Serious concerns over poaching

The activities of poachers are still a real problem in the Isle of Man, according to the Manx Rivers Improvement Association.

Secretary Brian Craig says it's at its worst in the Autumn, and through the winter months when salmon and sea trout return to the rivers to spawn.

He says poachers take so many fish they can virtually clear a river of all life, devastating years of hard work by the Fisheries Department which has been trying to re-stock the rivers.

Mr Craig (pictured) says if it wasn't for the work done by DAFF and the MRIA to try and deter poachers during peak periods there would be no fish in some places (audio file attached):

Further information on the work of the Manx Rivers Improvement Association is available from Brian on 412 008.

Brian Craig was speaking to John Hines on Talking Heads.