£726 fines for illegal fishing on the River Wye

[Editor]

On 4 October 2011, three eastern Europeans were tried in absence at Hereford magistrates court and were found guilty on all charges relating to illegal fishing.

Angel Angelov was fined £100 for each of three byelaw offences: fishing in the coarse fish closed season, taking fish contrary to fish removal byelaws, and using banned lead shot.

Yordan Talev and Asen Valkinov were both fined £100 for each of two byelaw offences: fishing in the coarse fish closed season and taking fish contrary to fish removal byelaws.

All three defendants were also ordered to pay a £15 victim support surcharge and contribute £127 each towards prosecution costs.

The court heard how a Hereford and District Angling Association bailiff noticed three men fishing on the River Wye in Hereford in March this year during the closed season. He watched the men catch a fish and when he later challenged them he found that they had 10 chub in a carrier bag. The bailiff collected evidence which he later provided to the Environment Agency who brought the successful prosecution.

It is an offence to fish for coarse fish in rivers during the closed season (15 March to 15 June inclusive). It is also an offence to remove chub (and other coarse fish) of over 20cm from rivers. These regulations are in place to allow fish to spawn undisturbed during the breeding season. The use of certain sizes of lead shot when fishing in any water is prohibited, as it can poison swans and other wildfowl.

After the court hearing, Environmental Crime Team Leader Al Watson said "This case is the result of quality evidence gathered by the Angling Association bailiff provided to the Environment Agency. Evidence is crucial in cases such as this, and I would urge anybody who sees illegal fishing activity to call 0800 80 70 60 immediately and provide as much detail as possible."

Al went on to say "Prevention is far better than prosecution and we will continue to work with people from all communities to ensure they understand our fisheries law.”

Illegal fishing can be reported to the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. You can also report illegal fishing and any other information on environmental crime, anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.