The Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Dyfed Powys Police held an anglers awareness day, on Friday, 16th May, to highlight the protected status of shad which are currently running through the River Wye.

Sgt Ian Guildford, Police Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer seconded to the Countryside Council for Wales, said: “Anglers are aware they need a rod licence issued by the Environment Agency to fish for Salmon and other freshwater fish. As this licence doesn’t cover shad, many anglers assume it is ok to fish for them.

“However, shad are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which means anyone who intentionally sets out to fish for shad will be committing an offence.”

Chris Uttley, Water Policy Officer for the Countryside Council for Wales, said: “The shad awareness day has been organised to raise awareness of anglers’ responsibilities towards shad, particularly now as we are entering spawning and migration time.