Gardaí and PSNI crack down on illegal fishing

Photo shows, Insp Marty Mullan, PSNI; Lionel Knobbs, area fisheries inspector, Loughs Agency; Sgt James McLaughlin, PSNI; John McCartney, director of Conservation and Protection, Loughs Agency; and Supt Martin Walker, An Garda Síochána.

Operation Silver Fin, launched yesterday, August 6, focuses on encouraging the public to report suspected fish poaching to the appropriate agency.

Superintendent Martin Walker represented An Garda Síochána at the launch.

The operation involves An Garda Síochána, the PSNI, the Loughs Agency, and the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said it is committed to tackling wildlife crime including fish poaching in conjunction with its partners.

The significance of this kind of crime cannot be over stated.

At the most serious level, it can have a direct impact on the economic, environmental and cultural lives of communities and can also negatively affect the conservation status of some native species.

The operation focuses on encouraging the public to report suspected fish poaching to the appropriate agency, enforcing fishing regulations and increasing awareness of the legislation surrounding fishing and the importance of protecting fish stocks.

Superintendent Martin Walker said: “I fully endorse the collaborative efforts of all the enforcement agencies associated with this wonderful initiative to robustly challenge the illegal activities associated with all forms of fish poaching.

“The development of cordial working relations and partnership is fundamental to the success of this and similar initiatives which we in An Garda Síochána have developed with other stakeholders, eg Inland Fisheries Ireland (sea trout and salmon), NPWS (illegal catching of cray fish) and focal coarse angling fishing clubs.

“Continued enforcement action is essential in addressing this major wildlife crime.”