Image via NI Freshwater Taskforce

In Spring 2026, the NI Freshwater Taskforce enjoyed their annual Away Day on the shores of Lough Neagh, near Ballyronan.

The group visited Anne-Marie and Gary McErlaine, who run Lough Neagh’s Stories, and enjoyed learning more about the history of the fishing industry on the lough, the challenges that the current Lough Neagh crisis has raised, and the impact that this has had on those who have spent their lives embedded in this important industry.

Over lunch that consisted of a traditional Lough Neagh fish chowder, eaten on the loughshore, the group discussed some of the unique biodiversity found around the lough and the reasons why Lough Neagh is such an important ecosystem in NI. There was also an opportunity for the group to try their hand at the traditional skill of weaving the fishing nets used on the lough – with mixed success! The consensus was that this is best left to the experts.

The group also took the opportunity to discuss and develop our priorities for 2026. These have now been signed off and agreed by the group, and can be found here:

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