IFI prosecutes two brothers for illegal salmon fishing offences in Connemara

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has prosecuted two men for illegal salmon netting offences .

Noel Griffin of Knocknacarra, Galway, and William Griffin of Leitir Móir, Co. Galway, were detected netting for salmon at the Casla River in Connemara, Co. Galway, by IFI fisheries officers.

IFI staff intercepted the men and seized a 15m monofilament net, along with two Atlantic salmon.

Both men were charged with fisheries offences, while Noel Griffin was also charged with assaulting an authorised officer, and impeding or obstructing an authorised officer.

Commenting, Dr Rachel Cooper IFI’s regional director in Galway said: “The actions of these men impact the survival of our wild salmon stocks.

“Illegal netting is a threat to this protected species, which has been in serious decline. 

“I commend our IFI personnel for their ongoing efforts in protecting our precious fishery resources.”

Noel Griffin and William Griffin were both found in possession or control of a net, and in possession of unlawfully captured salmon.

In lieu of a criminal conviction, each party was instructed to make a donation of €350 to the Aran Islands RNLI, along with a contribution of €500 towards IFI’s costs.

The case was heard at Doire an Fhéich District Court on November 19th, 2024.

The incident occurred on July 6th, 2023.

IFI urges the public to report instances of illegal fishing, water pollution, fish kills, or habitat destruction to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.