Please note the contents of the letter detailed below from the Ulster Angling Federation in relation to the proposed Management Plan for Lower Lough Erne. The Club has already sent a reply to both UAF and to DCAL via their consultation feedback proforma. Individual anglers are encouraged to give their feedback via their proforma and send directly to DCAL: FisheriesConsultations@dcalni.gov.uk
Dear Secretary / Member
I don’t think in my 10 years as Development Officer for the Ulster Angling Federation (UAF), that I have had to write such an important e-mail.
The UAF back in 2013 approached DCAL with a view to getting a fishery management plan for Lower Lough Erne. This was instigated by our member clubs due to poor angling returns over the past 10 + years and concerns for the future quality of the fishery.
DCAL have now produced their proposals for the Management Plan, and according to DCAL many anglers are quite happy with DCAL’s proposals. However the UAF are sceptical about this claim. The UAF see very few benefits for trout anglers and the future of Lower Lough Erne as a wild brown trout fishery is in our opinion under real threat. Bearing in mind that this is the only lake solely in Northern Ireland which can provide wild brown trout fishing, it would be an absolute disgrace if it was not preserved for future generations. If a proper Management Plan is put in place the Lower Lough has the potential to be on a par with Mask or Corrib.
I am sending this to all our member clubs as I am well aware that although your club may not be based in Fermanagh many of your members fish the Lower Lough. We urgently need your help to ensure the proposals are amended so that the future of the Lough is secured.
Firstly the UAF need a letter or e-mail from your club / members if you agree with the UAF that the proposals are unsatisfactory and we need the Lower Lake to be treated as a brown trout fishery and managed accordingly. All responses need to be with me by 26th November 2015. Secondly we need each club / individual to respond to DCAL on the consultation on the Lough Erne Management Plan. The UAF will circulate a draft response by the 20th of Novemeber as the consultation closes on 4th December.
It is the intention of the Federation to hold a further meeting in Fermanagh by the end of November to collate all responses to the consultation on the Management Plan. We would encourage your club to attend this important meeting, as already stated the UAF will then send in its response to DCAL and hopefully so will our member clubs.
I would urge you and your club to give this matter your urgent attention as the future of the Lough is in your hands.
Regards Robbie [Marshall]
