Fines for illegal fish movements will increase to up to £50,000, close seasons will be set for eel, smelt and lamprey fisheries, while so called fish-thieves will see the maximum penalty for removing fish from Britain's rivers increased from £100 to £5,000.
The PAC was today passed a copy of the Environment Agency's take on the Marine and Coastal Access Bill currently before Parliament.
Entitled Reforming fisheries law for the 21st Century, the document spells out for the first time how the EA plans to "modernise fisheries regulation in England and Wales", and address recommendations made in the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries review.
"There will soon be major changes to the rules governing freshwater and migratory fisheries," the document says.
"These changes will help to conserve fish stocks, allowing people to continue to enjoy and make a living from fishing.
"Legislation to make these changes will go through Parliament over the next year or two.
"At the Environment Agency, we are working with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure new regulations will meet current and future challenges.
"And to make the regulations as effective as possible, we will also work closely with other organisations, including angling governing bodies and conservation agencies."
At present, the EA is responsible for regulating salmon, trout, coarse and eel fisheries.
"This leaves fisheries for other migratory species unregulated, including rare and threatened species," the report adds.
"The Marine Bill will extend our regulatory responsibilities to river and sea lamprey, and smelt."
The bill will give the EA powers to make and enforce byelaws to meet European targets for protecting all three species. It is also seeking to regulate fishing for twaite and allis shad, which it says are also threatened.
New licence and authorisation schemes for smelt and lamprey will come into force in January 2010. Both species are a staple of the frozen deadbait trade.
New measure to protect the eel, whose population is believed to have declined by up to 70 per cent in recent decades, are included. The EA intends to regulate fishing, improve habitats and relocate elvers into "suitable upstream areas".
A faster mechanism for setting byelaws is included in the Marine Bill, along with powers to set close seasons for smelt, eel and lamprey.
The maximum penalty for byelaw breaches will be increased from £2,500 to £50,000.
"The marine Bill will reform how we regulate fish removal," the EA document says. "As well as giving us greater byelaw-making powers to control fish removal, the bill will change the Theft Act by removing the disticntion between day and night fishing, and increasing the maximum penalty for fish theft from £100 to £5,000.
A new scheme governing fish introductions and removals is also proposed. This is likely to impact on pike culls, by requiring nyone wishing to remove fish to obtain a long-term poermit lasting for between three and 10 years.
"Thanks to these measures, it will be much more difficult to move fish illegally without being detected, as only authorised suppliers will be allowed to move fish, and only to or from waters which have a long-term permit," the EA adds.
"The maximum penalty for illegal fish movements will also increase from £2,500 to £50,000, creating a much greater deterrent to breaking the law."
Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposals can e-mail paul.lidgett@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Showing posts with label fish theft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fish theft. Show all posts
Monday, February 02, 2009
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
New bill outlaws fish theft
Powers to prohibit the taking of fish caught on line from our rivers are included in the new Marine Bill.
Angling groups including the Pike Anglers Club are still poring over the finer points of the bill, which is expected to become law next summer after its inclusion in the Queen's Speech.
Notes accompanying the bill say it will outlaw the taking of fish caught on rod and line for the pot.
Recent seasons have seen widespread anger among many anglers over the authorities' apparent unwillingness to tackle what has become a widespread problem in many areas of the country, from the River Wissey to the Wye.
Pike often bear the brunt of this because they are prized as a food fish by some cultures. They are also vulnerable to capture by roving anglers travelling light with just a lure rod and a carrier bag to carry your catch in.
Defra's website states: "Whilst the custom in England and Wales is for the catch and release of coarse fish it is not actually a legal requirement on rivers.
"We will remove the current right for fishery owners, and anyone with their permission, to remove freshwater fish by rod and line.
"This undermines any catch and release byelaws the EA may introduce to address fish theft."
Reading West MP Martin Salter, the Labour Government's spokesman on angling issues, said: “It has been a long campaign but we have finally got the chance to do something to protect our fisheries, to give the police and the Environment Agency real powers to clamp down on those who remove fish for either the pot or for private gain.
"The current hotch potch of fishery by-laws are unintelligible and unenforceable and I know for a fact that the EA are starting work on a national catch and release by-law which I want to see implemented as soon as possible.
"Catch and release must become the norm in freshwater with exceptions available in clearly defined circumstances such as put and take trout fisheries."
Many conservation groups were celebrating after the legislation was included in last Wednesday's Queen's Speech, in which the Government set out its priorities for the next parliamentary session.
