Post by Roy on Jun 26, 2013 18:00:37 GMT
Crackdown on fishing licence evasion
A BLITZ on illegal fishing saw 40 offence notices served during the last bank
holiday weekend.
The Environment Agency operation focused on anglers using still waters
in the east of England and took place over four days between Friday and
Monday, May 24-27. 2013.
Officers visited fisheries in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire,
Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Each location was chosen to
specifically target waters with high evasion rates from previous years.
Lesley Robertson, environmental crime team leader, said: “504 anglers
were seen by our officers, and 40 offence notices served for rod licence or
byelaw offences.
“That means 8% of the anglers seen were given offence notices, meaning
the blitz was successful in targeting illegal hot-spots.”
TomHoward, fisheries intelligence officer, added: “The law-abiding anglers
were very happy to see our officers out on the ground and were encouraged
by our continued stance against illegal fishing.”
Anglers are reminded that the fishing closed season applies to all rivers,
streams and drains between March 15 and June 15. However, most still
waters and canals do not have a closed season.
All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence which allows
them to use up to two rods. Rod licences run from April 1 to March 31 and
fishing without one can lead to a substantial fine.
Anyone caught without a valid rod licence can expect to be prosecuted and
face a fine of up to £2500.
To help crack down on unlicensed anglers report illegal activity to
0800 80 70 60.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on
0800 555 111.
A BLITZ on illegal fishing saw 40 offence notices served during the last bank
holiday weekend.
The Environment Agency operation focused on anglers using still waters
in the east of England and took place over four days between Friday and
Monday, May 24-27. 2013.
Officers visited fisheries in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire,
Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Each location was chosen to
specifically target waters with high evasion rates from previous years.
Lesley Robertson, environmental crime team leader, said: “504 anglers
were seen by our officers, and 40 offence notices served for rod licence or
byelaw offences.
“That means 8% of the anglers seen were given offence notices, meaning
the blitz was successful in targeting illegal hot-spots.”
TomHoward, fisheries intelligence officer, added: “The law-abiding anglers
were very happy to see our officers out on the ground and were encouraged
by our continued stance against illegal fishing.”
Anglers are reminded that the fishing closed season applies to all rivers,
streams and drains between March 15 and June 15. However, most still
waters and canals do not have a closed season.
All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence which allows
them to use up to two rods. Rod licences run from April 1 to March 31 and
fishing without one can lead to a substantial fine.
Anyone caught without a valid rod licence can expect to be prosecuted and
face a fine of up to £2500.
To help crack down on unlicensed anglers report illegal activity to
0800 80 70 60.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on
0800 555 111.
