The Environment Agency is undertaking special patrols to target poachers and those fishing without a licence. The initiative is aimed at protecting fisheries from harmful activity, including theft and fishing with illegal traps.
Enforcement officers are supported by the Angling Trust, Bailiffs and local Police, to conduct patrols around local rivers, lakes and ponds. The Agency says illegal fishing is not only harmful to fish populations but has a detrimental effect on the environment and surrounding wildlife.
They say fishing licence holders can take a friend fishing by applying for a free day licence, those who fish on a regular basis need to buy a full-time fishing licence. The patrols are being held to coincide with ‘Take a Friend Fishing Month’ aimed at encouraging people to visit the riverbank and give fishing a go, with patrols targeted at those who abuse the rules that protect our local fisheries.