Post by wnion on Jun 17, 2006 8:43:59 GMT -1
Written By: E.A. Press Officer
On Date: 17/6/2006
This year's elver fishing season is drawing to an end. The Environment Agency is preparing the cases against those who were caught fishing illegally this spring. With the price of elvers around £300 per kg, some people have been trying to increase their share of the catch by using equipment that is outlawed.
Elver fishing usually takes place on the River Severn under the cover of darkness when the young eels are swimming close to the surface of the river. With the hostile environment of a large tidal river and some hostile fishermen, our bailiffs take no chances.
Fisheries Team Leader Al Watson said; "Some fishermen try to use the advantage of ropes, floats and even boats to cash in during the elver season - all of which are illegal. This year we have stepped up our campaign against illegal fishermen and have worked closely with the police who sometimes bring their canine colleagues to help ensure against breach of the peace. We have a large stock of seized nets in our depot that will be destroyed once offenders have been dealt with by the courts".
"Working with the police has been a Godsend" says Fisheries Officer Sean Kelly. "With big money changing hands, some people can become really threatening when confronted. We have far more options available for us to work safely in our eel protection work.
"Elvers numbers across Europe are thought to have fallen by up to 98% in recent years. Whilst it may not be that bad on the Severn they clearly need all the help they can get".
MORE INFORMATION Contact Lyn Fraley on 0121 711 5829/5855
(these numbers can also be used during an emergency to contact a duty press officer)
On Date: 17/6/2006
This year's elver fishing season is drawing to an end. The Environment Agency is preparing the cases against those who were caught fishing illegally this spring. With the price of elvers around £300 per kg, some people have been trying to increase their share of the catch by using equipment that is outlawed.
Elver fishing usually takes place on the River Severn under the cover of darkness when the young eels are swimming close to the surface of the river. With the hostile environment of a large tidal river and some hostile fishermen, our bailiffs take no chances.
Fisheries Team Leader Al Watson said; "Some fishermen try to use the advantage of ropes, floats and even boats to cash in during the elver season - all of which are illegal. This year we have stepped up our campaign against illegal fishermen and have worked closely with the police who sometimes bring their canine colleagues to help ensure against breach of the peace. We have a large stock of seized nets in our depot that will be destroyed once offenders have been dealt with by the courts".
"Working with the police has been a Godsend" says Fisheries Officer Sean Kelly. "With big money changing hands, some people can become really threatening when confronted. We have far more options available for us to work safely in our eel protection work.
"Elvers numbers across Europe are thought to have fallen by up to 98% in recent years. Whilst it may not be that bad on the Severn they clearly need all the help they can get".
MORE INFORMATION Contact Lyn Fraley on 0121 711 5829/5855
(these numbers can also be used during an emergency to contact a duty press officer)