Post by Hoppy on Dec 4, 2005 19:20:29 GMT -1
Poachers lose boat and collect fines for offences on River
Wye
Two Monmouth men pleaded guilty to three fishing offences At Abergavenny Magistrate's Court on 29 November 2005. They were each fined a total of £650 and were ordered to make a contribution of £160 each towards the costs of the proceedings. In addition, forfeiture of a dinghy and nets was ordered.
Marc Lawrence of Wheatfield Close, Overmonnow, Rockfield, Monmouth and Stephen
Anthony Morris of Newlands Way, Wyesham, Monmouth pleaded guilty to:
• Setting a net in the River Wye, contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Salmon and Freshwater
Fisheries Act,1975 (SAFFA '75). Fined £160.
• Using a fixed engine (net) contrary to Sections 6 (2) of SAFFA '75. Fined £160.
• Fishing for salmon or migratory trout other than by means of a licensed instrument,
contrary to Section 27(a) of SAFFA '75. Fined £330.
The court was told that on 31 May 2005 Environment Agency officers were conducting an anti-poaching patrol on the River Wye at Monmouth, in an area known locally as the Duke's Fishery. Just before 5 pm and Morris were seen drifting downstream in a rubber
dinghy to a location known locally as Viaduct Pool. One of the occupants of the dinghy was seen to set a net in the river. These events were recorded by the officers on videotape.
The dinghy was then seen to be paddled downstream to a crib (fishing platform) near a sewage treatment works. The officers approached the crib, at which point the two men paddled to the opposite bank of the river and made off.
During a subsequent search of the area, the dinghy, net and various other personal items were recovered. Both men were later identified from the videotape by Agency officers and local police officers.
The Court was told of the present vulnerable state of salmon stocks in the River Wye and other rivers flowing to the Bristol Channel and the impact upon tourism and fishing in particular which even the loss of one salmon would cause.
Speaking after the case an Agency spokesperson said: ' Although no fish were taken by these men on this occasion, both have previous convictions for fishery offences and this was a well planned operation in an area where the potential existed to take salmon or sea trout. It is pleasing that the courts are supporting the Agency in our continuing efforts to crack down on the illegal exploitation of salmon stocks on the Wye, which are under significant pressure at present.
Wye
Two Monmouth men pleaded guilty to three fishing offences At Abergavenny Magistrate's Court on 29 November 2005. They were each fined a total of £650 and were ordered to make a contribution of £160 each towards the costs of the proceedings. In addition, forfeiture of a dinghy and nets was ordered.
Marc Lawrence of Wheatfield Close, Overmonnow, Rockfield, Monmouth and Stephen
Anthony Morris of Newlands Way, Wyesham, Monmouth pleaded guilty to:
• Setting a net in the River Wye, contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Salmon and Freshwater
Fisheries Act,1975 (SAFFA '75). Fined £160.
• Using a fixed engine (net) contrary to Sections 6 (2) of SAFFA '75. Fined £160.
• Fishing for salmon or migratory trout other than by means of a licensed instrument,
contrary to Section 27(a) of SAFFA '75. Fined £330.
The court was told that on 31 May 2005 Environment Agency officers were conducting an anti-poaching patrol on the River Wye at Monmouth, in an area known locally as the Duke's Fishery. Just before 5 pm and Morris were seen drifting downstream in a rubber
dinghy to a location known locally as Viaduct Pool. One of the occupants of the dinghy was seen to set a net in the river. These events were recorded by the officers on videotape.
The dinghy was then seen to be paddled downstream to a crib (fishing platform) near a sewage treatment works. The officers approached the crib, at which point the two men paddled to the opposite bank of the river and made off.
During a subsequent search of the area, the dinghy, net and various other personal items were recovered. Both men were later identified from the videotape by Agency officers and local police officers.
The Court was told of the present vulnerable state of salmon stocks in the River Wye and other rivers flowing to the Bristol Channel and the impact upon tourism and fishing in particular which even the loss of one salmon would cause.
Speaking after the case an Agency spokesperson said: ' Although no fish were taken by these men on this occasion, both have previous convictions for fishery offences and this was a well planned operation in an area where the potential existed to take salmon or sea trout. It is pleasing that the courts are supporting the Agency in our continuing efforts to crack down on the illegal exploitation of salmon stocks on the Wye, which are under significant pressure at present.
