A NEW bye-law comes into force on Friday, effectively putting an end to spring salmon fishing on Lough Melvin. Aimed at protecting dwindling stocks, it makes it illegal for an angler to catch and keep a salmon in Northern Ireland prior to May 31.

The by-law has been introduced despite protests from Garrison and Lough Melvin Anglers’ Association, which operates the fishery on the lake, and representations from local SDLP member, Tommy Gallagher.

The Association sought special dispensation, pointing out that the Melvin straddles the Border, and that those fishing on the lake in the Republic are permitted to catch and keep a salmon a day until May 31.

It wanted a similar rule to apply on the Fermanagh portion of the lake.

However, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure – while apparently acknowledging that the bye-law is unenforceable because of Lough Melvin’s unique position, and the difficulty in proving that a fish was caught in Northern Ireland rather than in the Republic – went ahead and introduced it anyway. The move has been condemned by Mr. Gallagher, who complained there was no Assembly debate on the matter.

The Garrison Association, the club directly affected by the new regulation, was not consulted, and ironically the Melvin is the only real spring salmon fishery in Northern Ireland.