Enforcement officers crack down on illegal fishing in Gwent

Anglers in south-east Wales are being reminded to make sure they abide by fishing byelaws as two men from the Gwent area are fined by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for fishing without a valid rod licence.

Enforcement officers from NRW were carrying out separate patrols along stretches of the river Usk and Wye on the 13 July, when they saw Christian Byrne of Abergavenny and Jay Matthews of Cwmbran,  preparing to fish.

When questioned by officers, Mr Byrne confirmed he held a current Rod Licence but after checks were conducted this was found to not be the case.

Mr Matthews confirmed he did not hold a valid fishing licence.

The hearings were held on 15 November.

Mr Byrne was found guilty of using an unlicensed fishing instrument and was fined £220, ordered to pay a cost of £127.30 and a £88 victim surcharge bringing the total cost to £435.30.

 Mr Matthews was found guilty of using an unlicensed fishing instrument and was fined £40, ordered to pay a cost of £127.30 and a £16 victim surcharge bringing the total cost to £183.30.

Chris Burge, Waste Regulation Officer for NRW said:

We take any activity that threatens Welsh fish stocks extremely seriously and this is especially true of illegal fishing.

We urge anglers to make use of our beautiful countryside in Wales, but to do so responsibly and to ensure that they have licences to fish, to avoid risking prosecution.

Remember you must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. You could be fined up to up to £2,500 and your fishing equipment could be seized if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity can report it to the NRW 24 hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000 or on the NRW website: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident

Rod licences can be purchased online at:

https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/buy-a-fishing-rod-licence/?lang=en#