Eight anglers have collectively been fined £3,094 after being apprehended for fishing illegally across various locations in Norfolk. The cases were brought before Hastings Magistrates Court on January 12 and February 16, 2024.
Among those fined were Gary Auger, 52, of Parr Road, Haverhill, who was caught fishing without a licence at Taswood Lakes, Flordon; Stuart Lawn, 36, of Bluebell Road, North Walsham, found fishing without a licence at Roughton Fishery; and Aurimas Tazius, 38, of Kipling Avenue, Tilbury, who unlawfully removed bream from Postwick Reach on the River Yare.
Other individuals fined included David Denison, Lewis Buxton, Adrian Crowe, Matthew Grant, and Damien Howard, all found fishing without licences at various locations across Norfolk.
The fines imposed on the offenders ranged from £191 to £443, with additional victim surcharges ranging from £16 to £88. Each offender was also ordered to pay £135 in costs, bringing the total sum of fines to £3,094.
Lesley Robertson, Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency, emphasized the seriousness with which illegal fishing is regarded, stating, “These cases show we take illegal fishing seriously and won’t hesitate to pursue offenders through the courts where anglers break the rules.
Robertson further highlighted the legal requirement for all anglers to possess a valid Environment Agency fishing licence, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to £2,500 in fines. Anglers are reminded that licences are mandatory for anyone aged 13 or overfishing on rivers, canals, or still waters.
The Environment Agency encourages individuals with information about illegal fishing activities to report them via their incident hotline number or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Fishing licences, are available for purchase on the GOV.UK website or by contacting the Environment Agency directly, offer various options including annual and 1-day licences, with concessions available for certain groups. The Environment Agency conducts enforcement work throughout the year, often in collaboration with police forces and the Angling Trust, targeting areas where illegal fishing is reported or suspected.
For more information on fishing licences or to report illegal fishing, individuals can contact the Environment Agency or Crimestoppers using the provided contact details.
The Environment Agency remains committed to upholding fishing regulations and ensuring the protection of aquatic environments for both wildlife and lawful anglers alike.
