13/07/2005 - The Environment
Agency is investigating a report of illegal
sea trout fishing in Sheerness, Kent after
receiving calls from members of the public.
The Environment Agency's Kent Area Fisheries
team attended the site at Sheerness after
receiving a report last Sunday (10 July 2005)
about the illegal capture of sea trout around
the coast of Sheerness. Environment Agency
Water Bailiffs took statements from witnesses
and seized a net found at the location. Further
investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In Kent, under the Salmon and Freshwater
Fisheries Act 1975, it is illegal to fish
for salmon and sea trout using nets or any
other instrument other than a licenced rod
and line. Environment Agency Water Bailiffs
carry out regular patrols of Kent’s estuaries
and coastline and have jurisdiction up to
6 miles out to sea. Water Bailiffs have the
power to stop and search any boat or vessel
that they suspect could contain illegally
caught fish. The Environment Agency can seize
any equipment, vessel or vehicle used in contravention
of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act
1975.
Chris Conroy, Environment Agency Kent Area
Fisheries Technical Specialist, said:
"In this area the populations of salmon
and sea trout are extremely delicate. They
are particularly vulnerable as they migrate
around the coast and through estuaries towards
spawning grounds in rivers. An adult female
sea trout may carry as many as 1,500 eggs
per kilogram of body weight so the loss of
even one fish to illegal fishing could have
a major impact on future populations."
"We take any reports of the illegal
capture or handling of salmon or sea trout
very seriously and carry out patrols on both
land and sea in order to protect these precious
fish. People should not profit from the destruction
of the environment."
Anyone found trading illegally in salmon
or sea trout risks fines of more than £2,500
or imprisonment if convicted. The Environment
Agency urges anyone who is approached with
the offer of trout, wild caught sea trout
or salmon to make sure that the fish has been
obtained from a legitimate source before buying.
If in doubt contact the Environment Agency
24-hour hotline number immediately on 0800
80 70 60.
