On the 29 November 2007 John Barker (49) of 15 Pedmore Road, Dudley, West Midlands pleaded guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates to charges of taking a salmon during a period when salmon are not allowed to be killed, using illegal bait and fishing without a licence.
Mr. Barker was fined a total of £1,000 and ordered to pay £462.03 costs.
Speaking after the case, Al Watson team leader of the Environmental Crime Team (or Andy Roberts) commented, “Our enforcement officers have worked hard to gather evidence and we are very pleased with the outcome. I hope that this sends a message that we will continue to find and prosecute those who flout laws that protect the environment.
Charles Crundwell, Senior Technical Specialist for fisheries and recreation added “This is a serious case. Salmon that enter our rivers in the spring and early summer have often spent a number of years at sea before returning to spawn. These fish are internationally recognised as endangered species and that is why we promote the bylaws to protect them. The vast majorities of fisherman respect the laws for the greater good of salmon.”
For the Environment Agency, Claire Andrews told the court that on 22nd April 2007, an Environment Agency bailiff saw Mr Barker catch and kill a salmon from the River Severn at Blackstone near Bewdley, Worcestershire. Further enquiries revealed that as well as illegally taking the salmon and using a restricted bait, Mr Barker did not have a fishing licence.
National Salmon Bylaw 5 makes it offence to remove a wild salmon from a river before 16 June.
The Environment Agency has a duty to protect, develop and improve fisheries and has introduced legislation to reduce the exploitation of salmon. The National Salmon Bylaws were implemented in April 1999 to protect the endangered salmon stock in rivers in England and Wales.
The killing of salmon prior to 16 June has a serious impact on the viability of salmon, particularly in the Severn. The salmon killed was a rare fish and should have been given the chance to breed to contribute to the next generation.
In mitigation, Mr Barker said that he always held a licence and this was an oversight. He said he caught the fish for his birthday.
