Inland Fisheries Ireland wins two cases for illegal salmon fishing on the River Boyne
Press Release 3rd August 2012
Inland Fisheries Ireland wins two cases for illegal salmon fishing on the River Boyne
Inland Fisheries Ireland has successfully won two court cases for illegal salmon fishing on the River Boyne in 2011. In the first case Mr. Arunas Butkus of 12a Abbeyville, Navan, Co. Meath was fined €3,000 for illegal salmon fishing and ordered to pay total costs of €1,395 to Inland Fisheries Ireland in Navan District Court on 25th July last. In the second case Mr. Anthony McDonagh was fined €150 for fishing without a salmon licence and ordered to pay total costs of €1,650 to Inland Fisheries Ireland in Drogheda District Court on 12th July last.
On 15th November 2011 Mr. Arunas Butkus was found to be fishing during the annual close season for salmon on the River Boyne. Fisheries officers Fionnuala McCabe, Val Woods and Kevin O’Brien from the Drogheda District apprehended him whereupon an incorrect address was provided. Mr. Butkus was not represented in court. Judge McMahon convicted Mr. Butkus under Section 137 of the 1959 Fisheries Act for fishing out of season and under Section 301 for refusing to give his name and address when lawfully demanded. He was fined €3,000, given six months to pay and ordered to pay total costs of €1,395 to Inland Fisheries Ireland.
On 22nd September 2011, Mr. Anthony McDonagh was found to be fishing without a salmon licence on the River Boyne. He was apprehended by Assistant Inspector Kevin O’Brien and Fisheries Officer Val Woods whereupon he gave a false name and address. Mr. McDonagh pleaded guilty and Judge Flann Brennan convicted him under Section 303 of the 1959 Fisheries Act for failing to produce a licence on demand and under Section 301 for refusing to give his name and address when lawfully demanded. He was fined €150 for fishing without a rod and line and ordered to pay total costs of €1,650 to Inland Fisheries Ireland in Drogheda District Court.
The River Boyne was one of our most salmon prolific rivers on the East coast and in the 1980’s approximately 10,000 salmon ran the system. This declined to an all time low in 2006 when less than 1,000 were caught on the River. In 2006 Inland Fisheries Ireland introduced a series of conservation measures in order to combat the decline in salmon numbers. The interceptory mixed stock fishery for salmon ceased throughout Ireland and netsmen who availed of the Hardship Scheme were duly compensated for their loss of the salmon fishery. Consequently all the rivers on the East coast with the exception of the River Fane were closed for salmon fishing. The River Boyne is open for catch and release only and in 2011 a total of 824 salmon were caught and released on the River Boyne.
Inland Fisheries Ireland have a freefone number to enable members of the general public to report poaching and pollution incidences - 1890 34 74 24 or for easier recall 1890 FISH 24. This phone line is designed to encourage the reporting of incidences of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species.
It is hoped that these measures will preserve our stock of Atlantic salmon, which are not only a valuable resource for our economy, but also an important part of our natural heritage as salmon and trout have been running our rivers since the last ice age. Anglers also need to continue to be vigilant to report any illegal fishing incidences to the Board.
....Ends....
Media enquiries
Josie Mahon,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
15A Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202
Email: josie.mahon@fisheriesireland.ie
Website: www.fishinginireland.info
Notes to Editor
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.
