The four-day illegal fishing blitz by Environment Agency fisheries officers returned a small catch of offenders – which is good news for wildlife and anglers.

High Impact Fisheries Enforcement (HIFE) officers went out over the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 6 April to Monday 9 April, to protect the wildlife in rivers and lakes from a range of illegal activities.

Six reports of illegal fishing, mainly fishing out of season, were issued following extensive patrols and a number of calls from the public across London and the Thames Valley. These reports of illegal fishing – three near Enfield and three on the River Wandle – are now being investigated.

Environment Agency’s strategic specialist for fisheries Matt Carter said: “Our officers visited dozens of river locations across the region where we have caught people fishing illegally in the past and I’m pleased that the number of offences detected was fairly low. The majority of anglers are law-abiding citizens enjoying their sport – but we have to continue to watch for those who are out to spoil it.

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Thames High Impact Fisheries Enforcement patrol“We are pleased with the phone calls from members of the public who see people fishing in suspicious circumstances, and obviously care greatly for their local rivers and streams. Our officers patrol rivers and lakes regularly, and do their best to protect fish and the interests of law abiding anglers.”

Officers patrolled hot spots along the River Wandle, the River Lea Navigation, the Lower Mole, in the Tideway and Lower Thames and along London Docks.

The officers have the same powers as the police when enforcing fisheries law and are also trained in surveillance techniques.

The HIFE officers were looking for people fishing illegally for coarse fish as well as salmon, sea trout, eels and American Signal crayfish. The officers were also on the lookout for people fishing without a rod licence or using illegal fishing techniques such as mono-filament nets and fish traps specifically to capture and remove fish.

Anyone caught fishing without a rod licence is cheating other anglers and can face fines of up to £2,500. All the money raised from rod licence sales is put straight back into improving the environment such as restocking, improving habitats and improving access to fishing for all parts of the community.

Members of the public who see illegal fishing should immediately contact the Environment Agency free 24 hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

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