The team of bailiffs visited hundreds of waters, from Thirsk in the north, to Sheffield in the south between 01 April 2011, and 30 March 2012.
They questioned 6,853 people and reported 697 anglers for fisheries offences. There were 448 successful prosecutions with fines totalling £49,516 and the costs came to £52,101.40
Peter Mischenko, fisheries technical officer for the Environment Agency said:
“Our bailiffs routinely patrol still-water fisheries, canals and rivers all over the region, and we will not hesitate to prosecute when an offence has been committed.
It can cost as little as £27 to buy a rod licence and all of the money goes back into maintaining, improving and protecting our fisheries. Those who choose not to buy a licence are not only breaking the law, but are cheating honest anglers.
We are continually looking at new ways to protect our fisheries and working closer than ever with angling clubs to ensure that all laws relating to fisheries are adhered to. If anyone wants any advice regarding this or any other fisheries matters they just need to get in touch.”
