Otter populations have begun to expand across the country following a decline in numbers between the 1950s and 1980s. The return of otters to our rivers reflects improvements in river habitats and water quality, which are now at their healthiest for more than 20 years. Given that numbers are still recovering, otters are legally protected.
Sadly, otters are at risk from illegal crayfish traps as they get stuck, resulting in injury or even their death. One such tragedy occurred recently on the Selby Canal, North Yorkshire.
The illegal trap was found on an angling platform at a fishing peg on the canal just outside Selby. It was discovered by a member of the public who reported the find to the police and the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency are encouraging people to ensure they have the correct traps which conform to strict size dimensions and have an otter guard fitted which prevents the animal getting into the trap. Consent from the Environment Agency is required to set the traps legally and approval would only ever be given if the traps conform.
Ian Marshall, biodiversity officer at the Environment Agency said: “Otters are protected by law and killing them could result in a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. Their return to our rivers is an environmental success story and we do a lot of work to encourage their recovery.
“Anyone wanting to trap crayfish must have the relevant permits from the Environment Agency. Just because a trap is marketed for crayfish use does not mean it is of a legal design. Otter guards can be fitted to non-legal traps to prevent tragedies like this happening again.”
The Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement officers routinely look out for evidence of illegal traps, but if you see anything suspicious please report it to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
