Environment Agency Wales is warning anyone considering taking salmon or sea-trout from Welsh rivers out of season to think again, as they could end up with a criminal record.
The warning comes after a successful court case where two Cardiff men had to pay over £1,000 each after being found guilty of taking salmon out of season.
A number of recent surveillance operations have also been successful, and many poachers have been caught illegally taking fish. They have not only had their fishing tackle confiscated, but face an expensive day in court and a criminal record.
There are close seasons for game fish which are specifically designed to protect them when they are breeding and at their most vulnerable.
In general the close season runs between 17 October and 20 March, although there are variations on some rivers. These variations tie in to the migrating pattern for that particular river.
Taking salmon or sea-trout during the close season is a criminal offence. It is particularly damaging as the fish are preparing to spawn. One hen salmon can produce as much as five thousands eggs, so the potential damage that poachers are causing to future stocks is enormous.
Fisheries enforcement officers will be continuing with their work in targeting poachers throughout Wales. These officers are highly trained in specialist surveillance techniques aimed at finding, catching and prosecuting any offenders. They also have the power of arrest.
Environment Agency Wales is calling for the public to report any suspicious activity in and around Welsh rivers by calling the emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Any information received will be used in confidence by the officers to track down and catch any illegal poachers.
Steve Barnard, speaking for Environment Agency Wales, commented:
“Any poacher thinking they can make a bit of money from taking salmon at this time of year should realise that these fish are ready for spawning, not eating. They are completely unpalatable, so any reputable hotel or restaurant won’t want them.
“It is well known by honest anglers that taking salmon at out of season is a criminal offence. We will not hesitate to prosecute any poachers we catch. Anyone caught taking a salmon or sea-trout can face a fine of up to £2,500 and have their tackle confiscated.”
Environment Agency Wales, with funding from the Welsh Assembly Governments’ Sustainable Fisheries Programme, has spent a lot of time and effort to improve habitats, water quality and access in rivers throughout Wales. The success of salmon returning to many south Wales rivers, which until relatively recently were suffering from the impacts of heavy industry, is indicative that this work is paying off.
Steve Barnard continued:
“We are urging the public to be our eyes and ears. If you are near the riverbank and see anyone taking or disturbing salmon or sea trout, then call us as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60. Calls are free and will be treated in the strictest confidence.
“Make a note of what you saw, where you saw it, the date and time and a description of people or vehicles involved. Speed is essential, as the sooner our officers get a tip-off, the faster we can act.
“If these poachers continue to take spawning salmon and threaten valuable stocks, we could well see the day when the salmon and the sea-trout disappear from Welsh rivers.”
