Thermal drones detect poachers as Loughs Agency seizes illegal net on River Foyle

The Loughs Agency has seized an illegal net set by poachers across the 'Backwater' angling spot on the River Foyle upstream of Derry, using thermal-imaging drones to detect the crew.

While one Atlantic salmon was safely released, four others died in the net.

Drones equipped with thermal imaging helped 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 said.

Last week the Loughs Agency warned that prolonged dry weather has caused water levels in rivers and loughs to fall well below normal seasonal averages and that this had forced salmon into smaller, shallower pools, where they are a much easier to target.

Despite the current rainfall forecasts suggest dry conditions are likely to continue into September, meaning the risk to already vulnerable stocks is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.

Sharon McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of Loughs Agency, said: "This is one of the most concerning trends we have witnessed in recent years. Our Fishery Officers are continuing to carry out enforcement patrols around the clock, supported by advanced surveillance technology.

"We have successfully undertaken over 130 seizures in the last two years and that is only going to increase while water levels stay like this. We remain fully committed to enforcement and ensuring those partaking in acts of illegal fishing are held responsible for their actions.

"Loughs Agency will continue to work tirelessly to ensure offenders are identified, prosecuted where appropriate and held fully accountable for their actions. Illegal fishing poses a significant threat to fish stocks, biodiversity and the sustainability of our waterways.

Members of the public are being urged to report suspicious activity in real time through the Water Watch app, which allows users to alert Loughs Agency immediately if they witness suspected illegal fishing. Officers say public reporting through the app has already proven a valuable source of information and is central to the ongoing response.

The seizure follows a significant drop in salmon numbers that was reported across the main rivers of the River Foyle last year.

In the Faughan numbers fell from 2,373 in 2021, to 1,547 in 2022, to 1,433 in 2023, to 937 in 2024, to 646 in 2025.

Salmon in the Roe declined from 4,415 in 2021, to 2,934 in 2022, to 2,310 in 2023, recovering to 4,387 in 2024, and falling again to 1,623 in 2025.

The Mourne experienced a drop from 3,197 in 2021, to 1,371 in 2022, to 448 in 2023. There was a recovery to 1,844 in 2024 and another sharp decline to 965 in 2025.

And in the Finn numbers fell rom 2,409 in 2021, to 1,194 to 2022, to 1,750 in 2023, to 1,025 in 2024, to 536 last year.

A recruitment exercise is currently under way for Fishery Officers as part of its longer-term commitment to building enforcement capacity across the region. Details of how to apply are available at www.loughs-agency.org/careers