Connemara Man Convicted of Poaching Offence

PRESS RELEASE, Thursday, 21st January 2016

A Connemara man was convicted of an illegal fishing offence at Derrynea District Court on the 14th January. Before the court was Dara Conlon of Baile Liam, Spiddal, Co. Galway, who pleaded guilty to the possession of an illegally caught salmon at Spiddal Pier on the 2nd July, 2015. Mr. Conlon was observed fishing with a net close to the shore, not far from the mouth of the Boluisce River, and when searched he was found to be in possession of a salmon, which had been concealed under the net in his boat.

Judge Mary Fahy heard that the Boluisce River already suffers from very low salmon stocks, and due to the collapse in fish numbers it is now closed for angling. Conservation of the returning fish is very important to ensure as many salmon as possible can spawn, and to improve the low stock numbers. Given the importance of every fish to the river, she rejected the defence’s application to apply the Probation Act, and convicted Mr. Conlon on the charge of illegal possession of a salmon, fining him €100 with €450 costs.

Commenting on the case, Dr. John Conneely of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), said: “The Boluisce River salmon stocks are extremely low compared to historical levels, and their survival in the river is under threat. Much investment of time and effort has gone into habitat improvement to improve fish stocks, and it is frustrating to see illegal fishing targeting a very vulnerable stock of fish. IFI Officers are committed to protecting the fish stocks of the catchment, and will continue to rigorously enforce fisheries legislation.”

CEO of IFI, Dr Ciaran Byrne, noted the importance of Salmon angling to rural areas, stating: “Such environmental crimes not only affect salmon stocks but also the ability of rural areas to attract visitors, support jobs and remain vibrant communities. I strongly urge the public to report any incidents of poaching or pollution to the IFI confidential 24 hour hotline on 1850 347424 and protect the fish, their habitat and rural communities.”

ENDS

Further Information:

Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Note for Editors:

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.

Salmon and sea trout angling in Ireland is worth €210 million to the economy and supports over 3,200 jobs. The Boluisce River was formerly an important salmon angling river, but stock levels have collapsed and the river is now closed to angling due to the low numbers of fish returning. Significant investment has been made in habitat improvement in the river through the Salmon Conservation Fund implemented by IFI, and it is hoped that improved habitat will lead to increased salmon stocks.