With the end of the 2013 river fishing season on 31st October, the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture has issued a clear message that illegal fishing methods in rivers will not be tolerated.
Phil Gawne, MHK and Minister for DEFA says ‘Protecting our freshwater fish stocks from illegal and often cruel exploitation helps to conserve Manx biodiversity and provides opportunities for boosting eco-tourism, both of which benefit the local economy. My Department is determined that any person found to be engaged in poaching activity or in the handling, buying, selling of, or in possession of, illegally caught salmon or sea trout will face prosecution.’
At this time of year, adult salmon and sea trout are heading up Manx rivers to spawn and the fishing close season is in place to allow them maximum opportunity to lay their eggs without damage or disturbance.
Any type of illegal fishing activity will reduce the number of these valuable fish available for successful spawning, which means fewer eggs to continue future generations of Manx salmon and trout.
Members of the public are being asked to support the Department in its efforts to protect Manx fish stocks by keeping a look out for any suspicious activity occurring on the rivers, especially during the hours of darkness.
At the same time hotels, restaurants and public houses are also warned not to accept any fish offered to them for sale via ‘the back door’. Not only is it illegal for licensed rod anglers to sell any freshwater fish they capture, it is likely that any fish offered for sale at this time of year have actually been taken using illegal methods and the penalties associated with dealing in unlawfully captured fish are severe.
Any suspicious activities should be reported as soon as possible to the Fisheries Directorate on 01624 685857 email fisheries@gov.im or to your local police station.
Photos - Illegally caught Manx sea trout
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