Clampdown on illegal fishing

A number of people have been caught fishing without the proper licence in Trent Park and there have been reports of people taking large quantities of fish in buckets and shopping trolleys, presumably to eat or sell.
 
Dead lines, which are baited fishing lines tied to a tree and left unsupervised for hours, have also been found in the water. These lines cause distress to fish they catch, which can remain hooked for hours. The lines are also a hazard to other wildlife that may become entangled in the line and be injured.
 
Cllr Chris Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment said “This is an illegal practice and bad for wildlife such as swans and ducks and of course the fish themselves, and we're determined to put a stop to it.
 
“Fishing is free at Trent Park providing people have the correct EA rod licence, but some people think it is fine to leave unattended hooks and lines everywhere, and steal large quantities of fish for personal use.
 
“Parks police will be inspecting those fishing at Trent to make sure they have the correct licence and parks staff will be mounting extra patrols to find and remove any dead lines we find.  Any offenders that are found will be prosecuted."
 
If you see anyone acting suspiciously as regards to fishing, or removing fish from ponds in Enfield's parks you can call 020 8379 1000.