The bill signals a new approach to protecting the marine environment that will include conservation zones, a new planning system, reform of fisheries and access to the coasts, along with a new agency to manage the seas around our coasts.
Defra - the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs - said freshwater fisheries would also benefit from the "modernised and more flexible powers" it contains.
A statement on its website adds: "These will give the Environment Agency the tools to better manage fisheries for the benefit of anglers and commercial fishers."
To date there has been one prosecution for taking fish for the pot - the widely-reported case earlier this year, when two migrant workers were ordered to forfeit boats and equipment worth thousands after they were caught catching fish and barbecuing them on the bank during the close season.
Click here to read a court report from our archives.
Click here to read Defra's summary of the Marine Bill's proposals for freshwater fisheries.
Angling groups including the Pike Anglers Club are still poring over the finer points of the bill, which is expected to become law next summer after its inclusion in the Queen's Speech.
Notes accompanying the bill say it will outlaw the taking of fish caught on rod and line for the pot.
Recent seasons have seen widespread anger among many anglers over the authorities' apparent unwillingness to tackle what has become a widespread problem in many areas of the country, from the River Wissey to the Wye.
Pike often bear the brunt of this because they are prized as a food fish by some cultures. They are also vulnerable to capture by roving anglers travelling light with just a lure rod and a carrier bag to carry your catch in.
Defra's website states: "Whilst the custom in England and Wales is for the catch and release of coarse fish it is not actually a legal requirement on rivers.
"We will remove the current right for fishery owners, and anyone with their permission, to remove freshwater fish by rod and line.
"This undermines any catch and release byelaws the EA may introduce to address fish theft."
Reading West MP Martin Salter, the Labour Government's spokesman on angling issues, said: “It has been a long campaign but we have finally got the chance to do something to protect our fisheries, to give the police and the Environment Agency real powers to clamp down on those who remove fish for either the pot or for private gain.
"The current hotch potch of fishery by-laws are unintelligible and unenforceable and I know for a fact that the EA are starting work on a national catch and release by-law which I want to see implemented as soon as possible.
"Catch and release must become the norm in freshwater with exceptions available in clearly defined circumstances such as put and take trout fisheries."
Many conservation groups were celebrating after the legislation was included in last Wednesday's Queen's Speech, in which the Government set out its priorities for the next parliamentary session.
The bill signals a new approach to protecting the marine environment that will include conservation zones, a new planning system, reform of fisheries and access to the coasts, along with a new agency to manage the seas around our coasts.
Defra - the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs - said freshwater fisheries would also benefit from the "modernised and more flexible powers" it contains.
A statement on its website adds: "These will give the Environment Agency the tools to better manage fisheries for the benefit of anglers and commercial fishers."
To date there has been one prosecution for taking fish for the pot - the widely-reported case earlier this year, when two migrant workers were ordered to forfeit boats and equipment worth thousands after they were caught catching fish and barbecuing them on the bank during the close season.
Click here to read a court report from our archives.
Click here to read Defra's summary of the Marine Bill's proposals for freshwater fisheries.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
BBC reports on Norfolk fish theft case
The BBC reports on Friday's landmark fish theft case at King's Lynn magistrates, when two men were ordered to surrender boats and equipment after admitting a string of fishery offences.
Click here for more.
***If you missed our report on the hearing, click here...
Click here for more.
***If you missed our report on the hearing, click here...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Landmark ruling in fish theft case
Two migrant workers caught netting fish and barbecuing them on the bank in the close season have been ordered to forfeit boats and equipment worth thousands of pounds in a landmark court ruling.
The Environment Agency's national head of enforcement said the case sent out a clear message that stealing fish from Britain's rivers would not be tolerated and pledged it would take "strong action" to bring offenders to justice.
Last night the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain said: "We're pleased this test case has come to court and magistrates have sent out a strong message that they will not tolerate the wholesale removal of specimen fish from our rivers for food."
Gunars Kaspers, 39, and Oleg Stepin, 43, had admitted fishing in the close season, fishing without rod licences and the theft of perch, tench and eels from Norfolk's River Wissey at an earlier hearing.
Stepin also admitted using a gill net and an unlicensed boat, on a remote stretch of the Fenland river.
As they entered the dock at King's Lynn magistrates court today Joe Ghiradelo, prosecuting, said: “Mr Stepin and Mr Kaspers were found by officers on May 24 this year. They were seen on the River Wissey between Hilgay and West Dereham.
“They were seen to be engaged in angling, there were two other people with them and all four were arrested.”
