Police carp about illegal fishing

It can be linked to organised crime, prostitution and money laundering

If you're 12 or over and go out with a rod to catch fish without a licence, Devon and Cornwall Police are out to catch you.

They've just joined a national project called Operation Leviathan, working with the Angling Trust and Environment Agency, to stamp out illegal fishing, fish theft and people who don't buy licences. They say the crimes are "under-appreciated and misunderstood."

Fishing illegally and theft of fish is often committed by people aged 12 and over who don't buy a licence and go out to catch carp, eels and trout in fresh water. The police say: "Fish are often high-value, especially large carp, and essential assets to small businesses and angling clubs which are unable to sustain such losses."

Because of the high value of large carp in particular, fishing without a licence can be linked to organised crime, modern slavery, drugs and prostitution.

Wildlife Crime Officer Police Constable Martin Beck says: “Friction sometimes occurs with anglers from other countries, the majority of whom are law abiding, because their laws and traditions of fishing are different to those in the UK. So they may not be used to catching and releasing, and they may take species of fish which are not permitted in the UK. The Angling Trust has a programme of integration called Building Bridges which has been successful in other parts of the country at addressing these culture clashes."

Anyone suspicious that someone is fishing illegally should call 101 or Crimestoppers. 

A 'voluntary bailiff service', managed by the Angling Trust, wants to sign up people to be the "eyes and ears of our waterways."

For information about this service, contact Nevin Hunter, South West Regional Enforcement Manager for the Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Support Service on 07495 433622 or email nevin.hunter@anglingtrust.net