Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI ) has gained convictions against two men for the possession of illegal fishing nets and an inflatable boat on the Clare River, Co. Galway.
IFI fisheries officers apprehended Mr Simon Comerzan of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, and Mr Mihai Senchiea of Mullingar with two monofilament gill nets and the small craft.
The incident occurred at the height of the seasonal salmon run in the region’s rivers.
Commenting, Dr Rachel Cooper, IFI’s regional director in Galway said: “Illegal nets can pose a serious threat to fish populations, such as protected Atlantic salmon, as they return along rivers to spawn.
“This successful prosecution is part of IFI’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams, and lakes.”
Mr Comerzan and Mr Senchiea were prosecuted for the possession of illegal nets, and the use of a boat in the commission of an offence.
Each man was instructed to pay €750 in fines, and pay €400 in legal costs to IFI.
The court was told that officers from IFI’s Galway district were carrying out a boat patrol when they encountered both men.
The case was heard at Galway District Court on April 1st, 2025.
The incident happened on June 15, 2024.
IFI continues to urge the public to report issues of concern relating to freshwater fish and their habitats to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
