 | Operation CLAMPDOWN 5 has swung into action as the sport tries to stamp out illegal fishing in the closed season. With the rivers and numerous stillwaters shut between March 14th and June 16th, the Angling Trust’s Voluntary Bailiff Service will be out in force to prevent rule |
out in force to prevent rule breakers. And with 324 bailiffs now signed up, the blitz will be bigger than ever!
During Operation CLAMPDOWN 5, the volunteers will be reporting any suspicious activity to the Environment Agency – and police if illegal fishing on private waters is spotted.
Offenders face a hefty penalty if convicted as the maximum fine for fishing illegally during the close season is £50,000.
Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “People who illegally fish waters covered by the statutory close season are cheating the angling community. The majority of anglers, who fish legally, rightly demand that we take action to catch offenders.
“Our enforcement officers, supported by Angling Trust voluntary bailiffs, will be targeting illegal fishing again this year and anyone caught can expect a significant fine. We urge anyone spotting illegal fishing to report it as quickly as possible by calling our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
Chief Inspector Martin Sims, Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, said:”I have been personally involved training some of the Volunteer Bailiffs and have really enjoyed getting involved. What they will add is further resilience to the Environment Agency in ensuring people do not break the law, providing eyes and ears along our rivers and streams while they are off limits throughout the coarse close season. I commend all partners for getting this scheme off the ground and look forward to working with the Volunteer Bailiffs.”
Dilip Sarkar MBE, Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager and a retired West Mercia Police officer, said: “This annual multi-agency operation is an important one, providing an ideal opportunity for all partners to work together to protect fish and fisheries. Our volunteers are trained to report incidents and information to a high evidential standard, contributing to the intelligence-led system, and are essential to this process. We are grateful to each and every one.”
The Voluntary Bailiff Service is currently recruiting more volunteers all over the country. If you are interested please email [email protected] for more information.
Offenders face a hefty penalty if convicted as the maximum fine for fishing illegally during the close season is £50,000.
Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “People who illegally fish waters covered by the statutory close season are cheating the angling community. The majority of anglers, who fish legally, rightly demand that we take action to catch offenders.
“Our enforcement officers, supported by Angling Trust voluntary bailiffs, will be targeting illegal fishing again this year and anyone caught can expect a significant fine. We urge anyone spotting illegal fishing to report it as quickly as possible by calling our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
Chief Inspector Martin Sims, Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, said:”I have been personally involved training some of the Volunteer Bailiffs and have really enjoyed getting involved. What they will add is further resilience to the Environment Agency in ensuring people do not break the law, providing eyes and ears along our rivers and streams while they are off limits throughout the coarse close season. I commend all partners for getting this scheme off the ground and look forward to working with the Volunteer Bailiffs.”
Dilip Sarkar MBE, Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager and a retired West Mercia Police officer, said: “This annual multi-agency operation is an important one, providing an ideal opportunity for all partners to work together to protect fish and fisheries. Our volunteers are trained to report incidents and information to a high evidential standard, contributing to the intelligence-led system, and are essential to this process. We are grateful to each and every one.”
The Voluntary Bailiff Service is currently recruiting more volunteers all over the country. If you are interested please email [email protected] for more information.
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