Warning to Glenbarr river poachers to stop or risk jail

One member of the fishing syndicate said: “Atlantic salmon is an endangered species so we don’t keep any fish but these people are netting them and probably selling them. 

“We get a limited time to fish and we’re only doing it for sport, but these people are using nets which is an effective way to fish; they are destroying things for us.”

They suspect the poachers could be active in other areas, so are urging people across Kintyre to be on the look-out for any signs.

“If they are at Glenbarr, where else are they poaching from?” said the fisherman. “If they’re poaching our river, they are bound to be at the rest of the main salmon rivers in Kintyre.”

The fishing syndicate has reported the matter to the police and are pleased by officers’ proactive response.

“The police are now going to do spot checks at our river, going up through the day and night,” said the fisherman. 

“We want to let these people know that we know they are doing it, and we want the police to take full action against them if they are caught.”

PS Matthew Shaw of Lochgilphead Police Station said: “Police Scotland has been made aware of potential poaching taking place on the river Barr, in Kintyre.

“Officers will be conducting checks at fishing spots to check that those present have the right to fish at the location and that no offences are taking place under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 or Common Law. 

“The applicable offences under the detailed act range from fines to a maximum of two years’ imprisonment. 

“If anyone is found in circumstances suggesting poaching offences are taking place, as well as the power to arrest individuals, officers have the power to stop and search people and vehicles, seize fishing equipment and anything else that might be evidence of an offence.”