Eight Illegal Angers Netted In Rod Licence Blitz

An illegal crayfish trap was also found at Fields Weir and confiscated. The rod licence blitz follows a number of reports of people fishing illegally in the River Lee. As well as checking licences the two warranted officers also handed out education sheets, which come in 10 different languages, on the fishing laws in England and Wales.

Targeted illegal fishing patrols also took place on the River Lee earlier this year, in May, when anglers fishing between from Walthamstow and Picketts Lock, in Enfield, were checked. Four people were found to be fishing illegally without a rod licence.

The checks are part of the River Lee Fisheries Action Plan which was launched in August this year. The long-term plan aims to improve and maintain the Lee Valley for future generations and more patrols are planned in the coming weeks along other stretches of the river. The action plan is also looking at river habitat and water quality in the river, water abstraction, the impact of agriculture, industrial land use and development either side of the river, as well as angling and recreation. The plan will be continuously reviewed and developed with the support of the angling community.

The Environment Agency has a duty to regulate fishing and enforce the law. Fishing without a licence is an offence under Section 27 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and anyone caught fishing illegally can expect to face tough penalties, including a fine of up to £ 2,500 and a ban from fishing.

Illegal anglers also deprive others of valuable revenue as the £ 23.50 cost of each licence is ploughed back into the sport to help protect and improve resources.

Darren Wakenall, fisheries enforcement officer from the Environment Agency, said: “Fishing illegally is a serious offence and one we take very seriously. Working together with a number of different authorities we intend to crack down on people breaking the law and we hope that our patrols will act as a deterrent.”

“Illegal fishing is an issue that concerns the vast majority of anglers and as such has been highlighted as a key issue within the Lee Valley Fisheries Action Plan. We are working in partnership with a number of other organisations to target people who fish illegally and who are depriving anglers of funds that go towards fishing enhancement projects such as the creation of angling platforms at Feildes weir and the introduction of fish refuges at Enfield Lock. Targeted patrols aim not only to catch the offender but also to educate those who may not be aware of the fishing laws.”

Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence. These are readily available and can be purchased from Post Offices, over the telephone, (0870 1662662) or online www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.