Enforcement for ‘cruel’ foul hook fishing at Loughor

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is taking enforcement action against 18 fishermen found using a ‘cruel’ and illegal method of catching fish known as foul hooking at Loughor Estuary.

Fisheries enforcement officers for NRW, supported by Dyfed-Powys Police, have been carrying out patrols in the area following an increase in reports of the illegal fishing method, that hooks a fish from its body, rather than its mouth.

Since April, a significant number of individuals have been found using foul hooking and are currently having enforcement action taken against them.

Investigations are ongoing, though following advice and guidance, consequences could include: warning letters; fines or court proceedings.

Jonathan Jones, Environment Team Leader, for NRW, said: “Foul hooking of fish is illegal. It is an extremely destructive and cruel method of fishing that is indiscriminant and harmful to any fish within its pathway.

“We have seen an increase in reports of foul hooking in the Loughor Estuary via NRW’s incident hotline, and this is something that we will not tolerate.

“Fisheries Enforcements Officers have been carrying out additional patrols, with support from Dyfed-Powys Police, in response to the reports and we have seven people currently going through enforcement investigations.

“We’ll be continuing our patrols of the area to stop this illegal activity.” 

To report sightings of illegal fishing methods, such as foul hooking, call NRW’s incident hotline on 0300 065 300 or report online.