Illegal anglers continue to be netted by Environment AgencyMore than 500 cases of fishing without a valid rod licence were brought in front of the courts by the Environment Agency in January 2007, resulting in nearly £ 70,000 in fines and costs. “Fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales requires a licence from the Environment Agency. Failure to have a licence is an offence. Those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to £ 2,500 and a ban from fishing. This time around the courts fined the illegal anglers a total of £ 37,179 and charged them an additional £ 32,331 in costs. Cautions were also issued to eight anglers,” explained Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans. “The protection of vulnerable fish stocks and increasing fishing participation are among the Environment Agency’s key environmental objectives. The money raised through rod licence sales; some £ 19m, is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers.” Rod licences expire on March 31, 2007. Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them; a direct debit can be set up, 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 any time, day or night. Breakdown of prosecutions figures by Environment Agency region shown below:
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