Post by wnion on May 20, 2006 7:32:32 GMT -1
Written By: E.A Press Officer
On Date: 20/5/2006
Two films produced by the Environment Agency, including an interview with Chief Executive, Barbara Young, on global environmental priorities will showcase on the world’s first broadband TV channel dedicated to environmental issues.
Green TV is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and launched last month globally. In an interview accessible on the website, Barbara Young describes climate change as the number one environmental issue facing the globe.
"Climate change is clearly the biggest issue that we all face," Barbara Young said.
"Its clear from research that we’ve got a very short window in which decisions can be made to redress the growth in greenhouse gases. We can all do something - we can save energy, we can not use the car and walk to work. We’ve got to get a lot smarter about how we use natural resources," she said.
Also showcasing on the website is a film by the Environment Agency about fisheries enforcement and our efforts to curb poaching and prevent impacts on fish stocks.
Fisheries enforcement - the facts:
Currently more than 200 Environment Agency officers undertake fisheries enforcement work across England and Wales in an effort to stop poachers taking fish illegally;
Our water bailiffs use the latest methods, equipment and technology - including remote surveillance, infrared and video cameras, forensic investigation and are trained in surveillance, apprehension and arrest procedures. They spend many hours monitoring rivers and tackling illegal fishing in an effort to ensure stocks of fish - such as salmon, sea trout and eels - remain strong;
Fines for illegal fishing in Magistrates Courts are up to £2500. This increases for cases taken to the Crown Court that can also result in imprisonment and fines of up to £50,000;
Illegal fishing includes:
attempting to take fish in prohibited periods and areas;
using gaffs, lights, poisons, guns;
foul hooking of fish; and
using unlicensed instruments including nets
Environment Agency Team Leader Fisheries, Jeremy Westgarth, who is featured in the fisheries enforcement film, says: "Poaching on rivers can have a massive impact on the actual number of salmon and sea trout that return each year to spawn.
"Every single egg that is laid is vitally important - if they are removed they will not be replaced again in that season and if that happens year on year we will eventually see stocks being wiped out.
"There is a black market value in wild salmon - poachers take the fish to clubs and pubs and outlets to sell. The Environment Agency is working with the people who accept the fish for sale - so they realise the impact they are having on fish stocks. They also need to know that anyone handling illegally taken fish is committing an offence and may be prosecuted.
"We are closing the net around poaching. The message is very clear if you are fishing illegally we will catch you eventually," he said.
On Date: 20/5/2006
Two films produced by the Environment Agency, including an interview with Chief Executive, Barbara Young, on global environmental priorities will showcase on the world’s first broadband TV channel dedicated to environmental issues.
Green TV is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and launched last month globally. In an interview accessible on the website, Barbara Young describes climate change as the number one environmental issue facing the globe.
"Climate change is clearly the biggest issue that we all face," Barbara Young said.
"Its clear from research that we’ve got a very short window in which decisions can be made to redress the growth in greenhouse gases. We can all do something - we can save energy, we can not use the car and walk to work. We’ve got to get a lot smarter about how we use natural resources," she said.
Also showcasing on the website is a film by the Environment Agency about fisheries enforcement and our efforts to curb poaching and prevent impacts on fish stocks.
Fisheries enforcement - the facts:
Currently more than 200 Environment Agency officers undertake fisheries enforcement work across England and Wales in an effort to stop poachers taking fish illegally;
Our water bailiffs use the latest methods, equipment and technology - including remote surveillance, infrared and video cameras, forensic investigation and are trained in surveillance, apprehension and arrest procedures. They spend many hours monitoring rivers and tackling illegal fishing in an effort to ensure stocks of fish - such as salmon, sea trout and eels - remain strong;
Fines for illegal fishing in Magistrates Courts are up to £2500. This increases for cases taken to the Crown Court that can also result in imprisonment and fines of up to £50,000;
Illegal fishing includes:
attempting to take fish in prohibited periods and areas;
using gaffs, lights, poisons, guns;
foul hooking of fish; and
using unlicensed instruments including nets
Environment Agency Team Leader Fisheries, Jeremy Westgarth, who is featured in the fisheries enforcement film, says: "Poaching on rivers can have a massive impact on the actual number of salmon and sea trout that return each year to spawn.
"Every single egg that is laid is vitally important - if they are removed they will not be replaced again in that season and if that happens year on year we will eventually see stocks being wiped out.
"There is a black market value in wild salmon - poachers take the fish to clubs and pubs and outlets to sell. The Environment Agency is working with the people who accept the fish for sale - so they realise the impact they are having on fish stocks. They also need to know that anyone handling illegally taken fish is committing an offence and may be prosecuted.
"We are closing the net around poaching. The message is very clear if you are fishing illegally we will catch you eventually," he said.