EXTRA patrols are being deployed along Ireland's western seaboard to deter poaching as Wild Atlantic salmon has returned in "record" numbers.
Inland Fisheries Ireland's Francis O'Donnell said it seems to be the best season for the fish in "at least 12 years", with high numbers of healthy fish on Co Galway's Corrib system, Co Mayo's River Moy and the Ballisodare in Co Sligo.
Commercial drift net fishing for wild salmon was banned in the Republic in 2007.
The catch ratio for anglers has been further improved by the lack of international tourists, according to owners of the fishing rights along the waterways.
However, with black market salmon fetching up to E90, it is suspected that poachers are operating on River Erriff in Mayo where anglers are reporting lower numbers.
The Sunday Independent reported that gardai last month confirmed investigations into allegations of false imprisonment of two Inland Fisheries staff who were taken out to sea while investigating salmon poaching off the coast of the county.
Ken Whelan of London's Atlantic Salmon Trust warned "one good season" does not mean the beginning of a positive trend.
"It is impossible to draw firm conclusions," he said.
"We will really only know what is happening after scientists from Norway, Iceland, Scotland and Ireland meet in the autumn."
