Athy District Court-appointed water keepers were assisted by gardai last Saturday afternoon in confiscating 23 fish from the boot of a car, of which six were still alive and promptly returned to the water. Also confiscated were nine fishing rods, 10 reels and other fishing equipment from two Polish people.

Overfishing in the Barrow river is an issue Athy and District Anglers club is taking very seriously, with thirteen water patrollers now taking a proactive stance to protect fish stocks.

The water keepers have the power to search people fishing along the river from the Fourth Bridge on the Vicarstown Road to the three Counties Pub.

Strict criteria are in place for those fishing in the area with numerous multi-lingulal signs in place along all stretches of local waters informing anglers of their obligations.

A catch and return policy is in place as the club says it is in the interest of every genuine fisherman to preserve this natural resource and pastime for future generations.

As it stands four fish under 25cm can be caught per person per day and the fish must be immediately returned to the river.

According to water keeper John Shaughnessy, people flouting the rules is a common occurance, with the majority of the poachers identified as foreign nationals.

He added that the fish are coarse fish and are not suitable for eating. the club is taking such a hard line on the practice because of the very real likelihood that in 10 years time stocks will be wiped out unless conserved now.

The water keepers are authorised to confiscate the equipment as well as the catch of anyone who has not returned fish to the river.