Mourne herring fishery opens September 1

Licences for the Mourne herring fishery will be available from September 1, (excluding weekends), restricted to boats not exceeding 40ft (12.2m) in overall length using drift nets with a minimum mesh size of 54 mm, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. 

Fisheries minister Michelle McIlveen visits Milligan Cold Stores, Ardlglass, Co Down, to view their new facilities

The Mourne herring quota for British registered fishing vessels in 2016 has been set at 30 tonnes. A further 59.7 tonnes will be available if required. 

Applications are available from local fishery offices and must be accompanied by a copy of the current Certificate of Registry isused under The Merchant Shipping Act, 1995.