During December 2004 the number of prosecutions of illegal anglers by the Environment Agency for rod fishing licence offences fell below 300 for the first time since July. Fines for the month totalled £ 18,170 with costs of £ 18,150 awarded to the Environment Agency.
Some of the month’s highest fines were £ 150, imposed on anglers prosecuted at Abertillery Magistrates Court in Wales, for fishing without a licence. The majority of the 281 successful prosecutions were concentrated in the Midlands, Southern and Thames regions. On average, each unlicensed fishing trip cost the angler £ 128.
Dafydd Evans, the Environment Agency’s Head of Fisheries said “This month’s decline in prosecutions shows that our regulation and fines serve as a warning to anyone considering fishing without a licence.
“Rod licence fees are essential in improving and maintaining the standard of fisheries in England and Wales for all those who use them, which is why we have this programme of enforcement. Those who fish without a licence face tough penalties including fines of up to £ 2,500 and a ban from fishing.”
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or from our web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence
