In May 2012 the Angling Trust and Environment Agency launched the Volunteer Bailiff Scheme.
Piloted in the south east of England for three years before a national roll out volunteers will, initially, be formed into ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ style groups, acting as the Environment Agency’s eyes and ears. If selected, and after further training, volunteers will then have the opportunity to become partially warranted and empowered to inspect rod licences. Further opportunities will become available later in the pilot.
To oversee this project the Angling Trust has announced the appointment of Dilip Sarkar MBE as its first Fishery Enforcement Manager. A retired police officer and lifelong angler, Dilip has first-hand experience of managing a successful fishery on the River Severn; he is a recent former president of the Pike Anglers’ Club of Great Britain and currently a patron of the Predation Action Group.
Dilip said of his new appointment:
“There is no doubt that poaching, fish theft and rod licence evasion are very hot topics in angling currently. The extent of these problems is such, however, that the authorities need our help. Anglers are angling’s greatest resource: we are out there on the banks daily and have enormous local knowledge; by getting involved in this way, we can make a real difference.
I am delighted that my many years’ policing experience can be used for the benefit of angling and look forward to applying myself to this challenging role. I commend both the Angling Trust and Environment Agency for having initiated this project and look forward very much to working with everyone involved – especially our essential volunteers.”
Mike Heylin, Chairman of the Angling Trust, said:
“Having Dilip now lead this project for angling will speed progress towards our ultimate aim , which is to have anglers around the country working with Environment Agency fisheries enforcement teams to provide better protection for our rivers and waterways.
His appointment will also assist in delivering better co-operation between all three enforcement agencies, the Environment Agency, Cefas and the police service, where we are working with the Metropolitan Police on enforcement initiatives in Greater London.”
Adrian Brightley, the Environment Agency’s Project Manager, said:
“The Voluntary Bailiff Scheme illustrates the positive joint working between our organisations – further enhancing some of the initiatives taking place in the South East Region to reduce illegal fishing activity. We welcome Dilip’s appointment – as interest in the scheme continues to grow, this role will contribute greatly to its success.”
