Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured convictions against two men for the possession of an illegal salmon drift net off Arranmore Island, in Donegal.
Fisheries officers apprehended Mr Glenn O’Donnell and Mr Evan O’Donnell, of Arranmore Island, drift netting for Atlantic salmon.
Two salmon and 371 yards of monofilament net were seized during the operation.
Commenting, Dr Milton Matthews, Director of IFI’s North West River Basin District said: “I commend the ongoing dedication of IFI’s Fisheries Officers involved in this case.
“They, and their colleagues, continually provide frontline protection for vulnerable Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations from poaching and illegal netting.
“Illegal netting is a serious threat to these fish, which also face increasing pressure from environmental challenges.”
The incident occurred at the height of the seasonal salmon run in the region’s rivers, when salmon are migrating from sea to rivers to spawn.
The men were convicted for the possession or control of an illegal net.
Each man was instructed to pay €400 in fines, and pay €600 in legal costs to IFI.
The court was told officers from IFI’s Ballyshannon district were carrying out a boat patrol during the early hours of July 9th, 2024, when they encountered both men.
The case was heard at Dungloe District Court on May 13, 2025.
IFI urges the public to report illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, or fish kills to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
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