Crosskeys man fined for fishing without a rod licence
A Crosskeys man has been ordered to pay a total of £435.30 after being caught fishing on a private stretch of the River Ebbw at Crosskeys, without permission or a valid rod licence.
Stephen Chard, of Risca Road, Cross Keys was caught fishing by enforcement officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on a stretch of the River Ebbw, near Waunfawr Park on 5 June earlier this year during a patrol.
When questioned by officers, Mr Chard confirmed he did not hold a current Rod Licence and was not a member of the angling club and did not have permission to fish there.
On the 3 September, Mr Chard was found guilty via the Single Justice Procedure for using an unlicensed fishing instrument and guilty of Schedule 1 & 2 of the theft act 1968, and was fined £220, ordered to pay a cost of £127.30 and a £88 victim surcharge.
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.
I would like to thank the members and committee from Islwyn and District Anglers for their continued help in protecting the River Ebbw.
Remember you must have a valid rod fishing licence when fishing in any controlled waters in England and Wales. 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:
Natural Resources Wales / Buy a fishing rod licence