Illegal nets teeming with fish have been pulled out of the River Plym – almost exactly a year since the last offence of this kind.
Last January PlymouthLive reported on how the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners had removed nets from the river, describing them as a ‘hazard to navigation’.
In addition they warned that the harbour authorities used a “range of surveillance including CCTV to support the Devon and Severn IFCA [Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities] and the MMO [Marine Management Organisation] with enforcement cases”.
On January 14 this year the Commissioners again issued a warning after yet another discovery of illegal nets in the River Plym.
On this latest occasion the Commissioners said the nets were “deployed by unlit small craft during the hours of darkness”, adding the warning that it was “illegal to operate any vessel without displaying appropriate navigation lights”.
They added: “Deploying nets in these waters causes a significant hazard to navigation as do the unlit vessels which have been deploying them.
Fish were found trapped in illegal nets on the River Plym
(Image: Cattewater Harbour)
“Such nets capture and kill all fish and diving birds such as cormorants that come into contact with them. It is illegal for both licensed fishing vessels and recreational fishermen to fish with nets in this area.
“We ask that the local community remain vigilant around slipways and when by the water’s edge of suspicious activity, for example small craft not having navigation lights or deploying / recovering nets and report any sightings to Devon and Severn IFCA and the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office.”
Anyone with information regarding illegal fishing can contact Devon and Severn IFCA or CHC Harbour Office using the online links.
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