Web closes on father and son’s unlawful poaching operation on well-known Donegal river

A covert operation resulted in two Donegal males getting caught and fined for possessing 16 unlawful salmon nets close to the River Drowes outdoors Bundoran.

The investigation, carried out by Inland Fisheries Eire, resulted within the largest ever seizure of such a amount of nets used for unlawful freshwater fishing.

Philip McCluskey of Woodbine Cottage, Bundoran and Eoghan McCluskey of Ardfaran, Bundoran, obtained fines and prices totalling €6,000 in relation to the offence, which occurred on the 25th July 2021 on the Drowes River, Magheracar, Bundoran. 

Among the many gadgets within the father and sons’ possession on the night time have been two giant holdall baggage, which contained 16 nets, picket pegs, 20 empty coal sacks, balaclavas, a knife, a throw line, binoculars, and a camouflage jacket which was coated in wild salmon scales. 

The case was heard at Ballyshannon District Court docket on Friday, the 21st April 2023.

Commenting on the case Francis O’Donnell, CEO of Inland Fisheries Eire (IFI), said: “This unlawful operation was halted by knowledgeable staff of Fisheries Officers by a big covert operation. The 2 males had 16 nets of their possession when caught, and 20 empty coal baggage to position fish in to.

“IFI was established in 2010, and in that point there has by no means been a seizure of such a amount of nets used for the unlawful seize of fish in contemporary water. The potential affect of those nets on the River Drowes would have been catastrophic for the salmon inhabitants. 

“IFI is not going to tolerate this behaviour on any Irish river. We’ll proceed to prosecute those that persist in poaching. I want to commend all our Fisheries Officers for his or her dedication in coping with any such ecological crime.” 

The IFI Cell Assist Unit (MSU) for fisheries safety, and native fisheries employees, found proof of doable criminality going down on the decrease Drowes River. 

The MSU, working along with native Fisheries Officers, carried out covert surveillance of the river which led to the defendants being apprehended. 

Welcoming the courtroom’s judgement Dr. Milton Matthews Director of IFI’s North West River Basin District said: “Salmon shares have by no means been beneath extra stress from unlawful fishing, habitat loss and local weather change. The River Drowes represents one of many final strongholds for Atlantic salmon within the Northwest of Eire. The apprehension of those offenders and seizure of this amount of poaching gear represents a big enhance to safeguarding this invaluable pure useful resource.  

“Members of the general public can report any suspected cases of unlawful fishing, fish kills or water air pollution, by calling Inland Fisheries Eire’s confidential quantity on 0818 34 74 24.”

Web closes on father and son’s unlawful poaching operation on well-known Donegal river was final modified: April twenty seventh, 2023 by Employees Author