KILLYBEGS man Gerard McGuinness of Largymore has been convicted of unlawfully netting three salmon off the coast of Kilcar.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) secured a conviction against McGuinness at Glenties District Court on March 25, 2026.
The court heard how McGuinness swam out to sea from Kilcar, in a wetsuit and snorkel, on June 19, 2025, and removed Atlantic salmon from a fixed net.
IFI apprehended McGuinness in the dawn raid at 6am when he was found to have three salmon in his possession.
A net was seized along with a wetsuit, mask and other equipment.
McGuinness was apologetic and co-operated with the IFI officers.
He was handed down a two month suspended custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered 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.”
IFI urges people to report illegal fishing activity or issues of concern in their local rivers or lakes to its confidential 24-7 number – 0818 34 74 24.