Inland Fisheries Ireland secures conviction for illegal salmon netting on River Feale
Accused fined €2,250 at court sitting and must pay €500 in costs.
INLAND Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has secured a conviction against a man for illegal salmon netting on the River Feale.
The court heard Con O’Connell, of Ennismore, Listowel, Co. Kerry was found to have three unlawfully-captured salmon enmeshed in a net wrapped in a makeshift bag at 6.10am. He was observed and intercepted by IFI officers.
The incident happened at Ballyhorgan on the banks of the River Feale, Co Kerry on the morning of June 21, 2024.
Mr O’Connell was fined €2,250 at Listowel District Court on November 7. He was also ordered to pay €500 in costs.
Commenting after the case, 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."
Mr McInerney said 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," said Mr McInerney.
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.