Anglers in Co Derry and the North East have been warned that the recent spell of hot weather has led to low river flows, high water temperatures and low oxygen levels - with many fish struggling to survive.
The Loughs Agency is advising anglers in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas to help preserve salmon and trout stocks in rivers following prolonged periods of hot weather across both the Foyle and Carlingford catchments.
The agency's head of science, Dr Sarah McLean, has expressed hope that anglers will proceed with caution
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Dr McLean said: "Many of our fish species will find survival difficult in these warm conditions without the added pressure of angling stress. Even catch and release poses a serious risk to fish health in these conditions as low dissolved oxygen in the water can result in poor fish recovery rates and inadvertent mortalities.
"It is also worth remembering that high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels may also leave fish more susceptible to parasites and disease, so any fish caught will also require additional care when handling."
The Loughs Agency advise that there are several measures anglers can take to help protect fish during the hot weather, saying: "Consider taking the water temperature before you fish and avoid fishing during midday and afternoons when water temperatures are high. Water temperature will be coolest in the early morning;
- Where possible, keep fish in the water during catch and release;
- Seek advice from fishery or angling clubs where appropriate;
- Avoid targeting larger fish or sensitive species;
- Keep nets should not be used by coarse anglers during warm weather;
- Limit handling time;
- Where possible and safe, release fish into deeper, faster flowing water."
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