One of those arrested did not face charges, the court was told. Another man who jumped bail is now wanted by police and believed to have fled the country.
Mr Ghiradelo said anyone who fished in England and Wales had to be in possession of an Environment Agency Rod Licence and there was a close season between March 15 and June 15, when no fishing was allowed on rivers.
He said by-laws required anglers to return fish alive. The court heard there were signs at access points along the River Wissey explaining this rule.
“When police attended they found rods set up and evidence that the persons involved intended to stay there for some period of time,” said Mr Ghiradelo.
“Fish were found in the water with a wire through their mouths, perch and tench. There were efforts to return them but most did not survive."
Tench to 7lbs were among fish found by police retained on a clothes line tethered to the bank. Mr Ghiradelo said when officers arrived at the river, they saw a net being placed from a boat.
“As they approached, officers saw two people in a dinghy and believe they saw a net being cast from the dinghy," he told the court.
“That net was a gill net, it was not only unlicensed but you wouldn’t get a license for something like that – it was 60m long and 2m deep.”
GILL NET: An EA officer shows the net confiscated on the Wissey
Finding such a large gill net convinced investigators that the men arrested were trying to catch more fish than they could eat during a camping trip, the court was told.
”There’s a concern this was more than for their own use, but might have been to take the fish and sell them on for commercial use,” said Mr Ghiradelo, before he reminded the magistrates that they had powers to make an order for the forfeiture of boats and equipment seized in the swoop.
CAMPSITE: The men's makeshift camp
Pictures shown in court featured the men’s makeshift camp on the banks of the Wissey. They also showed eels, bream and pike being barbecued, while tench to 7lbs were being kept alive on a stringer made from a washing line, which had been threaded through their gills.
“Mr Stepin and Mr Kaspers are both from Eastern Europe where it is customary to catch fish and deal with them in this way,” said Mr Ghiradelo.
“But there has been publicity about this sort of thing in the angling community, killing so many fish can have a serious affect on the fish and the environment.”
BARBIE TIME: Bream and eels being barbecued on the bank.
Tim Bartlam, defending, said Kaspers and Stepin were fishing on the Wissey with friends, as they had done on previous occasions.
He said: “This was not a commercial enterprise and I ask you to bear that in mind. They have no previous convictions, they have been in this country for a number of years and they’re hard working.”
He said Kaspers worked for Ross Foods, while Stepin ran a shop selling Eastern European food. Speaking through an interpreter, both men gave addresses in Aberdeen.
Sentencing the men, chair of the bench Charlotte Paton said: “Mr Stepin you were charged with five offences to which you have pled guilty and Mr Kaspers you have pled guilty to three offences.
“We have taken into account – particularly in the theft offence – that neither of you has been charged with theft previously and you are both of good character.”
Stepin was ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his boat, outboard motor and petrol pump, said in court to be worth around £4000. Kaspars was also ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his dinghy, worth up to £1000.
After the hearing Neil Sampson, national fisheries enforcement officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Although we were disappointed that these men were not given a more severe sentence, the forfeiture of their boats will leave a large hole in both their pockets.
“The result sends out a clear message that illegal fishing practices will not be tolerated - the Environment Agency will take strong action to ensure offenders are brought to face justice. It also highlights the importance of vigilance from the public and how by working together with the Norfolk Constabulary, we were able to bring this case to court.
“Illegal fishing can not only cause environmental damage, but fishing without a valid rod licence disadvantages those anglers who have paid their contribution towards helping maintain fisheries work that benefits all anglers in England and Wales.”
Det Con Ian Young, of Downham Market CID, said: “Following the tip off, our officers attended the scene found fish on a barbeque and several live fish threaded on a washing line and kept alive in the river.
"The live fish, including several tench between four and seven pounds and a two and a half pound perch, all had scale damage. The perch died on its release.
“Police officers seized several items including a boat with an outboard motor, a small dinghy and fishing equip-ment. All four men were arrested. Of the two other men arrested, one was released without charge.
"The other man failed to re-appear and is now wanted by the police. It is believed that he has left the country.
“During the course of our investigation it became clear that the four men were an organised group who had travelled from Scotland to a remote part of Norfolk with the intention of stealing a large quantity of fish.”
The Environment Agency's national head of enforcement said the case sent out a clear message that stealing fish from Britain's rivers would not be tolerated and pledged it would take "strong action" to bring offenders to justice.
Last night the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain said: "We're pleased this test case has come to court and magistrates have sent out a strong message that they will not tolerate the wholesale removal of specimen fish from our rivers for food."
