Citation: McKelvey, F.B., Andrew, T.E. & Cunningham, P. 1994 Recruitment potential of native oysters Ostrea edulis in Lough Foyle. In , , pp. . International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Copenhagen
Series Title: 81st ICES Statutory Meeting, Dublin, Ireland
Keywords: Donegal, Estuary, Londonderry, Lough Foyle, Management, Marine, Mollusca
Abstract: Lough Foyle, a sheltered tidal estuary situated between counties Donegal and Derry, covers an area of approximately 200 sq. km with a depth in most areas between 0.5 and 7.5 m. As well as having important port facilities for Derry and the surrounding areas, the economic potential of the Lough is increased by the presence of significant stocks of both whitefish and shellfish. Management of these resources requires co-operation between coss-border groups and is therefore important in forming links between communities on both sides of the Lough. Natural oyster stocks of Ostrea edulis form a large part of the shellfishery as the oyster beds cover an area of approximately 550 hectares, most of which are situated along the Donegal coast. Other species fished include mussels and, to a lesser extent cockles, lobsters, and crabs. Survey work has shown that conditions for growth of oysters in the lough are generally favourable although temperatures remain low during most of the year. However, recruitment is variable and irregular and may be attributed to a number of factors including low temperature during the spawning season, scarcity of quality surfaces for spat settlement, mortality of spat because of dredging, predation, and overfishing. Possible solutions to maximise natural recruitment are suggested and include: (1) Control of fishing pressure, (2) Setting up artificial spatting ponds (while aware of an increased risk of disease). (3) Cleaning and extension of oyster beds.