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Closed petition Set a minimum per fish fine for offences for killing freshwater fish
Fines for offences relating to killing freshwater fish are often scandalously low, with inadequate fines per fish.
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This poses little deterrent to polluting our rivers. We request that UK Government set a minimum fine per fish that fairly reflects the loss of these essential species.
In 2020, data revealed that just 14% of rivers in England were of ‘good’ ecological standard, and not one, of ‘good’ chemical standard.
Under various UK Acts, offenders can be fined up to £5000 for causing the death of one bat or water vole and an 'unlimited' fine for a single otter or badger. However, freshwater fish fines are regularly less than £10 per fish.
Greater fines should prevent these becoming 'business costs' and encourage companies to actively work to prevent them from occurring.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months