Fishing News and Articles - Whats happening in the fishing and angling world, including fishing prosecutions

Fish take dip in local pool

16th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

More than 300 carp had to be temporarily re-homed in a local leisure park swimming pool following an incident at a lake at Little Ranch Leisure Caravan Park at Begdale, near Wisbech.

Environment Agency fisheries officers were called out following a report of about 200 dead fish on Friday evening. They took a water sample for chemical analysis to try to find out the cause.

Tests revealed the water had high salinity levels which has been known to lead to the presence of the alga, Prymnesium, which can produce a toxin lethal to fish.

Paul Wilkanowski, ecological appraisal officer, said: ‘Acting quickly was key to preventing the death of more fish in Begdale and we were able to identify the cause of this incident very quickly.’

The lake was dosed with hydrogen peroxide to kill the alga and prevent any further release of toxins. Further tests a few days later showed that the Prymnesium had in fact been killed by the chemical.

The carp have now been returned to the lake and discussions are taking place regarding the re-opening of the lake for fishing.

Paul added: ‘Anyone who sees dead fish, fish in distress, or pollution in our rivers and streams should call our emergency hotline number as soon as you can.

‘In this case, it was the swift action of our officers that saved the carp, but the story could very easily have been different.’

Environment Agency emergency hotline number 0800 80 70 60.

Eel poacher ordered to surrender boat

14th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Eel poacher ordered to surrender boat

A Gloucestershire man has been ordered to forfeit his boat and fishing equipment after being caught fishing for elvers using illegal nets and without a licence.

David Sparkes, 24, of Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty at Gloucester Magistrates’ Court to two charges relating to illegal fishing for elvers on the River Severn. The charges were brought by the Environment Agency under the National Eel Fishing Byelaws 2004.

Mr Sparkes was fined £250 and ordered to pay costs of £250. In addition to this, a Forfeit Order was made in respect of the boat and associated equipment used by Sparkes.

For the Environment Agency, Kiran Cassini told the court that the trade in elvers (or glass eels) is very lucrative, fetching up to £250 per kilogramme.

Fishing for elvers is strictly controlled to safeguard stocks of adult eels that have declined in recent years. Fishermen must obtain an Environment Agency licence and can only use hand-operated dip nets up to a certain size. The Environment Agency carries out regular inspections of the elver fishery on the River Severn, to ensure that anglers both possess a valid licence, and are operating legally in the area.

On the 21 February 2008 Environment Agency officers observed Mr Sparkes’ boat being launched from Weir Green and travel downstream. There Mr Sparkes was observed operating two nets from his boat. Upon inspection by Environment Agency Water Bailiffs, Mr Sparkes was found to have caught elvers, although he did not have a licence to do so.

Speaking after the case Bill Burleigh, an Environment Agency officer involved in the investigation said: “Fishing for elvers in this way is not only illegal but it is severely damaging to the eel stocks. Many elver fishermen fish legally on the River Severn, but to do so from a boat using these methods shows a total disregard for fellow fishermen, the law and the future of this species.“

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Prompt call saves fish

6th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Environment Officers were the first on site and immediately carried out investigations to see if pollution was the cause of distress to the fish. After a thorough investigation, the cause was put down to natural causes following low pressure during intense thunderstorms which removed oxygen from the water.

Environment Agency Fisheries Officers used oxygenating equipment to increase the oxygen levels, and follow up checks the next day found the oxygen levels had returned to normal.

It was estimated more than five hundred fish were killed, with Roach, Pike and Perch being some of the affected species.

Moreton’s Leam is located in the Nene Washes, in north Cambridgeshire, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is a habitat for the Spined Loach fish, although none were seen in the mortalities.

The incident happened on 8 September 2008, at Moreton’s Leam, Whittlesey.

Anyone who sees dead fish, fish in distress, or pollution in our rivers and streams should call the Environment Agency emergency hotline number on 0800 80 70 60 as quickly as possible rather than leaving it to the end of the day, or worse the next day. This will ensure a quick response in dealing with the incident.

Members of the public can also report pollution incidents on the same 24 hour emergency hotline.

