Agency checks anglers' licences

Anyone caught fishing illegally could be fined up to £2,500

Environment Agency officers are carrying out a blitz on illegal anglers in the South West over the weekend.

They will be visiting a number of locations including Fernworthy Reservoir on Dartmoor and Rackerhayes Ponds at Newton Abbot.

They will be checking rod licences and anyone caught fishing illegally could be fined up to £2,500 and banned.

The licence fee helps to maintain fish stocks and also pays for work to detect and treat diseases in fish.

Improving habitats

Rod licences can be bought from post offices and some shops as well as from the Environment Agency via phone and website.

"Money raised from rod licences is vital to the future of fish and other wildlife," said Martin Williams from the agency.

"It is put straight back into improving the environment through re-stocking, improving habitats and access to fishing.

"In the interests of the public and legitimate anglers we will prosecute and fine anyone caught fishing without a valid licence," he said.