The salmon poaching season has started already it seems and these single-minded criminals are again compromising the wellbeing of the river and its wildlife.  REMINDER:- fishing with nets or from a boat is illegal on the Avon; SHDC byelaws).

A local person out kayaking on the Avon this morning (2nd October 2011) at 9.15am (yes – broad daylight!) saw two 40(-ish!)- year old men putting out a 150’ net just upstream of Milburn Orchard on the incoming tide.  Presumably, they were after salmon which have started their seasonal run upriver.  The Environment Agency were informed via their 24/7 hotline.
The poachers’ open boat was bright blue, outboard-driven, of unknown origin and it is not known whether the men left the river via Bantham or Aveton Gifford (Timbers car park).

It seems likely that we shall have more of the same if the salmon are running  so please  keep an eye open and if you see anything suspicious – day or night, report it to both the EA on 0800 807060 (Freephone, 24 hour service) and the police on 08452 777 444.

Please note:  we have been warned not to approach these people under any circumstances; they often operate in highly professional criminal gangs and may be violent.

Your observations of the river are our biggest asset in trying to stop
this sort of illegal activity.  Any information you can provide will be
treated in confidence but will be of tremendous help.  Thank you.