LEVIATHAN, like the existing Operation TRAVERSE in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, is the second major multi-force, multi-agency crack down initiated by the Angling Trust – involving West Mercia (Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire), Warwickshire, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, West Midlands, Gwent, Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police, in addition to the Environment Agency, National Resources Wales, Fish Legal and Cefas.
Pictured above: Dilip Sarkar – National Enforcement Manager, Angling Trust
Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager Dilip Sarkar MBE, a retired West Mercia police officer now leading on the Fisheries Enforcement Campaign, said: “Over the past three years we have worked with partners to appropriately locate fisheries offences within the wider frameworks of Rural, Wildlife, Business, Hate and Organised Crime. The police have been incredibly supportive, hence why we have travelled the length and breadth of England training and briefing an ever increasing number of forces. Now that these offences are properly understood and cemented within the wider criminal framework, we are taking every opportunity to initiate such operations to protect fish and fisheries. Once anglers felt impotent in trying to address these issues – not any more.”
Pictured above: Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman
of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police
Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said: “Targeting those who commit crime in our rural communities is a priority for the alliance and this includes Wildlife Crime, poaching and Anti-Social Behaviour around our waterways. We are very pleased to play a key role in Operation LEVIATHAN, and by working in partnership we can tackle those involved in poaching and other forms of rural criminality more effectively.”
Pictured above: Mark Lloyd – CEO, Angling Trust & Fish Legal
Angling Trust Chief Executive Mark Lloyd commented that: “Operation LEVIATHAN is another major step forward for the protection of fish and fishing – now and for the future. The Angling Trust’s Freshwater Team has made very impressive progress over the past three years, working in partnership with the Environment Agency, to tackle illegal fishing.
The involvement of the police has transformed fisheries enforcement. We are very grateful that chief officers have recognised the importance of tackling this significant rural crime, which damages fish stocks and adds to the worries of thousands of small businesses involved in fishing.
Initiatives like Operation LEVIATHAN send out a clear message to criminals: the angling community is not prepared to stand by while fish are stolen from our waters. Anglers must be able to fish in peace, without fearing that they will encounter organised criminals on the bank.”
Pictured above: Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Area Manager
Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Area Manager for Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire adds: “The Environment Agency welcomes the opportunity that the Rural Crime Strategy presents. Coupled with the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s prioritisation of poaching, there has never been a better time for all agencies to work in partnership to tackle illegal fishing, poaching and the criminals that seek to gain from it. By working together with partners we will achieve the footprint we need to tackle the illegal activity that damages fisheries and anglers sport.”
The Fisheries Enforcement Campaign is supported at Westminster by Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham and a Member of the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group who said: “As MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham, situated on the river Severn’s banks in Shropshire, I am aware of how important both the aquatic environment and angling are to many people. Indeed, angling brings much-needed tourism and other positive benefits to our country, and it is therefore entirely right that we should all work together to protect fish and fisheries.
To that end I am delighted to see the police responding so positively to the concerns of their communities and working with anglers, the general public and other partners. A great concern, which initiatives like Operation LEVIATHAN will very much help address, is the problem revolving around migrant anglers from Eastern Europe taking fish for the pot, contrary to our conservation-based laws and approach, due to a cultural difference.
This has, I know, generated division in communities and understandably upset British anglers. However, alienation is not the answer – education and integration is, and to that end I endorse the Angling Trust’s ‘Building Bridges’ Project aimed at exactly that. Operations like LEVIATHAN and the existing TRAVERSE, provide perfect opportunities to engage with all communities, raise awareness and work together. I wish Operation LEVIATHAN the success it deserves and commend the hard work and commitment of all involved.”
These operations are high profile and work by raising awareness, increasing confidence, and increasing incoming calls. They are not covert, however, when intelligence dictates a tactical operation within the overall initiative, that approach will be taken.
Pictured above: PC Nick Willey talks about lessons learned
from the previous Operation TRAVERSE
Operation LEVIATHAN will be ongoing indefinitely. Anglers are urged to report all incidents concerning fishing without permission and fish theft to the police on 101 or, if the crime is in progress or in fear of personal safety, via 999. The Angling Trust’s Guide to Reporting Offences to the Police can be downloaded HERE.
Incidents concerning rod-licensing and offences against fisheries legislation or byelaws can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
Information regarding the illegal importation of live fish must be reported to Cefas on 01305 206078 (office hours) or 07833 293506 (out of hours).
Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Further information regarding the Angling Trust ‘Building Bridges’ Project, aimed at prevention through education and integration, can be found here: HERE.
Information concerning the Fisheries Enforcement Campaign can be found HERE and in the Angling Trust blog HERE.