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Elver fisherman fined for flouting byelaws

2nd October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Elver fisherman fined for flouting byelaws

A Bridgwater man was today fined for illegally fishing for elvers on the River Tone in Somerset in a bid to boosts his catch. Garry Roberts was fined £300 and ordered to pay £200 costs in a case brought by the Environment Agency.

On March 8, 2008 Agency officers were checking fishing licences on the River Tone near Burrowbridge when they discovered what they believed to be an oversized net near Hook Bridge.

When measured it was 1.58 metres long instead of 1.25 metres as required.

Garry Roberts, of Hog House Farm, Wembdon, Bridgwater, was cautioned and had his net seized.

Elver fishermen are only permitted to use dip nets up to a certain size. Each net must be hand held and not fixed in any way.

Any net that is oversized gives a fisherman an unfair advantage and enables him to catch more than his fair share of elvers that currently fetch around £250 per kilogram.

‘The Environment Agency will not tolerate illegal fishing. The defendant’s actions were financially motivated and detrimental to both the environment and law abiding fishermen,’ said Richard Dearnley for the Agency.

Appearing before Bridgwater magistrates, Garry Roberts was fined and had his net destroyed after pleading guilty to two offences under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and National Eel Fishing Byelaws 2004

New fish species found in the Thames Estuary

2nd October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

New fish species found in the Thames Estuary

The Environment Agency and the Zoological Society of London have uncovered a new species of fish in the tidal Thames - the Greater Weever – one of an astonishing 125 species of fish known to be found in the river.

The Greater Weever, a predatory fish, can grow to a length of half a metre and has venomous spines on its back and was discovered last week as part of a two year, joint monitoring programme looking at fish populations in the tidal Thames.

The new find will bring the total recorded number of fish species in the Thames Estuary up to a grand total of 125. The 125 species listed have been caught in the tidal Thames between Fulham and Tilbury since 1964. A number of the species listed are resident within the estuary, with others being considered occasional visitors or simply passing through into the freshwater Thames.

During this two year study over 60 species of fish have been recorded, including commercially important species such as Sole, Cod, Sea Bass and Thornback Ray. Unusual species such as the Short-Snouted Seahorse and John Dory have also been recorded. In addition, conservation species such as the Twaite Shad, European Eel and River Lamprey have been recorded.

The Thames estuary is under huge pressures, including new development, dredging, cargo vessel traffic and commercial fishing. Data gathered by the Environment Agency and the Zoological Society of London from monitoring programmes such as this one provide vital information for detecting changes in fish populations.

Environment Agency Fishery Officer Emma Barton said: “The diversity and abundance of fish is an excellent indicator of the health of the Thames estuary. Long-term monitoring provides us with vital information that helps shape the way we manage future development on the estuary.”

Matthew Gollock, Zoological Society of London’s Thames Conservation Project Manager, said: “Heavy pollution in the Thames estuary once left the waterway devoid of fish species. However, the discovery of this new species and the blossoming diversity of fish are hugely indicative of the renaissance of the estuary.

“The Zoological Society of London’s partnership with the Environment Agency will help us to understand much more about the distribution and behaviour of the many species and, in the long term, help us to maintain and conserve the estuary, and increase its biodiversity.”

The Greater Weever can grow up to 50cm in length, though the specimen recorded in the survey was just 20cm long. Greater Weever fish are believed to feed on small invertebrates and fish. Both the Greater Weever and its close relative the Lesser Weever, are venomous, with spines on their backs near the gills.

Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. ZSL runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation in over thirty countries worldwide. www.zsl.org

The Tidal Thames Conservation Project (TTCP) aims to monitor and conserve habitats and species associated with the Thames Estuary, and is a part of ZSL’s Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme,

ZSL’s TTCP and the Environment Agency have collaborated on a number of projects including the present population surveys, and monitoring of eel returns in the estuary and its associated catchment.

The Environment Agency has a duty to protect and enhance the environment. As part of this duty, we are working towards the protection of estuaries, which are critical for migratory fish and nurseries for juvenile fish.

The Environment Agency work in various ways to protect and enhance fisheries in the Thames Estuary:

A comprehensive biannual survey programme at sites along the Tidal Thames using various techniques, including trawling and seine netting, helps to monitor juvenile fish stocks.
Influencing riverside development and planning processes, to take into account the sensitive foreshore areas.
Enhancing new and existing flood defence walls so that they include benefits for fish and biodiversity.
Where the Environment Agency has direct responsibility, to conduct regulation and enforcement to promote sustainable exploitation, whilst minimising the impact on the environment.
Championing increased access for sea and freshwater angling in an urban environment.

