Environment Agency enforcement officers this week carried out a boat patrol along River Tees in a bid to catch anglers illegally fishing during the coarse fish close season.
The River Tees has become a highly valued coarse fishery since the Tees barrage was erected 12 years ago, but the Environment Agency had received complaints that anglers were fishing illegally on the river, between the Tees Barrage and Yarm.
Officers found eight of the eleven people checked on this stretch of river were fishing illegally on Tuesday June 5th and they will now be reported for prosecution. This included people fishing without rod licences and those using maggots in the close season for coarse fish.
One suspected offender tried to escape from enforcement officers and was captured and arrested until his identity could be verified.
Environment Agency fisheries officer David Bamford said: “It is important to enforce the coarse fish closed season as fish need to be allowed to spawn successfully without being targeted by anglers. Fish become vulnerable to handling damage at spawning time and can fall victim to disease if handled.”
Those caught without a rod licence will be prosecuted and could be liable to a fine of up to £2500, and anyone fishing the River Tees using maggots before the 16th of June is committing an offence and will be prosecuted.
David continued: “People must realise that they should not be fishing in the River Tees for coarse fish during the close season for coarse fish 15th March to 15th June inclusive. If they are we will catch them and they will face prosecution.”
Money from rod licences is used to fund improvements to river habitats, surveys which can highlight a need for improvement work, and events to encourage more people to take up the sport.
For 2007/2008 a full season coarse and trout fishing licence costs just £24.50 and a salmon and sea trout licence costs £66.50. There is also a range of concessionary, junior, eight-day and one day licences. The almost three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a half price fishing licence from April 1, 2007.
Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.
