ENFORCEMENT teams from the Environment Agency have issued 94 offence notices across Yorkshire as they continue a crackdown on illegal fishing.

Patrols focused on a range of misdemeanours – including close season offences when the sport is banned on rivers, streams and specified canals - and fishing without a valid rod licence.

Officers have visited nearly 100 waters across Yorkshire looking for fishing offences this year. Out of 894 anglers checked, 94 anglers were reported.

The Environment Agency has carried out three rod licence blitzes over May and June, including the bank holiday weekends, which prove to be popular times for fishing.

The maximum fine for fishing without a licence is £2,500 – and an annual licence costs just £27.