News Desk: A month-long enforcement campaign will crack down on illegal fishing and build on efforts to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on river banks.
A warning has been issued to illegal anglers as the Environment Agency undertakes a month of patrols to target poachers and those fishing without a licence.
Operation LUNGFISH is underway to protect fisheries from harmful activity including theft and fishing with illegal traps. Enforcement officers from the Environment Agency can be joined by the Angling Trust, Voluntary Bailiffs and local police officers to conduct patrols around rivers, lakes and ponds.
Launched on 23rd July, Operation LUNGFISH has carried out a range of action around the country in its first two weeks:
Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager:
We encourage everyone to give fishing a go this summer and throughout this month, existing fishing licence holders can take a friend fishing by applying for a free day licence.
As law abiding anglers know, illegal fishing and anti-social behaviour on our banks is not only harmful to fish populations, but can also have a detrimental effect on the environment and surrounding wildlife.
We are working closely with our partners on Operation LUNGFISH to ensure that fishing licence income is used to protect fisheries and make angling a great experience for all.
Operation LUNGFISH runs alongside two key activities in the angling calendar, National Fishing Month (24th July to 30th August) and Take a Friend Fishing 2021 (25th July to 5th September). These events encourage people to visit the riverbank and give fishing a go, with the month of action targeting those abusing the rules that protect England’s fisheries.
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