The public is urged to be vigilant and assist in the protection of salmon and sea trout by reporting illegal fishing activity.
With river fisheries closed until March, and with adult fish heading upstream to spawn, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is keen to clamp down on poaching.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'People who hunt salmon and sea trout illegally care little about the devastating impact their behaviour has on fish populations.
'Poachers face heavy fines and/or imprisonment, as do those who handle, sell or buy illegally caught fish. I am determined that anyone engaged in this unlawful activity will face prosecution.
'The public should not approach someone they suspect of fishing illegally. All information is valuable, whenever it's received, and I would urge people to report suspicions immediately – either to the Fisheries Directorate of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) on +44 1624 685857 or to police – to maximise the chances of poachers being caught.'
Warranted fisheries officers from DEFA conduct anti-poaching patrols at this time of year, liaising closely with the Isle of Man Constabulary.
Constable Mark Kerruish, Police Wildlife Crime Officer, said:
'The Constabulary works closely with the Fisheries Directorate, taking part in joint operations. Poaching offences are taken very seriously and I would appeal to anyone witnessing any suspicious activity to report matters to the Police as soon as possible.
'Two experienced officers, Constables John Hills and Chloe Keegan, have received training and are now accredited Wildlife Crime Investigators. This will give the Constabulary greater ability to be more pro-active in its approach to all wildlife-related crimes.'
Hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans can assist in eliminating poaching by informing DEFA if offered Manx salmon or sea trout, said the Minister.
Buying or selling Manx salmon or sea trout at any time of the year is illegal – even fish caught in season by anglers with a licence.
Information on freshwater fishing, including the Isle of Man Angling Guide and Anglers' Code of Conduct, can be found by visiting www.gov.im/defa and clicking on Fisheries Directorate.
