By Ashley Young-
A 29-year old Nottingham man has been fined almost £600 for fishing without a licence on the River Trent at Colwick, near Nottingham.
The man was found with a bag full of Perch which he had removed from the water. A fishing license would have cost him just £30. Many who love fishing are blissfully ignorant of the legal requirement of a license to fish, but knowledgeable individuals who love fishing are aware of the importance of obtaining a license before fishing.Those who don’t, run the risk of prosecution.
The case was brought to Northampton Magistrates Court by the Environment Agency on 3 June 2019 where Constantnsocv Florin of Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham was proved guilty in his absence , and ordered to pay a total penalty of £597.47. His penalty includes a fine of £220 for fishing without a licence contrary to the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975), a fine of £220 for removing fish contrary to the Environment Agency National Byelaws (2010), costs of £127.47 and a victim surcharge of £30.He will not be a happy man.
The news was released today by the Environment Agency, who believe it is important to raise awareness of the legal consequences that can result from those who break the law when it comes to fishing. The Agency believes there are many who are still either unaware of the illegality of fishing without a license , who are aware of the legal rules, but do not normally think much will come of breaking it. This is not the first time people have been prosecuted for fishing without a license.
Following the verdict, Lee Watts, Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency, said:
”This case shows how seriously the courts take these offences and we hope the high penalty will act as a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing without a licence. It also shows we are catching and prosecuting people for removing fish from waters, which is an offence under our national byelaws.
We work 24/7 and carry out our enforcement duties throughout the evening and night. We have the same powers and liabilities as a police constable to uphold the legislation and can arrest and detain offenders, enter land, stop and search, seize boats, vessels, vehicles and equipment, and ask people to show them their fishing licences.
Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefiting anglers and, for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute.
Every year across the country, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for not having a fishing licence. As well as cheating other anglers, fishing illegally can carry a hefty penalty. Getting caught without a licence could land a fine of up to £2,500”.