Illegal anglers caught fishing in Norfolk
11 Apr 2014 11:45 AM
Environment Agency bailiffs caught 4 people
fishing without a licence when they went out this week in
Norfolk.
Over 2 days, 2 officers checked 49 people and issued 11
offence report forms (ORF) to individuals that were unable to produce a licence
on the day (a 22% evasion rate).
Lesley Robertson, Environment Agency Environmental Crime
Team leader said:
‘These people were all fishing in places where it
is legal to fish in the close season and the fact that most had a licence with
them shows their commitment to staying within the law.
‘People issued with a form will be hearing from us
soon about whether further action will be taken and they may end up with a
court summons and a fine up to £2,500’.
An
annual rod licence for the 2014/15 season remains at 2011 prices, costing
£27 for non-migratory trout and char and freshwater (coarse) fish, smelt
and eels or £72 for salmon and migratory trout.
Concessionary licences, which cost £5, are
available to junior anglers (aged 12-16). Anglers under 12 do not require a
licence.
Anglers over 65 and anyone with a Blue Badge parking
concession or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance also pays the
concessionary adult rate of £18 (non-migratory trout and char and
freshwater (coarse) fish, smelt and eels) and £48 (salmon and migratory
trout).
One
to 8-day licences for occasional anglers are also available for £3.75 and
£10 (non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels) or
£8 and £23 (salmon and migratory trout).
Licences may be bought from post offices, via the
Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish) or by dialling
0844 800 5386.
An
Environment Agency spokesperson:
‘We are aware of on line third party providers who
offer to buy the rod licence for you. They charge up to £20 for this
service and do not purchase the licence on your behalf immediately. You could
unwittingly go fishing without a licence, be liable for prosecution and pay
£47 for a £27 licence’.