A new operation targeting poachers netting illegally along the Donegal and Strabane border has been launched.
Operation Silver Fin was launched on Clady bridge this afternoon by officials from a number of waterways agencies along with An Garda Siochana and the PSNI.
Sergeant James McLaughlin of the PSNI said, “The PSNI is committed to tackling wildlife crime including fish poaching in conjunction with our partners. Wildlife crime is taken extremely seriously by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. 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.
“Operation Silver Fin is a new initiative originally launched in Toome a few months ago and now it has been noted there are concerns in this area. 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 of An Garda Síochána added, “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. Continued enforcement action is essential in addressing this major wildlife crime.”
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