IFI secures conviction & suspended sentence for illegal salmon netting at sea
• Man observed in the early morning with wetsuit and snorkel by IFI officers
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has secured a conviction against a man for which he was given a two-month suspended jail sentence.
Gerard McGuinness of Largymore, Killybegs, Co. Donegal was accused of using a wetsuit and snorkel set to swim out to sea and remove three Atlantic salmon from a fixed net.
He was given a two-month custodial sentence suspended for two years and instructed to pay €713 in costs.
Mr McGuinness was observed at 6am by IFI fisheries officers who were carrying out surveillance along Donegal Bay.
Seized wetsuit, snorkel and three salmon - IFI vs McGuinness case
Commenting Dr Milton Matthews Director of IFI's North-Western region said: “I commend the work of the protection team in securing this prosecution.
"This verdict sends out a clear message that those who engage in illegal netting of salmon can potentially face imprisonment.
"Wild Atlantic salmon are under considerable pressure from a range of environmental impacts. Illegal activities such as setting fixed nets or drift netting for salmon impacts on remaining spawning numbers and will not be tolerated by IFI."
Further details on the case:
- The incident happened at sea off the townland of Shalwy, Kilcar
- Following a surveillance operation IFI staff apprehended Mr McGuinness and he had three salmon in his possession
- Fisheries officers engaged with Mr McGuinness, who was co-operative and apologetic, and complied with instructions of IFI officers
- The net was seized along with the wet suit, mask, and other paraphernalia.
- The case was heard at Glenties District Court on March 25th, 2026
- The incident took place on June 19th, 2025.
IFI urge people to report illegal fishing activity or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
