Two Arranmore islanders have been fined for drift netting for Atlantic salmon.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) last month secured convictions against Glenn O’Donnell and Evan O’Donnell, of Arranmore Island, at Dungloe District Court.
The men were found in possession of an illegal salmon drift off Arranmore Island by fisheries officers.
Two salmon and 371 yards of monofilament net were seized during the operation.
IFI boat with 371 yards of multistrand monofilament net/salmon seized off Arranmore Island
Commenting, Dr Milton Matthews, Director of IFI’s North West River Basin District said: “I commend the ongoing dedication of IFI’s Fisheries Officers involved in this case.
“They, and their colleagues, continually provide frontline protection for vulnerable Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations from poaching and illegal netting.
“Illegal netting is a serious threat to these fish, which also face increasing pressure from environmental challenges.”
The incident occurred at the height of the seasonal salmon run in the region’s rivers, when salmon are migrating from sea to rivers to spawn.
The men were convicted for the possession or control of an illegal net.
Each man was instructed to pay €400 in fines, and pay €600 in legal costs to IFI.
The court was told officers from IFI’s Ballyshannon district were carrying out a boat patrol during the early hours of July 9th, 2024, when they encountered both men.
IFI urges the public to report illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, or fish kills to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.