Killybegs man gets suspended sentence for illegal salmon netting at sea
The man, who appeared at Glenties District Court, was accused of using a wetsuit and snorkel set to swim out to sea and remove three Atlantic salmon from a fixed net
A Donegal man was given a suspended sentence after being caught snorkelling to an offshore net in an attempt to obtain salmon.
Gerard McGuinness, of Largymore, Killybegs was convicted at Glenties District Court.
McGuinness was observed at 6am on June 19, 2025 by officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
The officers were carrying out a surveillance operation along Donegal Bay. Officers apprehended McGuinness, who was in possession of three salmon.
McGuinness was accused of using a wetsuit and snorkel set to swim out to sea and remove three Atlantic salmon from a fixed net. The incident occurred at sea off Shalwy, Kilcar.
The net was seized along with the wetsuit, mask, and other paraphernalia while MCGuinness was said to have been cooperative and apologetic in his engagement with the IFI officers.
McGuinness was given a two-month custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years, and instructed to pay €713 in costs.
Dr Milton Matthews Director of IFI's North-Western region said: “I commend the work of the protection team in securing this prosecution.
"This verdict sends out a clear message that those who engage in illegal netting of salmon can potentially face imprisonment.
"Wild Atlantic salmon are under considerable pressure from a range of environmental impacts. Illegal activities such as setting fixed nets or drift netting for salmon impacts on remaining spawning numbers and will not be tolerated by IFI."