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Operation Clampdown 8

Operation Clampdown 8

During Operation CLAMPDOWN 8, the Voluntary Bailiff Service will be keeping watch on our rivers as the coarse fish and eel close-season begins (15 March – 15 June 2020 inclusive), reporting suspicious activity and incidents to the Environment Agency and police. The maximum fine for fishing illegally during the close season is £50,000 upon conviction. 

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said, “The message is simple; don’t take the risk of a fine and a criminal conviction. The chances of being caught out are even greater this year, thanks to the support of Angling Trust VBS members.” 

Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager, Dilip Sarkar MBE, a retired West Mercia Police officer, said: “This annual multi-agency operation is an important one, providing an ideal opportunity for all our partners to work together, protecting fish and fisheries. Our volunteers, trained to report incidents and information to a high evidential standard, contributing to the intelligence-led system, are essential to this process and we are grateful to each and every one”.  

There are still plenty of opportunities to wet a line for coarse fish whilst rivers and streams are off limits. The vast majority of stillwaters and canals will be open, check your local byelaws for the list of sites included within the statutory close season. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-fishing-byelaws 

All full licences now run for 365 days from purchase, make sure you know when yours expires. Visit https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence to buy one on line. 

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