ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONTINUES TO TACKLE LICENCE EVADERS 17th February

During January of this year the Environment Agency North West successfully prosecuted 16 people for rod licence related offences. The month’s fines amounted to a total of £1,300 with costs of £1,404 awarded to the Agency.



January's successful prosecutions represented an increase of 23 per cent on the previous month. The total fines were also up almost £500.



Across the country 387 offenders were prosecuted by the Agency during January. Nationally fines totalled £24,294 with costs of £23,150 awarded to the Agency. This represented an increase of over a quarter from the previous month. Across the country total fines were up almost £7,000.



Dafydd Evans, the Agency’s new Head of Fisheries from 1 March, said he was pleased with the increase in prosecutions and fines because it sends a clear message to those that cheat everyone else by not buying a licence.



Dr Evans said: “I am delighted to see that the effectiveness of the Agency’s enforcement programme is being reflected by the higher levels of both prosecutions and fines.



“The downside of this news is that it shows a substantial amount of people are continuing to fish without a rod licence. This is something I shall be seeking to investigate and address in my new role.”

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Buying a licence couldn't be easier - there are around 17,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct, and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662.) They are also available from our website - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish