Loughs Agency fishery officers have identified and seized an illegal net set across the Backwater on the River Foyle.
One Atlantic salmon was safely released, while four others could not be saved, the agency said.
Advanced surveillance technology played a crucial role in the seizure, it added, with drones equipped with thermal imaging helping fishery officers detect an active poaching crew and identify the illegal net despite challenging conditions.
This technology enabled officers to respond quickly, remove the net and protect the River Foyle’s valuable Atlantic salmon stocks, the agency added.
The seizure highlights the importance of increased patrols and public vigilance in protecting salmon stocks, particularly during periods of low water levels, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
