National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives
Information Sheet 01/08 January 2008
Reporting Fish Thefts
Fish theft and illegal fishing activities are increasing and becoming a widespread problem in
Most anglers would be willing to report fish theft incidents but are often unsure about what to do and who to inform. To help simplify matters. NAFAC has devised the following procedure list for use by anglers, clubs and others, when reporting fish theft incidents. It strongly recommends that the procedures should be used as a template for inclusion either within or on the back cover of club books/permits. The infonnation can then be readily referred to by anglers, enabling them to act immediately and effectively.
It is important to remember that in some Regions, fishery bye-laws allow for limited numbers of small coarse fish to be taken for use as bait and further permit the taking of 'sizeable' coarse fish. While the taking of small fish for bait may be perfectly legal, the vast majority of anglers will have no requirement or wish to take 'sizeable' fish and strongly oppose and condemn the illegal removal or killing of mature and specimen sized fish.
Carp and Tench from still waters. Pike. Barbel and silver fish from rivers are all being taken on a regular basis from fisheries around the country. Many lakes noted for specimen Carp have suffered the loss of prize fish; on rivers and canals, many stretches are now almost devoid of Pike of all sizes, after being consistently 'plundered' by fish stealers.
NB: The size and numbers offish that may be taken legally may vary between Regions. To find out more about the fishery bye-laws that apply in your area, contact your local Environment Agency fisheries office.
Anglers can also spread the word about fish theft; by talking to other anglers on the bank, tell your local tackle shop about any incidents you may know or hear about, and by using the internet to send out infonnation and 'spread the word'.
PROCEDURES FOR ANGLERS REPORTING FISH THEFT INCIDENTS AND ILLEGAL FISHING ACTIVIES
What you should do if you see. suspect or find evidence of fish theft and illegal fishing activity on your fishery:
• YOU MUST CONTACT THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HOTLINE NUMBER 0800 80 70 60 giving details of the incident.
• You MUST leave your name and address (anonymous calls will be disregarded) - your call will be automatically logged by the EA.
• Contact your Club Bailiff, Club Official. Fishery Manager or Owner and inform them what has happened - they will record any details you give.
• If you cannot contact the EA in the first instance, contact your Club Bailiff, Club Official, Fishery Manager or Owner and they will take appropriate action.
• If your mobile phone has a camera - take photographs of any evidence you may find. These are the main warning signs of fish theft activity you should look out for:
• Dead and discarded fish, fish with missing gill covers, minus fins, fish scales scattered around the bank and margins.
• Nets, stakes or posts set in the bank and margins, ropes. Set dead lines, multi-hook rigs, bobbins with hooks, bank side fire pits - evidence of barbecue.
• Suspicious vehicles - make note of registration number.
If you should encounter individuals or groups engaged in stealing fish and illegal fishing - DO NOT attempt to confront them - consider your personal safety at all times. Pack up and leave the fishery immediately if you feel at risk. If you have been threatened or intimidated in any way contact the Police on the local number - NOT 999. For your convenience it is advised that you should store the EA Hotline, Your Club contact(s) and your local Police telephone numbers in your mobile phone.
DON'T IGNORE WHAT YOU SEE - SO DON'T DELAY - PHONE TODAY!
It is your duty and responsibility as an angler to protect and safeguard our fish stocks not just for today, but most importantly for the future. So please, be vigilant and make that vital phone call without delay.
Illegal fishing and Fish Theft - Environment Agency Policy Advice Note
What the Fishery Can Expect From Us
1. If an incident is phoned in reporting illegal fishing activity where:
• 3 or more people are seen fishing in the close season
• or where illegal methods of catching fish are being used - e.g. nets, set lines, gaffs, spear guns etc.
We will always try to respond within 2 hours inside office hours and 4 hours outside office hours.
2. We would not attend an incident where the only offence was fishing without permission.
3. We would not attend where there are reports of people removing fish by rod and line from a public fishery where byelaws are in place that allow certain numbers of fish to be taken.
4. If we cannot respond to an incident, we will, wherever possible use the intelligence
gathered to direct our enforcement efforts more effectively and report back on future patrols.
5. We will not send officers out to a report of an incident that has already happened. Reports of "old" illegal fishing will however be followed up and, where appropriate used as intelligence for future operations.
6. If we cannot respond to a specific incident but we agree that there is a problem, we will
work together with the landowner to target enforcement activity to either deter future activity or catch offenders where illegal fishing is taking place.
7. If a Theft Act offence is detected at the same time as the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 (SAFFA) offence we will collect evidence and statements to that affect if the landowner wants us to proceed.
8. We would not take a Theft Act case where the landowner is unknown or unwilling to
proceed, or if no SAFFA offence was being committed that we would prosecute for e.g. 1st time Junior rod licence offence
9. We will always endeavour to feedback our activities to the caller who reported an incident.
bravenet.com