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A Taunton man has been fined £1,000

25th September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Elver fisherman banned for using illegal net

A Taunton man has been fined £1,000 and banned from elver fishing for three years after he was caught fishing illegally on the River Parrett in Somerset.

Keith Gould told magistrates he had fallen victim to the ‘credit crunch’ and needed to earn some extra money. Environment Agency bailiffs caught him using an illegal fixed net at Huntworth Lane near Bridgwater.

An elver dip net should only be operated by hand. Environment Agency officers saw that Gould had attached a rope and float to his net and fixed the net handle to the riverbank using a stake.

The net was immediately seized by bailiffs.

A net used in this way is known as a ‘fixed engine’ and gives a fisherman an unfair advantage over law-abiding fishermen. Eel numbers have declined in recent years and it is important stocks are not over-fished.

Gould, of 2 Valley Road, Taunton was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £350 costs by Bridgwater Magistrates on Wednesday (September 24) after pleading guilty to fishing for elvers on the River Parrett without a licence on April 19, 2008, an offence under Section 27 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. He was also disqualified from holding an elver licence for three years and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Visibly angered by the penalty, Gould stormed out of the court building shouting abuse at magistrates, court officers and Environment Agency staff.

‘Illegal fishing enables people to catch more than their fair share of elvers. It harms the environment by removing food for creatures such as otters and kingfishers and is unfair to law-abiding elver fishermen. We will not tolerate fixed nets and will prosecute anyone we catch using them on the River Parrett,’ said Richard Dearnley for the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency regularly inspects the elver fishery on the River Parrett. Fishermen pay £69 a year for a licence. Dip nets are used to catch elvers – baby eels – as they enter freshwater after their journey from the Sargasso Sea. Elver fishing can be lucrative. In 2005 the price of elvers reached £525 per kilogram. They currently fetch around £200 per kilogram.

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Fish remains polluted ditch - Invertebrates eliminated

23rd September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Fat and solid fish remains were discharged into a watercourse running alongside the premises of The Sustainable Fish Company in Pymoor, in April 2008 Ely Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tues).

The company told investigators that they had not realised it was a problem and had been carrying on the practice since July 2007. They were fined £2,500 and ordered to pay full costs of £3,287.

Mrs Anne-Lise McDonald, prosecuting, told the court that there had been a significant effect on the ecology of the ditch into which a pipe had been discharging and the waste liquid had caused ‘an almost total elimination of invertebrates’ along the length of it.

‘The ditch was filled with a thick off-white substance which consisted of fish skin, fish flesh, fish scales and debris from internal organs of fish,’ said Mrs McDonald.

The Sustainable Fish Company processes and guts fish at Pymoor before boxing them and selling them on to customers. The gutting machine has an interceptor and the solid material collected is removed to a skip with the liquid waste going down a drain in the floor, into the rainwater drain in the yard and into the ditch.

Company bosses did not realise the system was a problem and thought that as the solid waste was being captured, the remaining liquid would not be a problem.

Since the Environment Agency discovered the offence the company has changed its practices so that the waste liquid is now collected in a cess pit before being tankered away.

After the hearing Environment Agency officer Dr Euan Simpson said: ‘This pollution was completely avoidable had the company installed the correct infrastructure before setting up the fish farming operation. The case highlights the need for all companies to consider options for trade effluent disposal particularly in areas lying outside the sewer network.’

The Sustainable Fish Company Ltd pleaded guilty to:

On or before 2 April 2008 you did cause poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter controlled waters, namely a tributary of the Hundred Foot Drain at Straight Furlong, Pymoor, Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Contrary to section 85(1) and section 85(6) Water Resources Act 1991

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Research sheds light on impacts of flood on fish

23rd September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Rivers disconnected from their floodplains could be having serious consequences for fish and other river life according to a new Environment Agency report.

Using state-of-the-art telemetric tagging systems the Environment Agency has investigated what happens to coarse fish like roach, chub and dace in floods and high river flows and found that the disconnection of rivers from their natural floodplains has serious consequences for aquatic life.

