Gardaí say that the majority of anglers are careful.
Anglers across Laois and Offaly are being warned of fines and possible imprisonment for harming protected species of birds.
Gardaí have recorded incidents in the two counties of swans and cygnets being caught up in discarded fishing lines, with some instances requiring intervention.
Swans are protected under both national and European legislation.
Gardaí says they are encountered a few 'careless' individuals, but don't want to create any negative feeling towards the general fishing communities in the area.
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