Legal News

The Environment Agency is considering further action against 23 anglers in Lincolnshire who were discovered fishing without a rod licence.

The illegal anglers were discovered during a weekend operation to crack down on illegal fishing across the county.

Patrols were carried out by Environment Agency enforcement officers, who were acting on intelligence to seek out those fishing without a licence.

Officers carried out more than 400 checks in more than 60 waters across the county – and the 23 anglers were reported for various offences, including fishing without a licence. They now face further action and if found guilty in court could face fines of up to £2,500.

Senior Enforcement Officer at the Environment Agency, Peter Stark, said:

“The number of anglers caught red-handed is testament to how seriously we at the Environment Agency take illegal fishing, which disregards the law and the health of fisheries.

“People who don’t buy a licence are not only cheating other anglers and the future of the sport, but running the risk of criminal conviction and a fine.

“There is no excuse – it costs just £27 for a whole year and you can buy it from the Post Office website.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences, including fly tipping, failing to manage hazardous waste, waste carrier offences, noise or air pollution, contaminating watercourses and fisheries offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our environmental crime lawyers can attend interviews with investigating authorities, as well as negotiating with the Environment Agency and local authorities.

For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.