Dr Graeme Peirson, a senior fisheries scientist at the Environment Agency, said:

“Many lowland rivers in England and Wales have been physically separated from their natural floodplains by the construction of floodbanks to prevent flooding and enable development in agriculture and housing. Our research found that when extreme flooding, like that of summer 2007, occurs and floodbanks overtop, fish and other river life enter the nearby floodplain but can become stranded there when river water recedes.”

“The research also shows that this disconnection of river and floodplain can reduce the overall quality of river habitats, causing problems for spawning fish and juveniles.”

The research team carried out field studies at three locations across England:

Work on the River Ouse in Yorkshire involved collecting young fish from the main river channel, backwaters and areas of water isolated from the main river channel behind floodbanks and using high definition sonar imaging to track their movements. In the summer many of the fish had become trapped in waterbodies created when floodbanks overtopped, and were unable to return to the main river channel.

In the River Roding in Essex, which has been re-stocked following a major pollution in 2003, researchers found that floodplains (both natural and man-made) were being used by a wide range of newly-stocked, hatchery-reared coarse fish as a safe refuge from floods and high river flows.

In the River Trent in Nottinghamshire a number of man-made floodplains showed very similar communities of fish to those found in natural floodplain systems – indicating the benefits of re-creating floodplains that are connected to the river system.

Dr Peirson continued: “The research shows that reconnection of rivers to their natural floodplains or to semi-natural floodplain waterbodies, and re-stocking in appropriate circumstances with farm-reared fish, are both important techniques in achieving a healthy ecosystem.”

“Reconnection of rivers to floodplains is not only good for fish and river life, but can also play a part in reducing flood risk. By allowing high flows from rivers to spill safely into what is a natural part of the river channel, it can help reduce the potential risk of river banks bursting further up stream.”

Research Contractors:

University of Hull International Fisheries Institute: J.D. Bolland and I.G. Cowx

School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham: J.D. Bolland and M.C. Lucas

This project was funded by the Environment Agency’s Science Group, which provides scientific knowledge, tools and techniques to enable us to protect and manage the environment as effectively as possible.

Fishing without a licence costs Derby man over £500

12th September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Derby man, Daniel Johal, aged 20, of Hopwell Road, Derby, was fined a massive £437.50 and ordered to pay costs of £75 and a £15 victim surcharge at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court yesterday for fishing without a licence.

The offence was committed at Riverside Estate, Borrowash, Derby on 10 May 2008.

Speaking after the case, Environment Agency Environmental Crime Team Leader, Peter Rutherford, said: “Anyone fishing inland waters in England and Wales has an obligation to buy a licence. Money raised from licence sales is put straight back into improving the environment for wildlife and anglers. We are delighted the court has imposed this exceptionally high fine. Illegal anglers should realise that our officers are on the riverbank. If anyone is convicted after flouting the law, this fine demonstrates that they will be punished.”

Buying a licence couldn't be easier - there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct, and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone on 0870 1662662 or from our web site - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.

Rod fishing licences
Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales is required by law to have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence. Rod licences differ from permits (often referred to as tickets or day tickets) which give permission to fish a particular water or waters and are issued by fishery owners.

Buy online
You can buy Full, Junior, 8-day and 1-day licences from our web site at www.environment-agency.gov.uk. You can also buy a rod licence from any Post Office in England and Wales, or on our telephone sales line: 0870 1662 662. From March to October the telephone line is open 8 am - 8pm every day, and sells all licence types

Fish poaching duo ordered to surrender boats

12th September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Fish poachers were sent a clear warning today (Friday) after two men were ordered to surrender their boats after being found guilty of stealing a large quantity of fish from a river in Norfolk.

Oleg Stepin, 43 and Gunnar Kaspars, 39, from Aberdeen, Scotland, pleaded guilty at Kings Lynn Magistrates Court to charges relating to the theft of fish from the River Wissey in Norfolk. The two men also pleaded guilty to not having a rod licence and fishing in the closed season, contrary to the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Oleg Stepin pleaded guilty to additional charges of using an unregistered boat and using a gill net* – an unlicensed instrument.

