A groundbreaking water-quality pilot project has officially launched on the River Derg, marking a major milestone in efforts to protect local salmon and trout stocks and safeguard the wider catchment environment.
The initiative brings together the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA / DAERA), the Loughs Agency, and the Foyle Association of Salmon and Trout Anglers (FASTA). Utilizing state-of-the-art, in-river monitoring technology, the pilot will continuously track vital water parameters in real time, including dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, conductivity, and turbidity.
Protecting an Essential Waterway
The River Derg was selected due to its vital ecological importance to native Atlantic salmon and sea trout, as well as its status as a primary source of local drinking water. Following recurring water quality concerns and pollution incidents affecting both the Derg and Mourne systems, FASTA has actively pushed for robust, modern detection methods to catch short-duration pollution events that conventional spot-testing often misses.
Built on Strong Partnership and Scientific Research
Speaking on behalf of the association, FASTA Secretary Mr David Nelson shared gratitude and highlighted the collective effort behind securing this project:
“FASTA Chairperson, Mr Francis Curran, extends his gratitude to Minister Andrew Muir for his attention and support of the River Derg pollution project.
We also thank our partners, the Loughs Agency and DAERA, who successfully collaborated to secure technical solutions following FASTA discussions. Furthermore, FASTA acknowledges and thanks the contribution of the local business and farming community in County Tyrone during consultation.”
Crucial to the negotiations was an evidence-based approach underpinned by academic and fishery collaboration:
- Academic Rigour: Research delivered by Dr Vincent Lusby (Queen’s University Belfast) proved vital in reinforcing team priorities with hard data.
- Cross-Border Support: The Chairman of Ballisodare Anglers Co. Sligo, Mr Gerry Merrick, facilitated essential on-site academic research at their fishery. This cross-border angling alliance provided vital leverage during technical discussions.
Commending the Negotiation Team
Mr Nelson extended personal congratulations to the dedicated FASTA negotiation team, which represents both community and private angling groups managing Game Angling along the River Derg:
“The team was highly motivated, respectful during communication, and committed to the principle of working in partnership to achieve water quality improvements on our River Derg.”
Looking Ahead
Data gathered from this pilot will evaluate how continuous in-situ sensors can bolster future water management, improve incident response times, and establish long-term protection for the River Derg and the wider Foyle catchment.
For further press coverage, read the full report on the Derry Journal website.
