Fisheries enForCeMent support serViCe

Fisheries Enforcement Support Service

The Fisheries Enforcement Support Service is a partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency and is funded by fishing licence income.

The FESS operates the Voluntary Bailiff Service across England and supports the police and Environment Agency in protecting fish and fisheries from poachers and thieves, and to increase rod licence compliance.

Through its Regional Enforcement Support Managers – all retired police officers – it can also provide expert advice to clubs and fisheries on fisheries crime prevention.

The Angling Trust has listened carefully to the concerns of anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners and managers, and in partnership with the Environment Agency has devised a very clear vision and strategy to tackle the issues.

What the FESS do

Coordinates a multi-agency, partnership approach to fisheries crime and compliance

Raises awareness of fisheries crime throughout the police service, Crown Prosecution Service and Magistrates’ Association

Helps advise the police and Environment Agency and helps put things right should the service fall short Increases incoming intelligence and sharing of that information

Upskills the angling community through Fisheries Enforcement Workshops and provides expert advice to angling clubs and fisheries

Delivers the Voluntary Bailiff Service throughout England, empowering anglers to contribute to fisheries enforcement

Delivers the Building Bridges Project, aimed at the education and integration of migrant anglers

Who to contact

To report illegal fishing, call the Environment Agency Incident hotline on 0800 807060. For further guidance on matters relating to poaching and fisheries crime, contact the appropriate Fisheries Enforcement Support Manager for your club or fishery:

North West: David Lees | 07495 433618 | david.lees@anglingtrust.net

Yorkshire & North East: Kevin Woodcock | 07947 893664 | kevin.woodcock@anglingtrust.net

Midlands: Kevin Pearson | 07495 433620 | kevin.pearson@anglingtrust.net

East of England: Paul Thomas | 07495 433621 | paul.thomas@anglingtrust.net

South West: Nevin Hunter | 07495 433622 | nevin.hunter@anglingtrust.net

South East: David Wilkins | 074954 33623 | david.wilkins@anglingtrust.net

For more information visit: anglingtrust.net/enforcement/