13/05/2005 - Environment
Agency Officers in Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight reported 19 anglers fishing without
a rod licence or failing to produce one
on the bank over the May Bank Holiday Weekend
(30 April – 2 May 2005).
The Environment Agency is reminding anglers
that water bailiffs are out in force and
rod licence evaders face hefty penalties
if caught. Fishing without a licence is
an offence under the Salmon and Freshwater
Fisheries Act 1975. Those caught fishing
illegally could face tough penalties, including
fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from
fishing.
Over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, Environment
Agency Officers in Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight made 20 visits to fisheries and
carried out licence checks on 331 anglers.
19 individuals were reported for failing
to produce licences or admitting to having
no licence.
Adrian Saunders Environment Agency’s Fisheries,
Recreation and Biodiversity Team Leader
for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said:
"People who fish without a licence
are cheating the system and their fellow
anglers. All rod licence money gets ploughed
back into fisheries work which benefits
all anglers, fish stocks and the waterside
environment so we will continue vigorously
with our blitz programme to bring rod licence
evasion down and safeguard this essential
income.
"We are better equipped than ever.
With access to databases at the switch of
a mobile phone, enforcement officers can
verify address and licence details – including
whether they purchased a licence the previous
year. All this makes catching licence evaders
an easier process so it’s just not worth
taking a chance"."
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 (0870 1662662) or from our
web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish
Members of the public who see illegal fishing
should immediately contact the Environment
Agency 24 hour hotline, free on 0800 80
70 60.
