Following reports of illegal fishing activity and anti-social behaviour on the banks of the River Wear extra patrols were carried out in key areas last weekend by police and Fisheries Enforcement Officers.
They targeted locations around Witton Park, Willington and Witton le Wear, where anglers were checked and suspicious activity investigated. Patrols will continue as part of the crackdown.
David Shears, Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:
The River Wear is one of the country's top sea trout rivers and has also become an important river for salmon. At this time of the year these migratory fish are returning from the sea and heading up river to their spawning grounds.
Unfortunately they often become the target of those who seek to illegally take them using a range of methods from unlicensed angling to gill nets and prohibited instruments such as 'snares' and gaffs - a one metre long metal hook.
We work closely with our partners to protect our fisheries and environment as a whole. Information from the public is vital and I'd encourage people to
