Knives and balaclavas seized in battle against poachers

Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill revealed the scale and organisation of the battle against poachers during a recent debate at Stormont.

Bricks, stones and knives have been used to intimidate and attack Loughs Agency patrol staff in the past and last year a patrol boat on the River Foyle came under attack when a concrete block was dropped off a bridge.

Now the Minister has revealed how Loughs Agency staff have enjoyed considerable success in taking on the masked and armed criminals who insist on targeting the Foyle for personal profit.

“In 2011, agency staff dealt with 54 rod-related offences and 44 seizures. Agency protection staff also seized 161 illegal nets, 12 boats, 36 bags of oysters and two cars as well as various other items, including knives, balaclava masks and batons.

“Staff have dealt with 134 pollution incidents and taken 11 sets of statutory samples. Regarding environmental protection, the agency successfully convicted every individual or company that had caused a fish kill by pollution in the Foyle area in 2011,” she explained.

Chair of the Stormont Fisheries Committee Paul Frew asked the Minister if we are merely scratching the surface of the apparently widespread problem of illegal fishing.

In response she said she recently met with Loughs Agency staff because she was genuinely concerned they had to carry out their jobs in difficult circumstances. But she claimed there has been success in the battle against poaching.

“I am pleased to say that the level of attacks on staff has greatly decreased, but that could be due to the season that we are in. Obviously, that would have to be monitored over a longer period to see whether some headway has actually been made.

“As Mr Frew said, significant work has been done to seize illegal items. Now that there is improved communication between the gardaí and the PSNI, that will, obviously, help things. The fact that we have also had a number of successful prosecutions acts as a deterrent.

“So, collectively, all those things add up and make a difference. Staff are delighted that levels are lower than they were at this time last year. However, as I said, we will have to keep that under review.” she said.