During May Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers have continued patrolling the river banks and responding to reports of out of season fishing. Two officers in Northumbria dealt with 26 close season and 11 licence offences in one day alone. Patrols across England also detected other offences, such as unlicensed fishing, unauthorised crayfish traps and prohibited baits.
In the Southeast Region, Angling Trust volunteers are working in partnership with the Environment Agency on Operation CLAMP DOWN to identify hotspots where illegal fishing is regularly taking place. As the weather has warmed up, volunteers have provided intelligence on a number of locations where illegal fishing is taking place. These areas will be visited by future Environment Agency patrols. Further information on the Voluntary Bailiff Service, including how to sign up in the pilot Southeast Region, can be found on the Angling Trust’s website at www.anglingtrust.net/vbs
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said, “We will maintain these patrols and respond to reports throughout the close season. Anyone tempted to break the rules should think again. They risk a court appearance and a fine of up to £50,000 if convicted. These patrols cover a large area and officers can cover several rivers during a day. A wide range of stillwater fisheries are open now for those that want to wet a line before the rivers open again on 16th June.”
“Anyone witnessing illegal fishing incidents in progress can report it directly to the Environment Agency hotline, 0800 80 70 60. Information on illegal fishing and environmental crime can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
