THREE men have been apprehended on suspicion of illegal fishing during a night time patrol along the Mawddach Estuary.

A 60 foot gill net was seized by officers from by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and North Wales Police during the night patrol

Matt Roberts, North Environmental Crime Team Leader for Natural Resources Wales said: “One of our key roles is to protect and support our environment and local economy.

“There are rules and laws in place to protect species that are an important part of the environment and economy in this area.

“Offences like these can affect the populations for years to come and impact the fishing industry, which is worth £150 million pounds to the Welsh economy.

“At 9.50pm on Monday, 8 August during a routine patrol we detained three men in possession of several large gill nets on the Mawddach Estuary.

“All three males have been interviewed and reported for Fisheries Offences and further investigation is ongoing.

“If anyone else sees any illegal fishing or something suspicious they should call the NRW hotline on 0800 807060.”