Gunars Kaspers, 39, and Oleg Stepin, 43, had admitted fishing in the close season, fishing without rod licences and the theft of perch, tench and eels from Norfolk's River Wissey at an earlier hearing.
Stepin also admitted using a gill net and an unlicensed boat, on a remote stretch of the Fenland river.
As they entered the dock at King's Lynn magistrates court today Joe Ghiradelo, prosecuting, said: “Mr Stepin and Mr Kaspers were found by officers on May 24 this year. They were seen on the River Wissey between Hilgay and West Dereham.
“They were seen to be engaged in angling, there were two other people with them and all four were arrested.”
One of those arrested did not face charges, the court was told. Another man who jumped bail is now wanted by police and believed to have fled the country.
Mr Ghiradelo said anyone who fished in England and Wales had to be in possession of an Environment Agency Rod Licence and there was a close season between March 15 and June 15, when no fishing was allowed on rivers.
He said by-laws required anglers to return fish alive. The court heard there were signs at access points along the River Wissey explaining this rule.
“When police attended they found rods set up and evidence that the persons involved intended to stay there for some period of time,” said Mr Ghiradelo.
“Fish were found in the water with a wire through their mouths, perch and tench. There were efforts to return them but most did not survive."
STRINGER: Tench and perch retained on a washing line.
Tench to 7lbs were among fish found by police retained on a clothes line tethered to the bank. Mr Ghiradelo said when officers arrived at the river, they saw a net being placed from a boat.
“As they approached, officers saw two people in a dinghy and believe they saw a net being cast from the dinghy," he told the court.
“That net was a gill net, it was not only unlicensed but you wouldn’t get a license for something like that – it was 60m long and 2m deep.”
GILL NET: An EA officer shows the net confiscated on the WisseyFinding such a large gill net convinced investigators that the men arrested were trying to catch more fish than they could eat during a camping trip, the court was told.
”There’s a concern this was more than for their own use, but might have been to take the fish and sell them on for commercial use,” said Mr Ghiradelo, before he reminded the magistrates that they had powers to make an order for the forfeiture of boats and equipment seized in the swoop.
CAMPSITE: The men's makeshift campPictures shown in court featured the men’s makeshift camp on the banks of the Wissey. They also showed eels, bream and pike being barbecued, while tench to 7lbs were being kept alive on a stringer made from a washing line, which had been threaded through their gills.
“Mr Stepin and Mr Kaspers are both from Eastern Europe where it is customary to catch fish and deal with them in this way,” said Mr Ghiradelo.
“But there has been publicity about this sort of thing in the angling community, killing so many fish can have a serious affect on the fish and the environment.”
BARBIE TIME: Bream and eels being barbecued on the bank.Tim Bartlam, defending, said Kaspers and Stepin were fishing on the Wissey with friends, as they had done on previous occasions.
He said: “This was not a commercial enterprise and I ask you to bear that in mind. They have no previous convictions, they have been in this country for a number of years and they’re hard working.”
He said Kaspers worked for Ross Foods, while Stepin ran a shop selling Eastern European food. Speaking through an interpreter, both men gave addresses in Aberdeen.
Sentencing the men, chair of the bench Charlotte Paton said: “Mr Stepin you were charged with five offences to which you have pled guilty and Mr Kaspers you have pled guilty to three offences.
“We have taken into account – particularly in the theft offence – that neither of you has been charged with theft previously and you are both of good character.”
Stepin was ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his boat, outboard motor and petrol pump, said in court to be worth around £4000. Kaspars was also ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his dinghy, worth up to £1000.
After the hearing Neil Sampson, national fisheries enforcement officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Although we were disappointed that these men were not given a more severe sentence, the forfeiture of their boats will leave a large hole in both their pockets.
“The result sends out a clear message that illegal fishing practices will not be tolerated - the Environment Agency will take strong action to ensure offenders are brought to face justice. It also highlights the importance of vigilance from the public and how by working together with the Norfolk Constabulary, we were able to bring this case to court.
“Illegal fishing can not only cause environmental damage, but fishing without a valid rod licence disadvantages those anglers who have paid their contribution towards helping maintain fisheries work that benefits all anglers in England and Wales.”
Det Con Ian Young, of Downham Market CID, said: “Following the tip off, our officers attended the scene found fish on a barbeque and several live fish threaded on a washing line and kept alive in the river.
"The live fish, including several tench between four and seven pounds and a two and a half pound perch, all had scale damage. The perch died on its release.
