Eel conservation
Measures adopted under the European Eel Regulation for the management and recovery of the European eel stock in three Eel river basins in Northern Ireland.
On 4 June 2026, the DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, confirmed a series of measures for the 2026 Lough Neagh eel fishery, aimed at supporting sustainable management and the long-term recovery of stocks.
For the 2026 season, the following measures will apply:
- A total allowable catch of 25 tonnes, limited to the silver eel fishery
- A maximum landing size of 90 centimetres
- Closure of the yellow eel fishery for a period of three years, commencing in 2026
These measures are informed by scientific advice from both AFBI and ICES, and in the interests of openness and transparency, the Department has published this advice.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is an intergovernmental marine science organisation, meeting societal needs for impartial evidence on the state and sustainable use of our seas and oceans. ICES advises that when the precautionary approach is applied, there should be zero catches in all habitats in 2026. This applies to both recreational and commercial catches and includes catches of glass eels for restocking and aquaculture. (Website link here.)
Below is a link to the advice published by ICES with regards to European Eels.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Eel advice 2026
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is a leading provider of scientific research and services to government, non-governmental organisations and commercial organisations. AFBI’s advice to DAERA is that the permissible commercial eel catch on Lough Neagh in 2026 should be zero, in order to meet Eel Management Plan (EMP) legal requirements, align with ICES scientific advice and support recovery of a critically endangered species.
Below is a link to the advice provided by AFBI with regards to European Eels.
AFBI advice on European Eels 2026
Eel Management Plans
Eel Management Plans (EMPs) were introduced in 2009 by the European Union to increase returns of adult (silver) eels. Below are links to the current Eel management plans in place in Northern Ireland.
- Eel Management Plan - Lough Neagh/Bann River Basin District
- Eel Management Plan for the UK - North West International River Basin District
- Eel management plans for the UK - Eastern River Basin District
A review of the Eel Management Plan – Lough Neagh/Bann River Basin District by DAERA officials has commenced.