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Closed Set a minimum per fish fine for offences for killing freshwater fish

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Fines for offences relating to killing freshwater fish are often scandalously low, with inadequate fines per fish.

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.

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    This petition will stay open until 2 February 2022.