Fisheries officers have launched a blitz on a well-known Donegal river.
Officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland swooped on the River Crana outside Buncrana in recent days.
The officers found and seized a number of illegal fishing nets being used by poachers.
The three nets measuring 20 metres, 17 metres and 15 metres in length have been confiscated.
A spokesperson for Inland Fisheries Ireland said files on the case are currently being prepared.
The spokesperson added that this is a very important time of year in the life cycle of the salmon population in Ireland.
The spokesperson added “As a result of two separate operations carried out by our Fisheries Officers in Co Donegal in recent nights, Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) encountered illegal netting of salmon at two separate locations on the Crana River system near Buncrana.
“Three nets were seized, and files are being prepared.
“Wild Atlantic salmon populations face the threats of water pollution and climate change, in addition to the threat of illegal fishing.
“Salmon are currently returning to their river of origin to spawn, so it’s so important all fishery and conservation laws are followed.
“IFI urges people to report illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, water pollution, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.”
