Two Sunderland men have been slapped with fines and ordered to cough up over £1,250 after getting caught fishing illegally on the famous River Wear at Stanhope, Upper Weardale.
Gill Netting Guilty: Environment Agency Cracks Down
The Environment Agency successfully prosecuted Darren Lascelles, 50, from Cheltenham Road, and Ben Thomas Taylor, 43, of Kingsland Square, after they were caught using an unlicensed gill fishing net. The River Wear is famed as one of England’s top spots for sea trout and salmon – prized catches that these illegal nets target.
Why Gill Nets Are a Nightmare for Wildlife
Gill nets, made from fine monofilament mesh, trap fish by snagging their gills and fins. While the pair only caught one sea trout this time, the Environment Agency warned these nets can easily trap other vulnerable wildlife too, causing serious damage.
North East Fisheries Officers on High Alert
Fisheries enforcement teams continue regular patrols across the North East, promising tough penalties for anyone caught breaking fishing laws. Spotted suspicious fishing? Report it immediately on the 24/7 hotline: 0800 807060.
