The Environment Agency Report:
In a new initiative the North East Thames fisheries enforcement officers are out and about using bicycles to cover miles of ground looking for illegal fishing on London’s waterways. Like the Police they are an efficient way to undertake patrols and they are a visible deterrent to illegal fishing activity.
Speaking on behalf of the EA Steve Robinson said:
“Using bikes is a great way to get access the Lower Lee Navigation, Grand Union and Regents Canal navigation network, detect illegal fishing and raise our public profile.
We’re able to check for illegal nets and traps, which are often found in inner city
areas, and the word gets around that we are out and about. We also enforce our fisheries byelaws governing the taking of fish which carries a substantial fine of up to £50k under the new rules.”
