Panorama
 
 
 
 
 

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SHUTS THE TRAP DOOR ON ILEGAL FISHING


Environmental Panorama
International
August of 2009


The Environment Agency is warning that offenders caught using illegal fish traps on rivers and lakes will be prosecuted

Fisheries enforcement officers are currently targeting known hotspots in the Thames region where traps are reportedly being used for taking fish out of the water. Fish, which include the non-native crayfish, are being illegally trapped and removed for consumption.

Obtaining Environment Agency permission for trapping is essential, as regulating the removal of fish from local waters protects fish stocks from excessive exploitation. Many homemade traps have the potential to reduce populations of native fish species, and can also ensnare other wildlife - including protected species such as water voles and otters.

Andy Strevens, the Environment Agency’s strategic specialist for fisheries, said: ”We rely on the sharp eyes and quick thinking of the general public, and our incident hotline (0800 8070 60) has proved invaluable in providing evidence of illegal fishing. The information provided by callers helps to target resources more efficiently.

“We are now concentrating our resources with the firm intention of challenging those using illegal traps. Our message is: make sure you know the law - obtain consent before trapping or face the consequences.”

Anyone wanting to fish with traps must obtain written consent from the Environment Agency. This is a legal requirement, and the use of unauthorised traps is a criminal offence for which offenders can expect a fine in court. Even taking crayfish, which are deemed a nuisance by many anglers, requires permission from the Environment Agency and landowner.

Enforcement officers will challenge anyone found in possession of trapping equipment to prove that permission has been granted, and will have the right to seize traps deemed illegal.

Clubs or individuals who wish to use fish traps for fisheries management purposes can apply for consent via the Environment Agency or visit our website for more advice.

Applicants can visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ and more information can also be found at http://www.efishbusiness.com/

+ More

Environment Agency stops ship leaving the UK for scrapping

The Environment Agency has taken swift action to stop a tanker ship – the Margaret Hill – from leaving the UK on the suspicion it was due to head abroad for illegal dismantling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07 AUGUST 2009

Vessel detained by Environment Agency in Southampton whilst investigations continue - The Environment Agency has today (Friday) taken swift action to stop a tanker ship – the Margaret Hill – from leaving the UK on the suspicion it was due to head abroad for illegal dismantling. This is the first time these powers have been used to stop a ship from leaving a UK port.

Late on Wednesday 5 August, the Environment Agency was made aware of concerns regarding the proposed sailing of the Margaret Hill, a 50,700-tonne liquid natural gas tanker, currently docked in Southampton. Information suggested the ship, which is likely to contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, may be destined for dismantling at an undisclosed facility abroad.

Under international law, anyone intending to send a waste ship from England and Wales abroad for dismantling must first obtain permission from the Environment Agency and our equivalent regulators in the proposed destination country.

Waste ships containing hazardous materials can only be dismantled at properly authorised dismantling facilities in either the EU or an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country. They cannot be sent to dismantling facilities in countries outside the EU or OECD such as India or Bangladesh.

As the Environment Agency has not received nor approved any application to export the Margaret Hill, it has used its powers to put a temporary stop on the export of the ship to prevent any potential contravention of the rules on waste exports.

Liz Parkes, Head of Waste and Resource Management at the Environment Agency, said:

“Prompt investigation carried out by Environment Agency officers using the intelligence provided by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has ensured that this ship does not leave the UK until we are clear about what is happening to it.

“We are continuing our discussions with those involved, including the finance company who recently took possession of the ship, to establish what is happening to it and to make them aware of the procedures that must be followed if they intend the ship to be exported for recycling.

“There are rules in place to ensure waste ships do not end up in developing countries, and cause damage to people and the environment. The Environment Agency will only give permission for a waste ship to be exported if it is going to an authorised recycling site in a country that wants to accept it and has necessary agreements in place.”

ENDS

Spokespeople are available for interview on request from the Press Office.

Media enquiries: 020 7863 8710 or outside normal office hours, please contact the National Duty Press Officer on 07798 882 092.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Stop notices have been issued to four parties who have control over the movement of the ship – the harbourmaster at Associated British Port of Southampton, Fortress Investment Group (UK) Ltd, V Ships UK Ltd and the master of the vessel Margaret Hill.

A list of the OECD countries can be found at www.oecd.org/countrieslist/0,3351,en_33873108_33844430_1_1_1_1_1,00.html.

For more information about the rules on exporting waste see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32447.aspx.

 
 

Source: Environment Agency – United Kingdom
Press consultantship
All rights reserved

 
 
 
 

 

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