Taskforce on illegal fishing launches in Co Down
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A coalition of enforcement agencies, angling federations and conservation groups have launched an initiative to combat illegal fishing activity in Co Down.
A coalition of enforcement agencies, angling federations and conservation groups have launched an initiative to combat illegal fishing activity in Co Down.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Fin-Poaching Sub-Group launched operation ‘Silver Fin’ in Kilkeel, Co Down on Wednesday, with the aim of raising awareness and deterring illegal fishing activities both inland and at inshore sea areas.
The initiative aims to educate the public on fish poaching and marine crime through a number of actions including providing guidance leaflets on fish poaching; multilingual resources; mapping illegal activity hotspots and providing regular updates to the PAW Steering Group.
Wednesday’s launch involved representatives from DAERA and other key stakeholder organisations, including:
- Loughs Agency
- Countryside Alliance Ireland
- Ulster Angling Federation
- Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA)
- Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation (UCFF)
- National Wildlife Crime Unit
- PSNI Rural and Wildlife Crime Unit
- Pike Anglers Club NI
The coalition was initially launched at Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh five years ago and was subsequently rolled out in Toome, Co Antrim as well as being launched at Lifford in Co Donegal.
The collaborative effort is underpinned by key legislative instruments including the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966, Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, and Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952.
Superintendent Johnston McDowell, PSNI lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime said: “Collaboration and cooperation are vital in tackling wildlife crime. PSNI is committed to working closely with partner agencies through the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) to address wildlife related offending, including fish poaching.
“Operation Silver Fin aims to raise awareness of the laws surrounding fishing, underline the importance of protecting fish stocks and support the enforcement of fishing regulations. Crucially, it also encourages anyone who suspects fish poaching to report it to the appropriate authorities.
“Those involved in offences such as fish poaching can often be linked to other forms of criminality. By working together, we are sending a clear message: We take this issue seriously and we will act.”
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir commented: “This operation is about more than enforcement. It is about deterrence, education and building a culture of respect for our natural environment. By working together, statutory bodies, enforcement agencies, stakeholder organisations and the public, we can protect fish stocks, preserve biodiversity and ensure these waters remain a shared resource for future generations.
“I commend everyone involved for their commitment and cooperation, and I wish Operation Silver Fin continued success as it progresses in Carlingford and beyond, together we will make a difference.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Members of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI) launch the 'Silver Fin' poaching taskforce in Co Down at the Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel.
Pictured (L-R) Emma Meredith, PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare Officer; Anthony Kennedy, DAERA Senior Fisheries Officer; Gary McCartney, Countryside Alliance Ireland; Seamus Cullinan, Loughs Agency & PAW NI Fin Group Chair; DAERA Minister Andrew Muir; Supt Johnston McDowell, PSNI Rural Crime Lead, Barry Quinn, DAERA Chief Fisheries Officer and Clara Alvarez Alonso, DAERA Senior Scientific Officer.
Report suspected poaching incidents by phoning:
a) Illegal fishing and pollution hotline: 0800 807 060
b) Loughs Agency Tel: 028 7134 2100
c) PSNI Tel: 101
- In Northern Ireland responsibility for the protection of fish stocks lies with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and with the Loughs Agency specifically in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. PSNI also has powers under the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 and the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952.
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