Taskforce on illegal fishing launches in County Down
A coalition of enforcement agencies, angling federations and conservation groups have launched an initiative to combat illegal fishing activity in County Down.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Fin-Poaching Sub-Group launched operation ‘Silver Fin’ in Kilkeel, County 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 Environmental Crime Unit
- Pike Anglers Club NI.
The coalition was initially launched at Lough Erne in County 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 said: “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.”
Members of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI) launch the ‘Silver Fin’ poaching taskforce in County Down at the Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel.
You can report suspected poaching incidents by phoning:
• Illegal fishing and pollution hotline: 0800 807 060
• Loughs Agency Tel: 028 7134 2100 (Foyle and Carlingford.)
• PSNI Tel: 101.