“Police officers seized several items including a boat with an outboard motor, a small dinghy and fishing equip-ment. All four men were arrested. Of the two other men arrested, one was released without charge.
"The other man failed to re-appear and is now wanted by the police. It is believed that he has left the country.
“During the course of our investigation it became clear that the four men were an organised group who had travelled from Scotland to a remote part of Norfolk with the intention of stealing a large quantity of fish.”
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Four arrests in fish theft swoop
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of illegally removing fish from Norfolk's River Wissey.
Police swooped on Sunday, May 25, on a stretch of river at Roxham Fen, between Hilgay and West Dereham.
The four men - believed to be Eastern Europeans - were questioned and are currently on police bail awaiting decisions on prosecution by the Environment Agency.
Det Sgt Chris Curtis, of Downham Market CID, said: "Persons caught committing this type of offence face not only the prospect of arrest and prosecution for offences of unlawfully taking or destroying fish, they also face the prospect of all their fishing equipment being confiscated and forfeited.
"The maximum punishment that can be awarded for these offences is three months imprisonment and or a fine."
Richard Ingham, Fisheries Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency's Brampton office, said: "We are working more and more closely with the police and local angling clubs to crack down on any such crime. We take all angling offences extremely seriously and are convinced that this kind of co-operation pays dividends."
The arrests come after an Crimestoppers-style hotline was launched in the Fens to gather information on incidents and enable patrols to be targeted, after talkes between the EA, local angling clubs and the Pike Anglers Club.
The PAC understands a number of dead fish were seized, along with live tench and pike restrained on stringers, while monfilament gill nets and boats were confiscated.
Anyone with information should call 01480 483023.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Club tightens bylaws to deter fish killers
King's Lynn Angling Association, the biggest club in the Fens, today revealed bylaw changes in a bid to tackle fish being removed in numbers for food.
It's changed its bylaws to make it clear no fish are to removed from the waters it controls, which include parts of the Great Ouse, River Wissey, Little Ouse, Middle Level Drain, Cut Off Channel and Relief Channel.
The wording on permits and day tickets has been changed, while signs have been put up at club venues.
Officials believe the move allows a private prosecution to be taken out against anyone caught removing fish. It comes after fish were removed in numbers from Lynn AA waters.
Livebaiting is still allowed, provided they are used on the water where they have been caught.
It's changed its bylaws to make it clear no fish are to removed from the waters it controls, which include parts of the Great Ouse, River Wissey, Little Ouse, Middle Level Drain, Cut Off Channel and Relief Channel.
The wording on permits and day tickets has been changed, while signs have been put up at club venues.
Officials believe the move allows a private prosecution to be taken out against anyone caught removing fish. It comes after fish were removed in numbers from Lynn AA waters.
Livebaiting is still allowed, provided they are used on the water where they have been caught.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
PAC in new bid to tackle fish theft
Environment Agency fisheries officers have teamed up with the Pike Anglers Club and King's Lynn Angling Association to trial an initiative in East Anglia.
They hope intelligence they receive will help them target patrols in areas where they will be most effective and start making inroads into the problem.
EA enforcement officer Richard Ingham said: "Incidents requiring an immediate response should be reported using the incident hotline 0800 80 70 60, this additional number is for anyone to provide information direct to fisheries enforcement officers.
"The information received will be used as intelligence to allow for targeted operations and patrols to be conducted."
Anglers are being urged to carry a pen and paper with them to note down details of incidents including times and descriptions of anglers behaving suspiciously and their vehicles, including registration numbers.
Both clubs will be promoting the number to their members and urging them to use it. Many PAC members enjoy fishing in the Fens, while visiting predator anglers bring vital revenue to clubs and businesses in the area.
PAC chairman Colin Goodge said: "This is a way all anglers can be the eyes and ears of the Environment Agency and ensure that the information goes directly to the people who can make use of it.
"We urge anyone to report details of fish being removed to help the EA build up a better picture of where it's going on and who's doing it."
The move comes after both PAC members and bailiffs from the 800-strong King's Lynn Angling Association (KLAA) witnessed a number of incidents of fish being killed and taken from waters including the Great Ouse and Relief Channel this season.
KLAA secretary Ashley Brown said: "We need anglers to be out eyes on the bank. Please report anything, no matter how trivial you may think it is, when it happens not a day or week later so we can target the problem areas.
"The long-term future of KLAA fisheries needs protecting , so we can all enjoy the rivers and drains for years to come."
