Dorset Otter Group

EEL FISHERMAN FINED FOR ENDANGERING OTTERS

The grim discovery of another otter drowned in an illegal eel net is causing major concern for Environment Agency officers.

The adult male otter trapped in a fyke net was dredged up by Poole Harbour Commissioners near the Poole Harbour Yacht Club. This is the second fatal incident within a year, compared with only one other recorded incident in the last 10 years nationally.

Last year an otter and two cubs were killed in an illegal eel net in the River Stour in Dorset. The bodies were found by a National Trust warden on the Kingston Lacey estate near Wimborne Minster. It was very close to an otter holt that was specially built on the river by the Dorset Wildlife Trust four years ago to attract the elusive creatures.

The Agency is warning that fyke nets must be licensed and are illegal unless fitted with otter guards. Enforcement Officers are to step up their monitoring of eel fishing to ensure all nets meet the required standard.

Last month a Dorset man was ordered to pay £500 in fines and costs for using illegal eel nets in Poole Harbour. The harbour is one of the most intensive eel fisheries in the country and is also one of the most important areas for otters with a healthy population.

Surrounding rivers including the Frome, Piddle and Sherford are also showing signs of growing otter numbers.

"Fyke net licences are issued by the Environment Agency and all licencees are told of their responsibility to fit otter guards,” said Andy Stevens of the Environment Agency. “We keep a stock of guards and issue them free of charge to eel fishermen on request. There is no excuse for an unguarded net. This second fatal incident within 12 months is very worrying. Our officers will increase their monitoring of eel fishing and take every opportunity to remind eel fishermen that guards must be fitted.”

Anyone who sees a dead otter, or an unlicensed or unguarded fyke net anywhere should report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

Bronwen Bruce