A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of poaching on the River Teifi.

Environmental crime officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) spotted an illegal net in the river while conducting a routine patrol of the Teifi on Thursday, May 14).

At the scene, officers retrieved the net which contained seven dead sea trout.

Following an investigation carried out in partnership with Cardigan police, a man was arrested on suspicion of illegal fisheries offences in the Teifi valley.

It is understood the alleged offence took place between Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn.

David Lee, NRW’s north and Mid-Wales operations team leader, said: “Thanks to the excellent work of our officers and Dyfed Powys Police we were able to prevent further damage to the Teifi sea trout population.

“We take any activity that threatens sea trout and salmon extremely seriously and this is especially true of illegal fishing.

“Nets can potentially capture large numbers of fish and given the current challenges facing stock numbers currently every sea trout or salmon taken represents another blow to our efforts to protect these iconic fish.”

Despite the current coronavirus lockdown, NRW bailiffs are continuing to patrol Welsh rivers.

Under Welsh Government coronavirus guidance fishing is permitted as part of people’s daily exercise but anglers must:

  • fish within their local area
  • follow the latest social distancing guidelines and stay at home guidance
  • have a valid fishing rod licence
  • adhere to fisheries byelaws including the close season
  • have permission from the fishery owner