Environment Agency
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Three arrested for poaching offences
Men suspected of using illegal nets to poach salmon
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of poaching offences in Northumberland.
They were arrested at 4.30am on Thursday, July 23, when Environment Agency officers and Northumbria Police stopped a vehicle at Hagg Bank near Wylam.
Three men aged 47, 33 and 29 were arrested on suspicion of salmon poaching, it’s suspected they were poaching salmon using illegal nets, which are extremely damaging to fish stocks.
The fish, nets and other equipment was seized, along with the vehicle the men were using, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Environment Agency’s Fisheries Technical Specialist Kevin Summerson said:
We take reports of suspected poaching seriously and work closely with police to take action where appropriate.
At this time of year salmon and sea trout are returning to rivers to spawn and protecting returning fish is vital to maintaining a healthy fish population.
We’ll continue to target all aspects of illegal fishing activity, particularly where serious illegal and potentially damaging methods are used.
Anyone discovered committing offences could face a substantial fine at court. The Environment Agency urges anyone to report illegal fishing by calling 0800 80 70 60.
All income from rod licence sales is used to fund Environment Agency work to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, including improving habitats for fish and facilities for anglers, tackling illegal fishing and working with partners to encourage people to give fishing a go.
Buying a rod licence is quick and easy - you can buy them online at the Post Office.