The number to call with any information is 01480 483023. While the line covers East Anglia for now, a similar initiative may be rolled out nationwide if it proves successful.
Please include as much information as you can in your message and a contact number so an officer can call you back.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Fish theft worse than feared says NAFAC
Fish theft is an even worse problem than previously feared, a survey by the National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) has revealed.
It's now appealing to anglers and angling clubs to send in information to help its survey, to provide more ammunition with which it can lobby the aothorities.
NAFAC National Council member Steve Hellen said: ‘The information we received initially has confirmed how serious a problem fish theft is, and how little is being done by the authorities to tackle it.
"We hope others, not previously involved, will take advantage of this opportunity to comment."
For more information or two take part, click here.
It's now appealing to anglers and angling clubs to send in information to help its survey, to provide more ammunition with which it can lobby the aothorities.
NAFAC National Council member Steve Hellen said: ‘The information we received initially has confirmed how serious a problem fish theft is, and how little is being done by the authorities to tackle it.
"We hope others, not previously involved, will take advantage of this opportunity to comment."
For more information or two take part, click here.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Fish theft warning in Express
The Daily Express has covered the new signs warning foreign anglers against taking fish for the table today. More here.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Daily Mail reports on fish theft campaign
Today's Daily Mail carries a story on the warning posters being distributed by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust in a bid to educate foreign anglers not to remove fish for the table.
Click here to read it.
Click here to read it.
New campaign to warn off fish thieves
Conservation groups have launched a new campaign to stop fish being taken from Britain's lakes and rivers for food.
Foreign migrants from Eastern European countries are feared to be removing large numbers of pike, carp and other species from our waterways.
Many anglers fear lack of enforcement and differing bylaws in different regions have helped a free-for-all to flourish, with little being done to educate foreign anglers about the tradition of returning most fish alive.
Now the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust has launched signs with pictures warning fish should not be stolen, killed or cooked. They are similar to signs already being displayed at waters run by CEMEX Angling.
FACT chairman Jim Glasspool said: “We hope that these simple, new, signs will be used by clubs and fisheries as part of the ongoing education of recent arrivals to this country about our angling tradition of returning coarse fish."
Similar signs warn of the dangers of disposing of unwanted plants or non-native species, such as aquarium or pond fish which have outgrown their surroundings.
The first 5,000 posters have been sponsored by the Angling Trades Association (ATA).
Its chairman Sean O’Driscoll said: “I hope that these posters will educate those that are threatening our fish, fisheries and future.”
The campaign is being launched in time for Christmas, when Poles eat a traditional dinner called wigilia, which includes pike and carp dishes.
It has the backing of more than 20 leading angling bodies, representing both game and coarse anglers. They include the PAC, which is making copies available to download on its website.
For more information or to download copies of the posters, click here.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
PAC man catches pike killers red-handed
Foreign immigrants were caught red-handed killing and removing pike from a Fenland drain today.
A PAC member fishing a land drain near Downham Market, Norfolk, saw three men arrive in a marroon Citroen Zsara Picasso as he was packing up after a morning session.
"They pulled a up a few yards from me and started fishing, as soon as they stopped one jumped out with a telescopic rod and started spinning," he said.
"I saw him hook one straight away, he had it on the bank flapping about and my first thought was does he want a hand with that.
"Then I saw him take it around the back of the car wrapped in a rag and shove it in the boot."
Almost immediately, one of the man's friends hooked another pike. It was dragged up the bank and unhooked with the aid of a boot on its head.
By now, the PAC member had called the club bailiff, who lives near the drain. When he arrived minutes later, they went up to confront the men.
"The bailiff got his card out and said this is a private water and you're trespassing and poaching. I'm going to call the police," the PAC man said.
"They said: 'We no speak English, no understand - we just fish.
"The bailiff said they had been seen putting pike in the boot of their car. They pleaded ignorant but as they were putting their gear in I could clearly see the outline of a pike in a plastic bag.
"When I pointed at it, they pushed me out of the way, shut the boot and drove off. There was nothing we could do - we couldn't physically stop them."
Police arrived soon after. One officer said he would have reported the men for trespass and poaching had they got there in time.
As is usual in rural Norfolk, there were just a few police on duty, with a large area to cover.
Police were given the number of the car and descriptions of the men. The PAC will also be passing details of the vehicle to club bailiffs in the area.
PAC chairman Colin Goodge said: "We'd urge people to phone the EA and police prior to approaching them. If you can hold a conversation with them and keep them there, the more chance there is of catching them."
