IFI gain fine/costs of €2,750 against man found with 3 dead salmon in net

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has secured a conviction against a man for illegal salmon netting - with a fine and costs of €2,750 levied against him.

Mr Con O’Connell of Ennismore, Listowel, Co. Kerry - when observed and intercepted by IFI officers - was found to have three unlawfully-captured salmon enmeshed in a net wrapped in a makeshift bag at 6.10am.

The incident happened at Ballyhorgan on the banks of the River Feale, Co Kerry.

Commenting, David McInerney, IFI Shannon region director, said: “Illegal netting is a significant environmental crime, and has very negative consequences for salmon stocks.

“The River Feale has been open for catch-and-release fishing only for the past number of years, due to the poor numbers of salmon running the river.

“This conviction highlights the ongoing issue of illegal netting for salmon, and IFI’s zero tolerance of this behaviour.

“Wild salmon numbers returning to Ireland have declined from approximately 1.76 million in 1975 to 171,700 in 2022. This is a catastrophic decrease in less than one generation.

”IFI officers discovered a salmon net inside Mr O’Connell’s bag, and three dead salmon remained entangled in it.

Mr O’Connell was fined €2,250, and must pay €500 in costs.

The case was heard at Listowel District Court on November 7th 2024, and the incident took place on the morning of June 21st, 2024.

IFI urge people to report illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, water pollution, fish kills, or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.