'Large scale' fish poaching thwarted by Environment Agency and Cambridgeshire police

Last week, the Environment Agency - Great Ouse and Fenland Fisheries Team was alerted to a live poaching incident on the Old Nene near March.

The Environment Agency said: "Large scale fish removal by poachers using nets is the worst scenario for fisheries as the impacts can be huge. Netting is indiscriminate, damages fish, is capable of killing huge numbers and of course is illegal. On this occasion the help of a passing member of the public prevented what could have been a major fish theft and environmental incident.

"Our team were alerted by the member of public, who is a fisherman himself and working in the area who reported a live incident with suspected offenders on site and a large number of fish tangled and distressed in the illegal net.

"Netting incidents are our top priority and two of the team were quickly dispatched, while observing social distancing guidance. Policing East Cambridgeshire were contacted for assistance in the hope of helping us search for, and apprehend offenders. Within 40 minutes of receiving the call the forces Rural Crime Action Team were on site with two police cars, three police officers and a drone in a joint operation.

"The quick actions of the fisherman allowed a swift response - all the fish were released alive, which included 15 bream up to 8lbs, five rudd to 2lbs, perch to 1.5lbs and a tench. The net was seized by us, and we are stepping up patrols in the area alongside Cambridgeshire police to increase the chance of detection.

"The area was thoroughly searched into the evening on foot and by air – using the drone. While no offenders were detained the risk to the environment was removed and the illegal activity was disrupted. Thank you to all involved,

"Please be vigilant to illegal fishing activity and report it to our emergency hotline number on 0800 80 70 60 – it provides us with the best chance to attend and protect fisheries and the environment."

The only place to buy a fishing licence is: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence.