Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has gained a conviction against an angler for using live roach to catch pike.
Aleksandr Gavryuchenkov of Ewings Bar apartments, Carlow was found to have illegally used live fish as bait in an incident near Ballytiglea Lock on the River Barrow in Borris, Co Carlow on 25 March this year.
The illegal incident was in contravention of the Prohibition on the Use of Live Fish as Bait in Fresh Water Bye-law.
Gavryuchenkov was also accused of illegally having more than 750g of pike flesh.
Anglers are not allowed to possess more than 0.75kgs of pike flesh or parts under statutory conservation measures.
Gavryuchenkov was fined €300 and ordered to pay €400 in costs to IFI.
The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court on 22 October.
Commenting, Lynda Connor, South-Eastern regional director at IFI said: “The use of live bait is banned by law to prevent the transfer of non-native species between freshwater systems.
“The vast majority of anglers in Ireland fish responsibly and sustainably, and abide by relevant State regulations.
“It is paramount that anglers continue to abide by stringent biosecurity protocols.”
