Legal News
Bank Holiday Environment Agency crackdown nets 396 illegal anglers across the Midlands (16 May 2016)
Date: 16/05/2016
The Environment Agency has said that a crackdown on illegal fishing launched over the May Bank Holiday resulted in 396 anglers being caught fishing legally at 29 locations across Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
Environment Agency officers used their local knowledge to catch offenders –
and a total of 23 were reported for fishing without a valid licence.
Fishing without a valid licence is the most common fisheries offence, which could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record.
Every year, nearly one million anglers fish legally – and the money they pay to buy a licence supports fish, fisheries and fishing, as well as protecting the future of the sport, says the Environment Agency.
A small number of anglers refuse to buy a licence, however.
Overall last year, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Midlands enforcement officers have checked 5,584 licences and reported 265 for fishing illegally.
In England in 2015, the Environment Agency checked more than 62,000 rod licences – and prosecuted more than 1,900 anglers for rod and line offences, resulting in fines and costs in excess of £500,000.
Environmental Crime and Fisheries Enforcement Team Leader, Mick Hyde, said:
“We are passionate about making the sport of angling the best it can be – and we take our job of protecting angling, fisheries and the environment very seriously.
“The vast majority of anglers who fish legally deserve to see those who flout the law brought to account.
“To that criminal minority, our message is clear – we won’t hesitate to take action to stop illegal fishing.
“Nearly one million anglers have a rod licence and legally enjoy the sport of fishing – we’re urging everyone to get their licence online before they next go fishing.
“Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers
Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences such as fly tipping, failing to manage hazardous waste, waste carrier offences, noise pollution, water pollution or air pollution, misuse of permitted land, or fisheries offences.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can advise before charges are brought.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.