Last week, Fishery Officers from Loughs Agency seized an illegal net from the River Foyle in which an adult female Atlantic Salmon had been captured. The salmon was a 5kg (11lbs) female fish and was carrying a significant number of eggs.
Atlantic Salmon are at present undergoing changes to their bodies in preparation for the breeding season. Both males and females change colour and shape in readiness for breeding. A female Atlantic Salmon of this weight could be carrying in the region of 8000 eggs.
John McCartney, Director of Conservation and Protection at Loughs Agency, said “Loughs Agency are deeply concerned by the ongoing poaching activities on the rivers of the Foyle and Carlingford systems. Future generations of fish are being put at risk by the continued illegal poaching in our rivers. The loss of a fish such as this, carrying up to 8000 eggs highlights the challenges which the Agency is encountering on a daily basis. Whilst the Agency and its staff continue to work diligently to protect our rivers from the dangers of illegal poaching, we would remind the public that if they have any information relating to poaching activities to please contact the Loughs Agency where their report will be handled in the strictest confidence”.
Loughs Agency – Protecting the Fisheries of Foyle and Carlingford
