Sleaford man cautioned for letting pike loose in river

Anthony Bostock of Rowan Close, Sleaford, was acharged with knowingly committing the offence when he put pike back into the water at a different location to where he had found it.

According to the Environment Agency,m Mr Bostock had found the fish in Langdale Lakes in Langworth, Lincoln – a fishing lake he owned at the time of the offence on March 10, 2016.

And because he feared the pike would eat the other fish in his lake – affecting his livelihood – he illegally released it into the Barlings Eau, a small river and tributary of the Witham.

But the movement of all fish, fry and eggs to and from rivers, canals, drains and stillwaters is strictly regulated by the Environment Agency and requires a permit. To move them without authorisation can be harmful to natural habitats and wildlife – and is against the law.

Enforcement officers from the Environment Agency found Mr Bostock’s actions to be financially motivated and without consideration for the health of the Barlings Eau and the other fish in it.

Emma Ayers, environmental crime officer at the Environment Agency, said: “Our native fish are a valuable and essential part of our environment and heritage. It is in the interests of everybody to prevent illegal movements.

“All movements must be authorised by the appropriate permit and you may also need a Fish Health Check to confirm that they are healthy and free from disease. These safeguards protect our native watercourses.

“In this case, there was no regard for the health of the fish or the receiving watercourse. Our decision to caution Mr Bostock reflects the seriousness of the offence.

“We’d like to remind people that to move or stock fish requires having the correct permits – and we will take action against those that don’t.”

Mr Bostock confirmed in an interview under caution on July 19, 2016 that he understood the need to have a permit and has always applied for one before. This was taken into consideration, along with Mr Bostock’s lack of previous convictions and his co-operation with the investigation.

He signed and accepted the caution on November 11, 2016 as an alternative to prosecution. A record will now be kept of the caution, which may be used in court should Mr Bostock be found guilty of a further offence.

More information on permissions to move live fish to or from a fishery is available online at www.gov.uk/ea.