Oleg Stepin was ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his boat, outboard motor and petrol pump, worth around £4,000. Gunnar Kaspars was also ordered to pay costs of £60 and to surrender his dinghy, worth up to £1,000.

Neil Sampson, National Fisheries Enforcement Officer at 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.”

Stepin and Kaspars were caught when a boat owner who was cruising in the area noticed the pair, along with two other men, had set up a camp along the banks of the river and were barbequing fish. The boat owner notified the Norfolk Constabulary and police officers attending the scene found the four men camping with an unregistered boat and a large amount of fishing equipment, including an illegal gill net.

DC Ian Young of the Norfolk Constabulary said: “Following the tip off, our police 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 equipment. 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 is taking an intelligence led approach to tackling illegal fishing by using Intelligence Officers and crime analysts. We can better target our resources to patrol the rivers vulnerable locations and hot spots for illegal activities.

* Gill nets are made of nylon fishing line and are designed to ensnare fish by entangling them in its folds. They are illegal under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act as they cause extensive damage and distress to the fish they catch.

SW NEWS RELEASE: Trail-blazing patrol boat on the crest of a wave!

4th September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Its a lean, mean, hi-tech fisheries enforcement machine! A year after entering service, the Environment Agency’s new patrol vessel, ‘Proteus’, has already proved its worth and is living up to its name.

Based at Teignmouth, the £150,000 rigid inflatable (RIB) is used by the Environment Agency for fisheries enforcement work along the Devon coast including the seizure of illegal nets. With a top speed of 45 knots, Proteus is one of the fastest patrol boats in the country.

Just as Proteus, a Greek ‘god of the sea’, was capable of changing form, its Environment Agency namesake performs a multi-role function and can take on a number of different guises. When its not searching the high sea for illegal nets, the 12.5 m craft can be chartered by other agencies for a variety of maritime enforcement roles.

In the 12 months since it came into service, Proteus has been used by the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA), the Marine & Fisheries Agency and the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate that carries out checks on fishing vessels in the English Channel and Western Approaches.

The craft is equipped with an impressive array of electronic wizardry including radar, echo sounder, track plotter and video camera system. Information displayed on the boat’s ‘master screen’ from navigation and surveillance equipment can be recorded on disc and used in fisheries prosecutions.

Powered by twin 300 hp Mercury diesel engines, the vessel can put to sea day or night. It has a crew of two and can carry up to six people. In addition to fisheries enforcement work, the craft is used to carry out sea water sampling under the EU Water Framework Directive.

‘The new vessel has exceeded expectations and already proved its worth. It is an impressive craft. The improved performance has been achieved without an increase in fuel consumption. In fact, the twin diesels in Proteus are more economical than petrol engines used in our old patrol vessel that was smaller and slower,’ said Derek Clifton, who skippers the craft.

The Environment Agency expects to get at least 10 years use out of the new vessel. Its old fishery patrol boat, Nemesis, has been given a new lease of life with a police forensic team who use it to investigate crime and recover evidence from the sea.

Photos of Proteus are available from the Environment Agency’s regional press office on 01392 442008.

Environment Agency plays host to top anglers as major fishing event comes to Somerset

2nd September 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

More than 600 of the country’s finest anglers will line the River Huntspill, South Drain and Kings Sedgemoor Drain this weekend to compete in the most prestigious event in the angling calendar – the Division One National Championships.

This year’s competition, which takes place on Saturday (6 September), includes no fewer than three world champion anglers who will be among the 63 teams chasing the National Champion title.

Environment Agency staff have been busy preparing the watercourses in time for the top-flight tournament. Excess weed has been removed from river channels and cut-aways created on the banks to form new ‘swims’.

The improvements have been carried out by the Environment Agency’s fishery, recreation and biodiversity team and operations delivery staff who used a special boat for the weed cutting.

The tournament is being staged by the National Federation of Anglers (NFA) in association with the Environment Agency and Bridgwater Angling Association. It is sponsored by the photography company, Pentax.

Dave Lloyd from the Environment Agency said: “The staging of the National Championships in Somerset is a marvellous opportunity for the Environment Agency to demonstrate the work it does to support anglers and protect the environment.

“The National is angling’s Blue Ribbon event attracting the country’s very best fishermen at the pinnacle of the sport. We’ve put in a lot of time and effort to ensure the fishery is in tip top condition so that everything runs smoothly on the day.”

