14/03/2006 - The Environment
Agency is warning anglers in Kent that they
risk fines of up to £2,500 if they
fail to obey the annual coarse fish close
season. The close season is in place to
protect coarse fish during the sensitive
breeding time.
Under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries
Act (1975), it is an offence to fish for
coarse fish or eels on all rivers, streams,
drains and waters within Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSIs), unless exempted,
during the close season. This runs from
15 March 2006 to 15 June 2006 inclusive.
Anglers can still fish the majority of lakes,
ponds and reservoirs where the close season
does not apply.
The Environment Agency will respond to
reports of people fishing illegally in the
close season. Fisheries Officers will also
patrol watercourses in Kent to make sure
that anglers obey the law.
Jon Whitmore, Kent Fisheries Team Leader,
said:
"It is essential that people obey
the close season - it is there to protect
fish from the impacts of angling during
the critical breeding time and will help
make sure we can preserve fish stocks for
the future.
"Our Fisheries Officers will be on
patrol during this time to make sure that
anglers respect the regulations. We will
not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught
fishing illegally."
Anyone who witnesses fishing on streams,
rivers, drains and specified SSSI designated
waters during the close season, or other
illegal or suspicious activity should contact
the Environment Agency immediately on 0800
80 70 60.
