26/01/2005 - A rod licensing
scheme is to be enforced from April 2005 for
those fishing the River Esk in Scotland.
The Environment Agency will implement the
scheme as a statutory requirement. It will
mean that all rod and line anglers using the
river will make an equal contribution to its
upkeep. Currently only those fishing on the
English side of the river need to have a licence.
Environment Agency Fisheries Team Leader
for north Cumbria, Keith Kendal, said: "We
introduced the Border Esk Fisheries Plan last
September and this raised a number of issues
which require a change in approach to the
statutory regulation of the Border Esk fishery.
"The rod licensing system will ensure
that everyone who fishes in the Border Esk
catchment, irrespective of whether they are
in England or Scotland, will be treated equally.
"It will also significantly assist the
Agency in protecting and improving the salmon
fishery and in more accurately and consistently
monitoring the numbers of fish caught along
the whole river.
"A licence to fish along the Esk in
Scotland will be mandatory from 1 April 2005
and is a requirement of the Salmon and Freshwater
Fisheries Act 1975. With Atlantic salmon stocks
in serious decline and now designated as an
endangered species, more robust management
of river fisheries is required."
All revenue raised through licence sales
is used to fund river works such as habitat
improvements, removing obstacles to migration
and increasing angling opportunities.
The introduction of the scheme follows extensive
consultation by the Environment Agency with
the Esk Liddel Improvement Association (ELIA)
which represents the majority of fisheries
interests in the area.
Fisheries plans have been drawn up for all
principal salmon rivers, including the Border
Esk.
The Environment Agency has made arrangements
for licences to be available from all Post
Offices along the Scottish side of the Esk
catchment before 1 April.
Notes
Environment Agency staff make regular checks
on anglers. Anglers convicted of not having
a licence face a fine of up to £2,500.
2005/2006 Rod Licence Prices:
Full Annual Salmon & Sea Trout Licence
£63.50
Concessionary Annual Salmon & Sea Trout
Licence £31.75
(Senior /Disabled)
Junior Annual Salmon & Sea Trout Licence
£31.75
8-day Salmon & Sea Trout Licence £20.00
1-day Salmon & Sea Trout Licence £6.50
These licences allow the angler to fish for
salmon, migratory and non-migratory trout
and coarse fish.
Full Annual Trout & Coarse Licence £23.50
Concessionary Annual Trout & Coarse Licence
£11.75
(Senior/Disabled)
Junior Annual Trout & Coarse Licence £5.00
8-day Trout & Coarse Licence £8.25
1-day Tout & Coarse Licence £3.00
These licences allow the angler to fish for
non-migratory trout and coarse fish only.
Concessionary licences are available to anglers
who are aged over 65, or hold a Blue Badge
parking permit.
Junior concession licences are available
to anglers aged 12-16 inclusive. Anglers under
the age of 12 do not need a licence. Licences
can be purchased in the following ways:
Post Offices - 2005/06 licences will be available
from 17 March 2005. When buying concessionary
licences, proof of age/benefit needs to be
provided.
Telesales - Full and Junior licences can be
purchased over the phone with a credit/debit
card. The number is 08701 662 662. The lines
run from 8am-8pm seven days a week, except
bank holidays.
Internet - All licences, except senior/disabled
concessionary licences can be purchased from
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish
