Protected species - fish
Some fish receive the same protection as
mammals under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the
Habitats Regulations 1994. Others receive added, special
protection.
Further laws cover game fish - such as salmon, sea trout, trout
and greyling - and coarse fish.
Offences
These are offences under these laws:
- Theft of these fish.
- Removing game fish from stocked waters.
Other offences – such as poaching - are identified in both the
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act and The Salmon Act and the
Theft Act.
Licence
Where a licence authorising an activity has been granted by the
Countryside Council for Wales or the National Assembly for Wales,
the activity can be carried out legally as long as the conditions
of the licence are followed. Protected fish can in certain
circumstances be killed, taken, or disturbed under the authority of
a licence.
A licence should always be sought to carry out activities
affecting protected species. Licences can be issued for specific
purposes including scientific study, photography, conservation
management and preventing damage to crops and property.