A Killybegs man has been given a two-month suspended jail sentence for illegal salmon netting at sea.
The case of Gerard McGuinness of Largymore, Killybegs, was before Glenties District Court in March, accused of using a wetsuit and snorkel set to swim out to sea and remove three Atlantic salmon from a fixed net.
On June 19th, 2025, McGuinness was observed at 6am by IFI fisheries officers who were carrying out surveillance along Donegal Bay.
IFI staff apprehended McGuinness and he had three salmon in his possession.
Fisheries officers engaged with McGuinness, who was co-operative and apologetic, and complied with instructions of IFI officers.
The net was seized along with the wetsuit, mask, and other paraphernalia.
At a court sitting on 25th March 2026, McGuinness was given a two-month custodial sentence suspended for two years and instructed to pay €713 in costs.
Commenting, Dr Milton Matthews Director of IFI’s North-Western region said: “I commend the work of the protection team in securing this prosecution.
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“This verdict sends out a clear message that those who engage in illegal netting of salmon can potentially face imprisonment.
“Wild Atlantic salmon are under considerable pressure from a range of environmental impacts. Illegal activities such as setting fixed nets or drift netting for salmon impacts on remaining spawning numbers and will not be tolerated by IFI.”