Illegal fishing clampdown launched

AN operation to clampdown on the numbers of illegal fishing has begun across the East Midlands.

A number of 84 targeted patrols were made by Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers, throughout the sector during the 2018 close season.

The close season campaign was supported by around 500 volunteers from the Voluntary Baliff Service, whose eyes and ears have been described as invaluable by the Enforcement Officers they support.

The voluntary baliffs undertook more than six-thousand hours of patrols as part of Operation Clampdown, where they reported 111 incidents to the environment agency and 34 to the police.

Those found guilty of unlicensed fishing by the courts face a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £2500.

Graeme Storey, Fisheries Manager, Environment Agency said: “Environment Agency fisheries enforcement patrols continue all year round. Anyone tempted to fish illegally should know that they are likely to be challenged at any time of the day or night.

“With the support of our partners and the VBS there is an increased likelihood of being caught out – don’t risk it.”

Dilip Sarkar MBE, National Enforcement Manager with the Angling Trust said, “This is our most successful Operation Clampdown yet, with a record number of volunteers trained and available and over 70 joint patrols with the Environment Agency or police.

“The VBS is now making a tangible contribution to tackling illegal fishing, which is welcomed by the Angling Trust and our partners.”