14-Jun-2006
- North-east anglers caught fishing without a
valid rod licence will face tough penalties including
fines and bans.
The warning comes from the Environment
Agency, which during May 2006 prosecuted 53 anglers
across its North East region for fishing without
a licence, resulting in fines totaling £2,478
and court costs of £3,365.
The statistics are a result
of the first nationwide blitz of the fishing season
by Environment Agency bailiffs, with over 400
illegal fishermen being prosecuted across England
and Wales.
“Fishing without a licence is
an offence and anyone caught fishing illegally
faces a tough penalty,” says fisheries enforcement
team leader Kevin Summerson.
“People who fish without a licence
are cheating the system and their fellow anglers.
Around £19 million is raised each year through
rod licences and invested in fisheries work benefiting
all anglers, fish stocks and waterside environments.
We expect yet more prosecutions following the
June blitz.”
Last year, more than 4,600 anglers
paid almost £600,000 in fines and costs
for fishing without a rod licence.
Some anglers believe a licence
is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
This is not the case. All rod licences expire
on March 31. So, if you have taken a break from
fishing to watch the World Cup remember to check
your licence is valid before going back to the
riverbank.
Buying one couldn’t be easier.
There are around 15,000 Post Offices and other
outlets which sell them direct, or they can be
purchased over the phone (0870 166 2662) or from
the Environment Agency’s website - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.
Alexandra Wales