A number of other incidents have been reported across the Fens this weekend, hours after ministers announced immigrants would be given welcome packs advising them on cultural differences, including a warning not to take fish for food.
A PAC member fishing a land drain near Downham Market, Norfolk, saw three men arrive in a marroon Citroen Zsara Picasso as he was packing up after a morning session.
"They pulled a up a few yards from me and started fishing, as soon as they stopped one jumped out with a telescopic rod and started spinning," he said.
"I saw him hook one straight away, he had it on the bank flapping about and my first thought was does he want a hand with that.
"Then I saw him take it around the back of the car wrapped in a rag and shove it in the boot."
Almost immediately, one of the man's friends hooked another pike. It was dragged up the bank and unhooked with the aid of a boot on its head.
By now, the PAC member had called the club bailiff, who lives near the drain. When he arrived minutes later, they went up to confront the men.
"The bailiff got his card out and said this is a private water and you're trespassing and poaching. I'm going to call the police," the PAC man said.
"They said: 'We no speak English, no understand - we just fish.
"The bailiff said they had been seen putting pike in the boot of their car. They pleaded ignorant but as they were putting their gear in I could clearly see the outline of a pike in a plastic bag.
"When I pointed at it, they pushed me out of the way, shut the boot and drove off. There was nothing we could do - we couldn't physically stop them."
Police arrived soon after. One officer said he would have reported the men for trespass and poaching had they got there in time.
As is usual in rural Norfolk, there were just a few police on duty, with a large area to cover.
Police were given the number of the car and descriptions of the men. The PAC will also be passing details of the vehicle to club bailiffs in the area.
PAC chairman Colin Goodge said: "We'd urge people to phone the EA and police prior to approaching them. If you can hold a conversation with them and keep them there, the more chance there is of catching them."
A number of other incidents have been reported across the Fens this weekend, hours after ministers announced immigrants would be given welcome packs advising them on cultural differences, including a warning not to take fish for food.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Cultural differences lie behind fish thefts
The opening of European borders and the subsequent influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe is said to have led to a significant rise in the number of fish thefts from commercial coarse fisheries in England and Wales, according to a new survey carried out by The Professional Coarse Fisheries Association (PCFA).
According to the survey of 60 commercial coarse fishery owners, the first of its kind to be carried out in the UK, over half of those questioned said they believed they suffer from the theft of fish from their waters. The majority of these are believed to be as a result of an increase in the number of anglers from Eastern European countries, where it is common practice to eat coarse fish such as carp.
More from FACT here.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thieves are spearing fish for food - claim
Carp worth thousands have been speared on a club water in the North East.
Anglers have found their filleted remains in the margins at Middleton St George Water Park, near Darlington.
They believe the fish have been stalked and shot with a spear gun.More here.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Question mark for pikers over minister's pledge
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw is pledging to improve fisheries by bringing in parts of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries review using so-called Secondary Legislation.
But while there are suddenly some eye-catching headlines about issues like cracking down on fish theft, there's a big question mark over other areas of the review which weren't exactly sympathetic as far as pike fishing's concerned, such as the powers to impose livebait bans in so-called sensitive areas.
Secondary legislation gives the minister powers to impose new controls on an activity where the benefits can be shown to outweigh the added burden to those taking part. That means laws can be amended and tweaked with little in the way of consultation.
It's a worrying time for pike anglers everywhere, we'll bring you more when we have it.
Story here.
But while there are suddenly some eye-catching headlines about issues like cracking down on fish theft, there's a big question mark over other areas of the review which weren't exactly sympathetic as far as pike fishing's concerned, such as the powers to impose livebait bans in so-called sensitive areas.
Secondary legislation gives the minister powers to impose new controls on an activity where the benefits can be shown to outweigh the added burden to those taking part. That means laws can be amended and tweaked with little in the way of consultation.
It's a worrying time for pike anglers everywhere, we'll bring you more when we have it.
Story here.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Fish thieves will face tougher fines, pledge
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has pledged the government will tackle the problem of fish being taken wholesale for the pot by migrant workers.
Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Reading West MP and keen angler Martin Salter, he also said the findings of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review , which has been in the political long grass for some time, would be enacted via "secondary legislation".
While Mr Salter heralds this and the annual fisheries debate, which took place on Thursday, as a step forward, the status of proposals to give the EA powers to ban livebaiting in sensitive areas remain unclear.
Click here for a report of the exchange between Mr Bradshaw and Mr Salter.
