Letterkenny MD Mayor Ian McGarvey has called for the return of loop net fishing to the Swilly Estuary.
The unique fishing method, which has been used locally for over 400 years, is under threat due to the non-issuing of licences.
Loop net fishing involves fishermen wading into the water to catch salmon in a net attached to a wooden frame. When a fish enters the net, the fisherman senses the moment and lets the frame float to catch the fish.
Cllr McGarvey is calling for licences to be allocated to fishermen who want to uphold the tradition.
Cllr McGarvey said current restrictions should be lifted, adding: “Loop net fishing brought great benefits to people in the region and families out in Bonagee were able to sustain themselves on the practice.
“I was talking to people on Arranmore island who said the skills will disappear because nobody is doing it anymore.”
Cllr Ciaran Brogan added that loop net fishing is “an art in itself” and should be supported.
The Letterkenny MD agreed to invite Inland Fisheries Ballyshannon to a future meeting to explore options to reinstate the practice.
