed from use by December 31. 'Existing closed uses of PCBs include, but are not limited to, heat exchange fluids such as coolants and insulating fluids [transformer oil] for transformers and capacitors manufactured prior to 1987,' said a DAERA spokesperson. 'PCBs have been recognised globally as harmful to human health and the environment. Businesses are required to register relevant equipment annually using the PCB registration database. 'Associated guidance and fees for registration are available here. ' Additional information can be found by contacting the NIEA Chemicals Compliance Team NIEAChemicles@
Irish Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Assembly backs law stopping mutilated pets being imported into Northern Ireland
THE Northern Ireland Assembly has approved a legal motion to stop the importation of pets which have been mutilated for 'aesthetic reasons'. In a move described as a 'significant moment' on the North's 'journey towards increasing animal welfare protections for pets', the Assembly approved a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) to extend powers contained in the UK's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to Northern Ireland. Currently progressing through parliament, the legislation will allow Northern Ireland's Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to introduce new rules to restrict the import of cats and dogs which have been subject to painful practices like de-clawing or ear cropping. 'I am committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and creating a safe environment for all pets,' DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said. It has been against the law to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons in Northern Ireland since 2011 (Pic: Rolling news) 'I welcome this approval by the Assembly which marks a significant step forward in protecting companion animals from cruel and inhumane practices,' he added. While it has been against the law to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons in Northern Ireland since 2011, it is not illegal to buy a cat or a dog from another country where these practices are still permitted or tolerated. 'No animal should be subjected to mutilations for aesthetic reasons,' Minister Muir said. 'Ear cropping or tail docking are intensely painful procedures, carried out at a young age and deliver no health or welfare benefits,' he added. 'Gaining consent provides my department with the ability to close any remaining loopholes in our law and it sends a message that these inhumane practices have no place in our society." The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill is a UK government-backed Private Members Bill, which was introduced by the MP for Winchester, Dr Danny Chambers. Once it achieves Royal Assent, it will provide powers to DAERA to make legislation in the NI Assembly to prohibit the importation of these animals on welfare grounds. See More: Law, Mutilation, Northern Ireland Assembly, Pets
Belfast Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Deeply troubling': Police investigation launched after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
The legally protected bird of prey was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December. Subsequent testing confirmed the red kite had been killed using two highly toxic substances – the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb – both of which pose serious risks to wildlife and humans. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's lead officer for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare, described the incident as 'deeply troubling'. 'These birds were reintroduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct here for centuries,' he said. 'Tragically, this is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in the same area. Two ravens were also recently found dead, poisoned with similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed.' Red kites and all birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. The discovery of yet another suspected case of targeted poisoning has prompted a joint response from multiple agencies. News Catch Up - June 25th 2025 PSNI officers, alongside the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, carried out a site visit and made enquiries with the technical support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit. The force also works in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to investigate illegal use of banned or misused pesticides and poisons. Superintendent McDowell warned of the wider dangers posed by the toxic substances involved. 'The poisons used in these incidents are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans,' he said. 'Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, such as a red kite, and suspects it has been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped, should not touch it but contact police immediately.' He added that anyone found guilty of persecuting birds of prey could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence and custodial sentences. The Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI), which enforces Biocidal Product Regulations in Northern Ireland, also warned that enforcement action would be taken against anyone misusing dangerous chemicals. 'Where duty-holders are found to have incorrectly used or have misused biocidal products or continue to use or store products that have been withdrawn from the market, HSENI will take appropriate enforcement action,' a spokesperson said. 'This highlights the importance of responsible use of all chemicals.' A spokesperson for DAERA added: 'The intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is abhorrent. Supplying, storing or using a Plant Protection Product that has been banned is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions established by its authorisation and specified on the product label. If convicted, fines will apply.' As part of wider efforts to tackle such crimes, the PSNI has launched Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch, a partnership initiative using drones to monitor bird of prey nesting sites in high-risk areas. 'Operation Raptor is a direct response to birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances,' Superintendent McDowell said. 'Alongside our partners, we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and bring offenders to justice.'
Agriland
19-06-2025
- Health
- Agriland
DAERA: Bluetongue disease ‘will arrive at some stage'
Bluetongue disease will, inevitably, reach the island of Ireland. And this may well happen sooner rather than later. This is the strongly held view of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) deputy chief veterinary officer, Dr. David Kyle. He made the comments at the recent Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) annual conference. Dr. Kyle said: 'The disease carrying midges will arrive at some stage: we can't control the weather. 'DAERA is currently monitoring midge and virus populations, specifically in Irish Sea coastal areas.' The latest figures from Great Britain (GB) confirm the east/west march of the virus. However, to date, it has not reached those regions with high sheep populations. Once bluetongue reaches Irish shores, 20km radius incursion zones will be established in an attempt to get to grips with the disease, according to the DAERA deputy chief veterinary officer. Dr, Kyle referenced the future use of vaccines as a way farmers can get to grips with the problem within their own businesses. Chatting at the NIIAS conference, (l to r) Ian Stevenson, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland; and Dick Blakiston Houston, BlakistonHouston Estates According to the DAERA representative, a region's animal health status will have a direct bearing on its ability to export food products. In addition, disease has a direct bearing on animal performance and productivity. Illegal animal and food importations heighten the risk of new disease threats, and Dr. Kyle confirmed that DAERA has strengthened its presence at all of Northern Ireland's ports. He referred to the attempts that have been made by some people to smuggle live sheep into Northern Ireland as 'absolute folly'. The World Organisation for Animal Health lists 118 notifiable diseases. All of these are linked to international food trading conditions. Dr. Kyle said: 'Food exports are worth in excess of £6 billion to Northern Ireland's economy. So, protecting the future of our agri-food sectors is a key priority. 'And the same principle holds in the Republic of Ireland.' The DAERA representative referenced the triple threat of bluetongue, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and highly pathogenic avian influenza – or bird flu – as the key concerns for Ireland's agri-food sectors at the present time. While Dr. Kyle highlighted the tremendous efforts made by the poultry sector in keeping avian influenza at bay over recent times, he struck a cautionary note where FMD is concerned. This year has seen outbreaks of the disease confirmed in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia with two different lineages of the virus identified in these cases. However, when it comes to attributing the initial causes of the disease outbreaks, bio-terrorism has been one of the options followed up.
