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Post by SEAJUNKY on Feb 26, 2009 0:38:03 GMT -1
How to report an illegal gill net
Illegal gill-netting goes on night after night along our shores and often-even deep inside our so-called bass nursery areas. Anglers are quick to complain amongst themselves at the effect the nets are having on their fishing and fish stocks, yet remain reluctant to do anything about it.
The fact is, that shore anglers are the people most likely to observe potential illegal netting and are best placed to report it to the necessary authorities. So how?
If you see a net that you suspect might be fishing illegally, then call 0800 807060 which is a free call and covers both England and Wales. You'll be connected to someone who will take the details from you regards the net location and put the investigative process in to immediate action.
THIS DOES NOT IMPLICATE YOU IN ANY WAY
You need not give your name nor address, just pass on the facts. Your conversation is in total confidence. Once you put the phone down you'll hear no more about it. It doesn't matter if the net turns out to be legally set. The only way the authorities can do their job is to act on information received and check every report out fully.
Under no circumstances should you confront the netters yourself, nor try to damage their nets. Let the authorities and courts take care of it.
Don't assume that someone else will report it. Make the effort yourself and make sure. If illegal gill-nets continue to flaunt the laws and deplete inshore fish stocks at the present levels, then you'll only have yourselves to blame.
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Post by highplains on Feb 26, 2009 19:41:44 GMT -1
I would like to reinfoirce that post as using the 0800 80 70 60 number is absolutly crucial, it is the only source of information the EAW use at present to access the level of illegal activity. I would also add that when you do report illegal activity you ask for an incident number. They will call you back to let you know what happened, if you so wish. I would also ask that if you do report a net or any other illegal fisheries activity: please send me a pm with a little detail. I will of course respect your confidence. We have to report illegal activity. I know this 0800 80 70 60 number has a poor reputation, but it has been reviewed and is improving - please use it!!!! Highplains www.cpwf.co.uk/
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Post by highplains on Apr 28, 2009 17:59:56 GMT -1
Just a reminder to call 0800 80 70 60 if you see illegal nets.
We have to report these poachers or thieves as I prefer to call them. We owe it to ourselves and our fisheries.
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Post by owenmall on Oct 7, 2009 17:07:30 GMT -1
How are you able to tell whether or not a net is legal? do legal nets carry some kind of marker ?? I don't want to sound stupid, but I would rather not waste authorities time chasing after legitimate netsmen when they could be elsewhere catching out the real crooks....
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Post by SEAJUNKY on Oct 7, 2009 19:43:15 GMT -1
I may be wrong about this, and if I am I am sure somebody will put us right, but I think that the net owners contact details need to be on both ends of the net, and of course the net cannot be shot in areas which are classed as nursery areas. But if in doubt phone it through anyway, the EA would prefer you to do that rather then let an illegal netter get away.
Steve
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Post by SEAJUNKY on Jun 15, 2012 9:26:51 GMT -1
If I had my way all legal nets would have a GPS licensed marker, which would be trackable just like vehicle tracker systems. That way should you come across a net without one, it would be illegal, plus the enforcement agency could check on it's legality with the push of a button. The cost of the tracker unit would be included in the "license fee" to net.
Steve
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Post by izzetafox on Jun 15, 2012 10:08:55 GMT -1
Excellent idea Steve.
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Post by tobasco on Jun 19, 2012 10:47:24 GMT -1
One problem there though. You do NOT need a license to set a gill net from the shore as long as you are adhering to other regulations and/or byelaws.
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Post by SEAJUNKY on Jun 19, 2012 17:24:20 GMT -1
under my new system they would have to lease the GPS tracker unit, because you can't sell them a license.
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