Hi Guys,
Found this (now historic) press release from the E.A. - it makes interesting reading and illistrates clearly that if the E.A. considered breaking a law they are 'obliged' to enforce. It would certainly remove some of the arguements that no one cares/checks/'its not fair Miss! - they can go course fishing on the rivers.
Environment Agency News Release
On 30 March 2007, Keiron Moss (24) of Anson Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, was found guilty in his absence by Worcester Magistrates Court of using prohibited hooks and bait during the coarse fishing close season. He was fined a total of £150 and asked to pay £150 costs.
The court heard that in June 2006 the Environment Agency mounted boat patrols of the Rivers Severn and Avon, following reports of illegal fishing during the coarse fish close season.
On the 10 June 2006, Environment Agency Fisheries and Recreation Officers witnessed Keiron Moss fishing on the River Severn at Upton upon Severn. Mr Moss informed the officers that he was fishing for eels, which is permitted during the coarse fishing close season. When asked to reel in his lines, the two rods that were in use had small hooks, size 12-14 baited with maggots, which are not permitted in the close season.
Speaking after the case, John Andrews, Fisheries and Recreation Technical Officer said: "People think they can get away with close season fishing because they are out of sight of a road or path. We see a few surprised faces when anglers see us in the boat. The close season gives river life a chance to recover in the spring. Nowadays, there are plenty of opportunities for people to fish year round on canals and still-waters, so there is no excuse".
ref:
Closed Season prosecution
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No fishing in rivers, streams and drains .
The Environment Agency is reminding anglers in Lincolnshire that the closed season for fishing has begun. This warning is issued as the closed season begins.
Closed season, which protects spawning fish, started on March 15 and runs until June 15 inclusive making it illegal to fish in any river, stream or drain during this period. Environment Agency fisheries bailiffs will be on patrol and anyone caught breaking the law faces a potential fine of up to £2,500.
The first few days of the closed season saw several reports of illegal activity, especially in urban areas such as Spalding, Lincoln and Northampton. On the first day there were several reports of illegal activity, with the Spalding area – the Rivers Glen and Welland, Vernatts Drain and Coronation Channel - proving to be hotspots, along with other urban areas.
In the Grimsby area Environment Agency officers are focusing on the River Freshney, and in particular the stretch between the Riverhead and Laceby Acres.
Roger Ferguson, Environment Officer at the Environment Agency, Lincoln, said awareness needed raising about the closed season, a legal requirement under the Salmon And Freshwater Fisheries Act.
He said: ‘Nobody admits they know about closed season, they know there is one but not when the dates are. We have put signs up at waters where we have had offences in the past and work with fishing tackle suppliers to educate people.’
And he warned anglers who flout the law they would be caught: ‘If you do fish illegally, you will get reeled in by the bailiffs.’
Members of the public are asked to report all illegal fishing between these dates by calling the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
Source: Environment Agency Fishing News
ref:
No fishing in rivers, streams and drains: fishing closed season
---------- Post added at 23:14 ---------- Previous post was at 23:11 ----------
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PHONE THE E.A. Its is true that not everyone will be caught etc. However, if a pattern of behaviour is picked up and a problem is identified in a region/river (the Derwent Boys won't like that
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