Drones join in the battle against illegal fishing

The body which controls the sales of fishing licences in the UK is using high-tech drones to crack down on illegal fishing.

Environment Agency fisheries officers in the south west of England have announced a clampdown on illegal activities with the help of the Drone Unit of Avon and Somerset Police. They say that the technology can quickly scan miles of riverbank and alert them to suspicious activity.

Fisheries Officer Richard Dearnley said: “We take illegal fishing seriously. It’s through a partnership like this that we can send a clear message to those who break the law. Anyone committing offences can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. Not only does illegal fishing damage the sport, it also poses a serious risk of spreading fish diseases and invasive species.”

Sergeant Colin Powell from Avon and Somerset Police’s Drone Unit added: “Drones offer a supplement to officers on the ground and are increasingly used by police to assist in searches and to offer a different angle to crime scenes and major incidents.”

“It’s been great to join up with the Environment Agency and expand the use of our drones in combating illegal activity.”