The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced additional measures for Lough Neagh, including the closure of the yellow eel fishery for an anticipated period of up to three years.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney responded to the announcement by stating that local fishermen and their families must not bear the economic cost of the ecological crisis on Lough Neagh. He said they have no responsibility for the situation.

Kearney said his party has consistently called for appropriate financial support to be made available to those whose livelihoods are directly affected by environmental challenges facing the lough. The latest DAERA announcement makes that need more urgent, he added.

Kearney said he will continue working with representatives of the commercial fishing industry and will engage with the DAERA Minister and officials to ensure a support package is delivered without delay.

He stressed that beyond immediate measures, a sustainable future must be secured for commercial fishing on Lough Neagh, protecting both livelihoods and the sector's long-term viability.