Illegal fishing clampdown in Lincolnshire
16 anglers were served notices for fishing offences in Lincolnshire during a multi-agency clampdown on illegal fishing.
The Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement teams, police wildlife crime officers, and voluntary bailiffs from the Angling Trust together made 118 spot checks on anglers.
The Environment Agency led the clampdown on 25 July 2021 to ensure anglers were properly licensed and following fishing rules. Meticulous intel-led planning ensured the patrols at locations across the county were effective.
James Hooker, the Environment Agency’s fisheries team leader for Lincolnshire, said:
It’s great we can work with our partners on enforcement and deliver a stark message: follow the rules or pay up.
We want to make it clear offenders can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500.
As well as breaking the law, illegal fishing risks spreading invasive species and diseases.
Fishing legally is inexpensive, fishing licence prices start at £6 and young people aged up to 16 can fish for free.
The Environment Agency’s fisheries service is funded by fishing licence income. This income helps to deliver a wide range of services, all designed to protect, enhance and improve fisheries for people, the environment and angling.
You can buy a rod licence:
- Online(https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence)
- At a Post Office
- Or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.
Further information is available on GOV.UK.
If you suspect illegal fishing, environmental crime, or see wildlife in distress, please report it to our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.