A North East company have caught more than they bargained for after attempting to net a pond without proper authorisation.

Directors from Carpvale Fisheries (No1) Ltd, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 15 October where the company pleaded guilty to the unauthorised netting of a pond in Stillington, Stockton-on-Tees. 

The prosecution was brought by the Environment Agency, and the company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500.

Carpvale Fisheries provides fisheries with management services, including netting, which allows fish to be safely moved from one location to another.

During proceedings, the court heard that the company had applied for netting authorisation for Stillington Pond, but this was rejected as the proposed location for rehoming was part of flood plain and no health check had been undertaken.

A further application had been made but had not been granted at the time the netting took place.

Flood plains can be a beneficial habitat for fish but as they are not enclosed, there is a responsibility on all fishery owners to protect the watercourse from any introduction of diseased or invasive species.

(Image: The Environment Agency)

Environment Agency Officers were concerned that Stillington Pond could be home to invasive Gibel Carp (also known as Prussian Carp) which can pose a threat to native species.

Gibel carp are a species native to Asia, central and Eastern Europe that has recently been detected in UK waters.

Once introduced, Gibel carp can rapidly expand their population size, leading to negative impacts on native species and ecosystems.

They can outcompete native fish for food and habitat, and also interbreed with other species, which threatens Britain's native fish populations.

Despite not having authorisation, Carpvale Fisheries netted the pond in January. 

When this was discovered by Environment Agency Officers, the court was told that the company lied, stating the fish had been caught with a rod and line for a health check.

After an interview with the Environment Agency, the company admitted the offence.

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David Shears, Senior Fisheries Enforcement Officer at the Environment Agency said: “Regulation of fish movements and introductions are vital to ensure the health of our fisheries.

“Disease and accidental release of non-native species in particular can result in long term damage to otherwise healthy aquatic environments.

“Where we suspect or determine that illegal and unauthorised activity is or has taken place, we will investigate and use whatever powers are necessary to stop and prevent it."