Fishing during the Coronavirus Lockdown
Its disappointing so many people flaunting the lock down and fishery closures. Board bailiffs were out today patrolling the waters and had to remove a significant number of anglers from various fisheries, in particular the Stirling Council Fishery. In total 5 groups of anglers were removed from Stirling Council Fishery and we have been getting reports from across the Forth of others flaunting the current situation.
The Board would like to remind everyone that fishing is NOT an essential activity and goes against government guidance. Breaking these rules could result in a fine by the police or in severe cases imprisonment. We would also like to remind people that while fisheries are closed by proprietors, anyone fishing them will be breaking section 6 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation)(Scotland) Act 2003 which is a criminal offence and can result in you being reported to the procurator fiscal.
This weekend, our bailiffs have taken a soft approach to this new scenario we are all experiencing but going forward, we plan to take action against anyone breaking either the current fishery legislation or the new Coronavirus legislation.
We work closely with the police and they are aware of our activity at all times and support the work our bailiffs carry out.
Please stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives!
If you are out walking along a river during your daily permitted exercise and see someone fishing, please contact our superintendent on the number below.
Lee Fisher, Superintendent Bailiff – 07887 835549
Police Scotland – 101
