Crackdown on river wildlife crime

WITH THE salmon fishing season about to commence on all of Grampian’s rivers, police have launched an initiative to raise awareness of the potential impact of wildlife crime on the region’s waterways.

River crime warning and information boards, developed by Grampian Police Wildlife Crime Unit, will be distributed to nine main salmon fishing rivers by water bailiffs.

Force wildlife crime officer, PC Gavin Lindsay, said: "Grampian’s salmon rivers are a huge asset to the region, contributing millions to the economy and providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife. However, river crime – in particular, the poaching of salmon – can have a serious environmental and economic effect on the river and wider community.

"River crime can take a variety of formats; from individuals poaching salmon using rod and line, to organised groups, who often travel from outwith the Grampian area to net the river, resulting in the loss of significant numbers of fish.

"Fresh water pearl mussels, can also be a target for criminals. These molluscs survive in only a handful of Grampian’s rivers, and – as the name suggests – can occasionally contain a pearl. Illegal fishing for pearls has brought the freshwater pearl mussel to the brink of extinction, with Scotland being the global stronghold for the species."

The latest operation is a joint initiative between the Wildlife Crime Unit and river bailiffs to target criminals.

PC Lindsay added: "We have had some notable success in the disruption of poaching activity and enforcement of legislation in recent years.

"A key to that success is the information sharing between water bailiffs and police, however, we also need to get the public more involved by reporting any crimes or suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible.

"More and more people are accessing rivers for fishing, water sports and riverside walks, yet are often unsure whether to report a suspected crime. These river crime boards will encourage people not only to report, but to provide all the details the police and water bailiffs require to carry out their enquiries as efficiently as possible."

Anyone who suspects a crime has taken place or has any information relating to a river crime should contact the police on 0845 600 5700.