A man has been arrested on suspicion of poaching sea trout in Newbiggin by the Sea.
Fisheries Enforcement Officers from the Environment Agency arrested the man on June 30 after carrying out targeted patrols.
During the operation, they seized an illegal gill net at Lyne Sands, measuring 8m x 3m, and a dead sea trout. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
READ MORE: Newcastle Quayside bar Charts closes to drinkers but 'exciting' new venue in the pipeline
A licensed, strictly regulated and managed sea trout fishery operates off the coast of Northumberland. Byelaws apply to ensure sea trout may only be taken by a limited number of licenced netsmen during the approved season.
It is also illegal to use nets to catch salmon in the North East. Those who operate unlicensed nets risk prosecution, with unlimited fines and possible prison sentences available to the courts.
Environment Agency officers can also seize equipment and vehicles.
David Shears, Senior Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency, said officers will take action to target illegal fishing.
“Unattended and unlicensed gill nets are not only capable of killing fish indiscriminately, but they will also kill any other wildlife that are unfortunate enough to get entangled in them," he said.
“This incident highlights how vital it is for people to provide information to us and demonstrates that we will take action. We actively patrol the rivers and coastline around the North East and we continue to target all aspects of illegal fishing activity, particularly where potentially damaging methods are used.”
Information about illegal fishing can be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
READ NEXT:
