Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Oirthir
Press Release 20th May 2009
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has successfully won two court cases for illegal fishing on lakes in the Monaghan area in 2008.
On 13th May at Carrickmacross District Court, Mr. Karlis Slessers-Smelters of Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan was found to be illegally fishing in September 2008. Fisheries officers from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board apprehended him with a fixed net at Capragh Lake in Carrickmacross which contained coarse fish and court proceedings were initiated. Mr. Slessers-Smelters, a Latvian native did not appear in court. Judge McBride convicted him in his absence under Section 95 of the 1959 Fisheries Act, for using a net which was capable of taking fish. He was fined €634 and ordered to pay costs to the Board of €813.
On 15th May at Bailieborough District Court, Mr. Petras Razmas of Navan, Co. Meath was found to be illegally fishing in October 2008. Fisheries officers from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board apprehended him for using bottles with lines and hooks attached to them, which were capable of capturing fish. Fisheries Officers were assisted by Latvian anglers who were at the lake at the time of the offence, by translating the offences to Mr. Razmas. The Board would like to thank these anglers for their assistance. Mr. Razmas, a Latvian native pleaded guilty and Judge McBride convicted him under Section 285 of the 1959 Fisheries Act, for using a boat in committing an offence. Mr. Razmas gave an undertaking under oath not to re-offend and he indicated in court that he would be requesting in writing his boat and rod back from the Board. He was fined €100 and ordered to pay costs to the Board of €747.
The Board has been instrumental in the introduction of the 2006 coarse fish and pike byelaws and has been proactive in their enforcement with over 60 on the spot fines issued in 2007 and 8 prosecutions initiated. In 2008 33 prosecutions were initiated. In addition Fisheries Board staff in response to numerous reports and in the course of their duties carried out many searches resulting in thousands of coarse fish being released, together with the confiscation of offending fishing gear.
The Board will continue to enforce these byelaws to conserve the fish stocks within the Region, with the assistance from the many dedicated anglers who provide valuable information. Coarse and pike fishing provides an important recreational amenity to both local and overseas anglers, making a valuable contribution to the local economy.
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Josie Mahon,
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board,
15A Main Street, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202
email: josie.mahon@erfb.ie
Website: www.fishingireland.net Email: info@erfb.ie
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory authority whose function is to conserve, develop, protect, manage and promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resources within its jurisdiction. The Region extends from the border in Northern Ireland to South of the Wexford coast and includes all catchments which enter the sea between these boundaries. For further information, please visit www.fishingireland.net