Lough Foyle Ramsar continued

The site qualifies under Ramsar Criterion 2a because it supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or sub-species of plant and animal.
A range of notable fish species have been recorded for the Lough Foyle estuary and the lower reaches of some of its tributary rivers. These include Allis shad, twaite shad, smelt and sea lamprey, all of which are Irish Red Data Book species.

In addition, important populations of Atlantic salmon migrate through the system to and from their spawning grounds.
The site qualifies under Criterion 3a of the Directive by supporting over 20,000 waterfowl.

The site qualifies under Criterion 3b by regularly supporting substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl which are indicative of wetland values, productivity and diversity. These include internationally important populations of whooper swan, light-bellied Brent geese and bar-tailed godwit. Additional wildfowl species which are nationally important in an All-Ireland context are red-throated diver, great crested grebe, mute swan, Bewick's swan, greylag geese, shelduck, teal, mallard, wigeon, eider and red-breasted merganser.
Nationally important wader species are oystercatcher, golden plover, grey plover, lapwing, knot, dunlin, curlew, redshank and greenshank.
In recent years a notable wintering population of Slavonian grebe has been observed in Lough Foyle.
Finally, Lough Foyle site qualifies under Criterion 3c by regularly supporting internationally important numbers of whooper swan, light-bellied Brent geese and bar-tailed godwit.