ANGLERS in North Yorkshire have been warned about illegal fishing.
The coarse fish close season has now begun and Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officers have so far caught 11 people breaking the law by fishing in areas where they are not permitted to.
The maximum fine is £50,000 and the agency said it was “continuously patrolling closed waters”.
The close season runs until June 15 and includes any river, stream, drain or waterway apart from canals.
Environment Agency fisheries officer Peter Mischenko said: “The river close season for coarse fishing is important – by preventing coarse fishing for three months, it allows the fish an uninterrupted spawning period.”
Anglers need a valid licence allowing them to use up to two rods (see environment-agency.gov.uk) while illegal angling can be reported on 0800 807060.
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