Environment Agency
Mr Ferns case was heard at Hastings Magistrates Court on 12 January 2024. The court fined him 220 and ordered him to pay an 88 victim surcharge. He was also ordered to pay 135 in costs. The 443 fine imposed is considerably more than the current price of a 53.70fishing licence.*
Lesley Robertson, Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency said, This case shows we take illegal fishing seriously and wont hesitate to pursue offenders through the courts where anglers break the rules. Anyone found fishing illegally may face prosecution and a fine of up to 2,500.
All anglers need a valid Environment Agency fishing licence. The current price of an adult 12-month trout and coarse 3-rod fishing licence is 53.70 and not having one proved very costly for Mr Ferns.
Our Fisheries Enforcement Officers carry out intelligence-led enforcement work all year round. We urge anyone with information about illegal fishing to contact us on 0800 807060 or via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Licences now run 365 days from the day of purchase offering 12 full months of fishing.
Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A 1-day licence costs from just 7.10 and an annual licence costs from just 35.80. Concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13- to 16-year-olds.
For more information or to buy a fishing licence visit theGOV.UK websiteor call the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.
The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by police forces and theAngling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported.
Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities should report it to our incident hotline number 0800 807060. You can also report it toCrimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.
Notes to editors
*53.70 is the cost of a 12-month trout and coarse 3-rod fishing licence.
Charges:
Ferns entered no plea and was found guilty of breaching Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 at Hastings Magistrates