Post by Hoppy on Sept 10, 2007 20:45:42 GMT -1
Environment Agency Wales has launched a Fisheries Crime Watch initiative on the River Usk, in partnership with the United Usk Fishermen's Association (UUFA). It was launched at the Usk Show (8 September) by Nick Brabner, Chairman, UUFA and Graham Hillier, South East Area Manager, Environment Agency Wales.
The initiative is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Sustainable Fisheries Project. The aim is to establish a positive working relationship with partners and other people, by working in partnership to actively reduce environmental crime involving fisheries.
A local freephone number - 0800 055 6971, is to be introduced where people can leave information on a message service.
Steve Barker, an Agency Senior Enforcement Officer said:
"We're really happy to extend this initiative to the River Usk. We would encourage our partners and other people to report anything they think suspicious to our information line.
However, they should remember, if they witness an ongoing incident they should ring the Agency's hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
"The initiative also has an environmental focus, with Agency officers attending junior fishing events, undertaking a 'troutwatch' programme in local junior schools and holding an 'Anglers and the Law' seminar in the new year."
Nick Brabner, Chairman of the UUFA added:
"We support this initiative, which represents a genuine effort by Environment Agency Wales to reconnect with fishermen. People who walk the river on a daily basis and see unusual activity will be encouraged to help. The project in schools has proved popular in other areas and has encouraged a genuine interest in the well being of their local rivers. "
The initiative is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Sustainable Fisheries Project. The aim is to establish a positive working relationship with partners and other people, by working in partnership to actively reduce environmental crime involving fisheries.
A local freephone number - 0800 055 6971, is to be introduced where people can leave information on a message service.
Steve Barker, an Agency Senior Enforcement Officer said:
"We're really happy to extend this initiative to the River Usk. We would encourage our partners and other people to report anything they think suspicious to our information line.
However, they should remember, if they witness an ongoing incident they should ring the Agency's hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
"The initiative also has an environmental focus, with Agency officers attending junior fishing events, undertaking a 'troutwatch' programme in local junior schools and holding an 'Anglers and the Law' seminar in the new year."
Nick Brabner, Chairman of the UUFA added:
"We support this initiative, which represents a genuine effort by Environment Agency Wales to reconnect with fishermen. People who walk the river on a daily basis and see unusual activity will be encouraged to help. The project in schools has proved popular in other areas and has encouraged a genuine interest in the well being of their local rivers. "