Illegal Eel Fishing - Moral Conundrum

[ibanez]

Ok, Illegal Fishing
So we all know of the danger the European Eel is in at present, a complete and justified ban on Ell fishing and Eeliad is working to try come with a solution but because of the spread of the nematode worm, it looks as if the fish is in serious bother.

I have a question for all you piscatorial brothers and sisters, and it is almost a moral question.

When I find half a dozen elver nets , stuck in the mud along my local estuary, should I destroy the nets ( they are technically someone else's property) or should I inform the authorities?

Can I just add also, I have tried the latter and absolutely nothing was done, I was greeted with complete disinterest.

Advice Please?

[The Austrian]

Since it's clear that these nets are illegal I'd have no problems to remove them. I practice this all the time whenever I find a suspected poachers net and none of the 'owners' have tried to sue me. Quite contrary, they give up setting their nets when they are taken out constantly. I keep them as evidence including photos etc. and bring them to the guards. It's up to them finally to decide what to do with them.

[roooster]

id personaly destroy them meself- ie cut them with a gud sharp knife & remove them if possible.

[SlackLiner]

Hi Ibanez,

Don't be too hasty, contact Inland Fisheries and ask for their inspectors. Your estuary in question may also have a specific bailiff? I am an eel scientist and I have had perfectly legal nets destroyed BY MISTAKE. You could be hindering research and its will be easier for authorities to prosecute if they catch any illegal activity red handed? Who did you contact - they should be on the ball.

But on another note, good work in keeping an eye out!

[Tanglerat]

id personaly destroy them meself- ie cut them with a gud sharp knife & remove them if possible.

My Salmon and Sea Trout Club has had poachers appearing out of the dark demanding their nets back as they were being loaded into the boot of the waterkeeper's car. Alsoon a differrent occasion, had them turn up on the doorstep next day asking for them, threatening courts!

We don't have any issues with eel nets, but consensus amongst us now is to take 20 mins out on the riverbank and shred the nets first......

[ibanez]

I contacted the IFI, I have their number on speed dial on my phone, very little interest. Later on I spoke with some of the fisheries officers in the area and they also seemed almost scared to intervene stating some of these people are dangerous.

It is very disappointing that some officials would treat these reports with apathy considering the danger the animal is in and the huge efforts made by some to protect the creature.