Post by Hoppy on Mar 25, 2008 17:29:22 GMT -1
Elver stocks must be protected from over fishing
Two Haverfordwest men were reported last month by Environment Agency Wales Enforcement Officers for illegally fishing for elvers (young eels) close to Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire, on National Trust land. Eel fisheries are the most valuable commercial fisheries in England and Wales, providing significant benefits for the rural economy.
On 24 February 2008 Agency officers intercepted the two who were fishing for elvers with dip nets near the lake outfall on Broadhaven Beach. They had the appropriate commercial elver fishing licences but did not have the necessary permission from the land owner. This is a breach of the Theft Act and a contravention of the conditions of an Environment Agency fishing licence.
The men were also fishing too close to the outlet of the lake, by a weir. Local fishing byelaws state that elver nets must not be used within 10 metres of a river obstruction that hinders the passage of the eels such as a tidal gate. This is to protect the young eels from over-exploitation.
The site lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and forms part of a National Nature Reserve. This is partially due to its diverse biodiversity, including otters, of which eels form a major part of their diet.
The Agency is currently considering the most appropriate form of action to take.
Steve Williams, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, Environment Agency Wales said:
“There are many concerns regarding the status of eel stocks, both in the UK and Europe. In Wales the elvering season runs from January to 25 June. There are around 100 fishermen. Prices of elvers can vary dramatically from year to year, but currently can be over £250 per kilogram.
“In the late 1980’s a licensing system was introduced to help conserve eel stocks and make sure that elvers weren’t over-exploited by what was becoming a multi-million pound global industry. We are striving to ensure that the illegal taking of elvers is not allowed to happen.”
Two Haverfordwest men were reported last month by Environment Agency Wales Enforcement Officers for illegally fishing for elvers (young eels) close to Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire, on National Trust land. Eel fisheries are the most valuable commercial fisheries in England and Wales, providing significant benefits for the rural economy.
On 24 February 2008 Agency officers intercepted the two who were fishing for elvers with dip nets near the lake outfall on Broadhaven Beach. They had the appropriate commercial elver fishing licences but did not have the necessary permission from the land owner. This is a breach of the Theft Act and a contravention of the conditions of an Environment Agency fishing licence.
The men were also fishing too close to the outlet of the lake, by a weir. Local fishing byelaws state that elver nets must not be used within 10 metres of a river obstruction that hinders the passage of the eels such as a tidal gate. This is to protect the young eels from over-exploitation.
The site lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and forms part of a National Nature Reserve. This is partially due to its diverse biodiversity, including otters, of which eels form a major part of their diet.
The Agency is currently considering the most appropriate form of action to take.
Steve Williams, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, Environment Agency Wales said:
“There are many concerns regarding the status of eel stocks, both in the UK and Europe. In Wales the elvering season runs from January to 25 June. There are around 100 fishermen. Prices of elvers can vary dramatically from year to year, but currently can be over £250 per kilogram.
“In the late 1980’s a licensing system was introduced to help conserve eel stocks and make sure that elvers weren’t over-exploited by what was becoming a multi-million pound global industry. We are striving to ensure that the illegal taking of elvers is not allowed to happen.”