This year, 630 anglers will take to the bank in teams of 10 to compete for the top prize – a place in next year’s World Club Championship. Participants include triple World Champion Matt Godfrey and Under 22 World Champion Callum Dicks. The ladies are also well represented with new World Champion Emma Pickering taking part.

On Sunday (7 September) budding anglers can try their hand at fishing at a ‘Learn to Fish’ day on the River Huntspill. He event is free and open to people of all ages. Families are especially welcome. All equipment will be provided and professional National Federation of Anglers (NFA) coaches available to provide tuition.

The event will be held at Sloway Lane (opposite Laburnum House), West Huntspill on Sunday between 9.30 – 5.00. It is being organised by the Environment Agency in association with the NFA and Bridgwater Angling Association. For further details contact Dave Lloyd at the Environment Agency on 01278 484655.

Environment Agency

South West Regional Office

01392 352233

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Keighley man fined after verbally abusing fisheries officer

29th August 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

A Keighley man who verbally abused an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer was ordered to pay more than £400 after pleading guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence in Bradford Magistrates Court today.

Mark Holmes of 9 Steadings Way, Keighley, was stopped on the 11 April 2008 at Coppice Ponds in Bingley, while getting ready to fish.

Mr Holmes was reported for preparing to fish without a valid rod licence under Section 27(b) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

Unfortunately Mr Holmes also verbally abused the Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement officer and he was also reported for a Section 4 POA 1986 - Public Order.

The matter was originally listed at Bradford Magistrates on 4 August 2008 where the defendant pleaded not guilty to both offences and the matter was adjourned until today.

At the Pre Trial Review in Bradford Magistrates Court today the defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined £330.00 and ordered to pay £75.00 costs and £15.00 victim’s surcharge.

Rod licence money funds new Forest of Dean angling facilities

28th August 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

The Environment Agency has invested £8,000 of rod licence money in new facilities for disabled anglers on the bottom lake at Cannop Ponds, near Lydney in the Forest of Dean.

As well as installing two new spacious and sturdy angling platforms, we improved more than 80 metres of path and 10 metres of boardwalk. The work was carried out by contractors working for the Environment Agency, with co-operation and advice from the land managers, the Forestry Commission.

The path, which is suitable for use by less able-bodied anglers, leads directly from the car-park and allows access to the platforms over what was a jumble of mud and broken stonework.

The platforms reach to the edge of a dense stand of horsetail plants, enabling anglers to cast into deep water. They complement two other platforms which we installed some years ago on the opposite side of the lake. These have stood the test of time well and despite frequent use have not yet required any repair work.

Yorkley Angling Club, which is based at Cannop Ponds, celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year. Day tickets are available to non-members and can be purchased from the tackle shop in Lydney and from the bailiff on the bank.

Environment Agency Fisheries Technical Officer, Alan Bewick, says “This is yet another example of how we use rod licence money to improve the future of angling. Any member of the public can buy a day ticket and take advantage of these new facilities. We’re sure that Yorkley Angling Club and all its anglers will enjoy and make good use of the new platforms and we wish them well in their future activities.”

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence. As well as breaking the law, people who fish without a licence are cheating their fellow anglers by reducing the amount of money we have available to carry out work such as this to benefit the angling community.

Clywedog angling taster sessions a success

28th August 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

During August 2008, around 60 people have taken advantage of the offer of an angling taster session from Environment Agency’s Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team, in partnership with Get Hooked on Fishing (GHOF) and the Llanidloes Angling Association. The sessions were funded by money raised from the sale of rod licences.

Two sessions were held, on the 13 /14 August and 20/21 August, at Clywedog reservoir. The taster sessions were run by qualified angling coaches, who taught the delegates how to cast a fly and how to fish the reservoir. During the evening, people were shown how to tie a fly to fish with.

This is the first year the partnership have worked together to provide this event and it was very successful.

Fisheries Technical Officer, Claire Quigley, says “Fishing taster sessions like these encourage the anglers of the future. This is yet another example of how we use rod licence money to improve the future of angling.

“As well as breaking the law, people who fish without a licence reduce the amount of money we have available to carry out work such as this to benefit the angling community. They are cheating their fellow anglers.”