1.....Warning to restaurants on buying fish

Hoteliers and restaurant owners in South Wales are being warned by Environment Agency Wales not to buy untagged fish from poachers.

With rivers in full flow, this is a critical time for migrating salmon and sea trout making their way back upstream to spawn.

And the Agency is keeping a watchful eye, not just for poachers, but also on the places which buy illegally caught fish and sell them to their customers.

Since last year, only tagged  wild  salmon  can be sold to food outlets to  help  reduce the amount of poaching. Restauranteurs should be aware that they have a responsibility to ensure that any wild salmon they sell comes from a legitimate source.  If in doubt they can contact the Environment Agency for assistance.

Now the Agency is warning restaurants that it will take enforcement action against anyone caught with untagged fish.

Rhys Hughes from Environment Agency Wales said: �This is a vitally important part of the year for our wild stocks. When salmon are taken before they spawn a whole generation can be wiped out, devastating  future stocks.  

�Fish like salmon and sewin are an important part of the economy in Wales.  Angling brings in millions of pounds � so people who buy and sell illegally caught fish are also damaging the local economy.�

Last year Environment Agency Wales prosecuted over 150 people in  South Wales for fishing illegally. The figure includes anglers fishing without a licence and people using nets and other illegal equipment.

If people suspect any restaurant is selling illegally caught fish or see anyone acting suspiciously by a river they can report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

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