While most of Thursday's fisheries debate concerned sea fisheries and the sustainability of fish stocks, Mr Salter made a lengthy speech about recreational freshwater fishing.
If you click here and scroll down the debate to 4.45pm you can read it without having to wade through all the other largely irrelevant stuff.
Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Reading West MP and keen angler Martin Salter, he also said the findings of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review , which has been in the political long grass for some time, would be enacted via "secondary legislation".
While Mr Salter heralds this and the annual fisheries debate, which took place on Thursday, as a step forward, the status of proposals to give the EA powers to ban livebaiting in sensitive areas remain unclear.
Click here for a report of the exchange between Mr Bradshaw and Mr Salter.
While most of Thursday's fisheries debate concerned sea fisheries and the sustainability of fish stocks, Mr Salter made a lengthy speech about recreational freshwater fishing.
If you click here and scroll down the debate to 4.45pm you can read it without having to wade through all the other largely irrelevant stuff.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Fish theft warning posters in 11 languages
If you click this link, you can download and print off posters in 11 different languages which carry the following warning from the Environment Agency about fish theft:
FISHING?
Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon,
trout, freshwater fish or eels in England or Wales must
have a valid Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence.
• Rod Licences are available from every Post Office in
England & Wales. Failure to produce a valid licence could
result in prosecution and a fine of up to £2500.
• A Rod Licence does not give you permission to fish,
therefore you also need the permission from the owner of
the water before you start fishing.
• A rod licence does not give you the right to take fish from
any water. This will depend on local byelaws and you must
have permission from the owner of the water where you are
fishing. Anybody caught taking fish without permission is
liable to be prosecuted under the Theft Act.
Fishing Close Seasons (months when fishing is NOT
permitted)
• Fishing close seasons exist on all rivers and streams in the
UK. The times of these close seasons vary locally and you
are advised to contact your local Environment Agency
office for more details. For canals and stillwaters – this
includes all lakes and ponds - you must contact the owner
to check if there is a close season on their waters.
Please call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506
for more details if you are unsure of the close seasons
on any
FISHING?
Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon,
trout, freshwater fish or eels in England or Wales must
have a valid Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence.
• Rod Licences are available from every Post Office in
England & Wales. Failure to produce a valid licence could
result in prosecution and a fine of up to £2500.
• A Rod Licence does not give you permission to fish,
therefore you also need the permission from the owner of
the water before you start fishing.
• A rod licence does not give you the right to take fish from
any water. This will depend on local byelaws and you must
have permission from the owner of the water where you are
fishing. Anybody caught taking fish without permission is
liable to be prosecuted under the Theft Act.
Fishing Close Seasons (months when fishing is NOT
permitted)
• Fishing close seasons exist on all rivers and streams in the
UK. The times of these close seasons vary locally and you
are advised to contact your local Environment Agency
office for more details. For canals and stillwaters – this
includes all lakes and ponds - you must contact the owner
to check if there is a close season on their waters.
Please call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506
for more details if you are unsure of the close seasons
on any
New NFA guidance on fish theft
The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) today issued guidance to anglers and those who run fisheries about fish theft.
It includes a helpful form you can use to log the kind of information which may be of use to the Environment Agency and other authorities in mounting a prosecution.
It includes a helpful form you can use to log the kind of information which may be of use to the Environment Agency and other authorities in mounting a prosecution.
You can read and print of the form by clicking here.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Fish thieves flee when caught red-handed
PAC member Mark Thomas disturbed eastern European fish thieves in the act as they plundered a river near his home in Northants.
Taking his dog for a walk along the bank, he saw two men behaving suspiciously near the water.
"They were acting a bit strange so I stopped and asked them what they were doing down here as it's not somewhere you find people hanging around," he said.
"They were both wet up to their knees and had a few black bags with them.
"They acted as if they didn't understand me, when I identified myself as a club ticket holder and asked them to show me what was in the bags, they ran off."
The bin bags contained about 10 jacks and some perch of around a pound. When Mark looked along the bank, he found set lines baited with worms, fish and even bacon rind.
"I phoned the secretary of the club and left a message and contacted the local police station," he went on.
"But yes, you've guessed it - they did not want to know. And the EA reckon fish theft is not a problem.
"I know these people have to eat and I also know that its OK to take fish in their own countries but they need educating and showing its not the way we do things here.
"When are the people in charge of this country realise we have to look after our land and our countryside now - not when it's too late."
The PAC advises all members to store the EA's 24/7 Emergency Hotline number on their mobiles and use it to report all suspicious activity on our riverbanks. It's free to call on 0800 807060.
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