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A four-month ban on native oyster fishing in Lough Foyle has come into effect.

The local native oyster season normally runs from September to April but the Loughs Agency has suspended it this winter to preserve stocks.

The native oyster fishery will not operate from 06:00 BST on 24 October until 18:00 GMT on 29 February 2024.

Sharon McMahon, CEO of the Loughs Agency, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

"It is imperative that we take decisions in a science-led approach with the future sustainability of the fishery and the viability of the oyster population in mind," she said.

Natives are a variety of flat oyster and Lough Foyle is home to one of the last large populations.

The lough straddles Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, from Greencastle Fort in County Donegal to Magilligan, County Londonderry.

Ms McMahon said the agency's marine scientists had provided evidence highlighting the necessity of this decision to ensure an acceptable biomass of spawning stock remained in the population for next season.

Native oyster reefs were once abundant in European seas but it is estimated that populations have declined by 95% since the 19th century.

Now native oyster reefs are one of the most threatened habitats in Europe.

One of the main causes of this huge decline is historic overfishing, but habitat loss, disease, pollution and invasive non-native species are all contributors.

The Loughs Agency is part of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC).

It was set up as one of the cross-border bodies under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.