The Environment Agency is currently considering the most appropriate form of action to take against two Haverfordwest men who were reported as illegally fishing for elvers (young eels).

The pair were intercepted by Environment Agency officers while fishing on National Trust land close to Bosherston Lakes. They were using dip nets to catch elvers near the lake outfall.

They had the appropriate commercial elver fishing licences but did not have the necessary permission from the land owner, thus breaching the Theft Act and contravening the conditions of their Environment Agency fishing licence.

The men were also fishing too close to the outlet of the lake, by a weir. Local fishing bylaws state that elver nets must not be used within 10 metres of a river obstruction that hinders the passage of the eels. This is to protect the young eels from over-exploitation.

The site where the men were fishing lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and forms part of a national nature reserve. This is partially due to its diverse biodiversity, including otters, of which eels form a major part of their diet.

Eel fisheries are the most valuable commercial fisheries in England and Wales, providing significant benefits for the rural economy.

Steve Williams, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, Environment Agency Wales said: "There are many concerns regarding the status of eel stocks, both in the UK and Europe. In Wales the elvering season runs from January to 25 June.

"There are around 100 fishermen. Prices of elvers can vary dramatically from year to year, but currently can be over £250 per kilogram.

"In the late 1980's a licensing system was introduced to help conserve eel stocks and make sure that elvers weren't over-exploited by what was becoming a multi-million pound global industry.

"We are striving to ensure that the illegal taking of elvers is not allowed to happen."

2:00pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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