Countryside Alliance Ireland has welcomed the launch of a new multi-agency initiative aimed at tackling illegal fishing and protecting fish stocks in Northern Ireland’s coastal and inland waters.
Operation Silver Fin was formally launched this week in Kilkeel, County Down, by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Fin-Poaching Sub-Group.
The initiative brings together enforcement bodies, angling organisations and conservation groups to raise awareness of fish poaching, map illegal fishing hotspots and encourage reporting of wildlife crime.
Among those involved in the partnership are DAERA, the Loughs Agency, the Ulster Angling Federation, the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, the Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation, the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the PSNI Environmental Crime Unit, the Pike Anglers Club NI, and we were privileged to be joined by members of the Kilkeel Anglers Club.
The coalition approach builds on earlier launches at Lough Erne, Toome and Lifford over the past five years. PSNI Rural and Wildlife Crime lead, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, said partnership working was essential in tackling poaching and wider criminality, while DAERA Minister Andrew Muir emphasised the importance of education, deterrence and protecting biodiversity.
Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said the initiative reflected the importance of protecting lawful fishing and preserving rural environments:
“Illegal fishing damages fragile ecosystems, undermines responsible anglers and threatens the sustainability of our shared natural resources. Countryside Alliance Ireland strongly supports collaborative enforcement efforts like Operation Silver Fin, which combine education, community engagement and firm action against wildlife crime.”
Operation Silver Fin is expected to expand its work along the Carlingford coast and other priority areas in the months ahead, with organisers stressing that public awareness and cooperation will be key to its success. CAI are calling on members and the public who see or suspect any form of wildlife crime, including fish poaching, to report it to the relevant authorities such as DAERA, the Loughs Agency or the PSNI. Public vigilance is essential in protecting our countryside and waterways.