Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 June 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 23 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fisheries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to tackle the poaching of fish.

Answer: In 2003–04, the Environment Agency carried out a review of enforcement with respect to the more serious fisheries offences (those excluding the more straightforward acts associated with angling without a licence). It also spent £3.2 million on enforcement against serious fisheries offences.In 2004 the Environment Agency issued 350 warrants to officers to enforce fisheries laws as per the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, which provides that an officer warranted by the Environment Agency as a water bailiff holds the powers and duties of a police constable.The Environment Agency has established good relationships with police forces, having signed a memorandum of understanding with the Association of Chief Police Officers. This covers such matters as the sharing of intelligence, access to databases and mutual working arrangements. Contacts are also well established with the relevant Sea Fisheries Committee and, as locally appropriate, with the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate, HM Customs and Excise and/or the Department of Defence. Arrangements include cross-warranting of officers, sharing of equipment, exchange of intelligence and collaborative operations.

Secondary information