Environment chiefs are launching a crackdown on illegal poachers who are threatening fish stocks in the Fal and Helford rivers. The Environment Agency (EA) is teaming up with industry watchdogs to stop rogue fishermen plunder- ing bass stocks on the estuaries.
The waterways are designated nurseries where it is illegal to fish for bass from a boat or using certain types of bait at times of the year when thousands of immature bass are swimming about.
The law is in place to allow them to grow to maturity and makes it a criminal offence to catch bass under 37.5cm long.
Now, after receiving more than 20 reports of suspected illegal catches so far this year, the EA is working with harbour authorities, Cornwall Sea Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA) to bust offending unscrupulous poachers, commercial and hobby fishermen alike.
Mark Pilcher, EA environment management team leader for west Cornwall, said law-breakers could have their pricey equipment confiscated and face fines of up to £50,000 per offence.
He added: “By sharing intelligence with other agencies we are increasing our effectiveness and maximising our chances of detecting illegal fishing in these important bass nursery areas.
“There are only a small number of rule-breakers who deliberately flout the law.
“As our intelligence grows we are in a better position to prosecute persistent offenders and seize and destroy their gear.
“We are keen for the local fishing community to work with us.
“They understand we are only targeting a minority of fishermen who don’t play by the rules and through their illicit activities are putting local bass stocks at risk.”
The law has been imposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and is effective between April 30 and January 1.
The EA has helped the MFA successfully prosecute poachers in previous years and seized illegal nets.
It is currently investigating a number of suspect vessels.
* Anyone with any information about possible illegal fishing is asked to ring the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
