Illegal fishing nets seized in Chichester Canal

Illegal nets which had the potential to devastate fish populations in Chichester Canal have been seized, the Environment Agency has said.

Mark Bennett, fisheries officer, said the operation in West Sussex followed several reports from responsible anglers that illegal equipment was being used to catch fish.

He said illegal nets had the potential to harm wildlife and damage stocks.

The agency worked with local anglers and the Chichester Canal Trust.

He added: "We take illegal fishing very seriously and will look to prosecute perpetrators to the full extent of the law.

"Our fisheries officers regularly patrol rivers, streams and lakes to ensure that fishing is carried out in a safe and legal way."

Mr Bennett said the use of illegal nets and traps could lead to fines of up to £50,000, and the agency had an incident hotline for people to report illegal equipment.