GOVERNMENT INSPECTORS NET RECORD ILLEGAL FISH HAUL

Government fisheries inspectors have intercepted a record one-and-a-half tonne haul of illegally imported live carp.

The illegal haul was discovered during an operation in Folkestone on Monday night. The fish, which range from ten to 45 lbs, were brought into the country via the Channel Tunnel.

Kent police and HM Customs worked with fish health inspectors from the Government's Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS - part of DEFRA) to track and block the illegal import.

Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley said:

"Fish health inspectors have a vital role to play in helping to prevent the spread of serious fish disease. Illegal imports of live fish pose one of the biggest threats of disease to our indigenous stocks."

The haul consists of hundreds of fish which have had to be humanely destroyed to prevent the risk of any potential disease spreading and affecting fish stocks in the UK.

Two men have been reported to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and legal action is being considered.

Notes

1. No further details can be released at present as legal action is pending.

2. In December, Lewes Magistrates Court issued a record fine and costs of £30K against a Sussex man who illegally imported just over a tonne of ornamental carp into the UK. (Press notice on website).

3. For further information contact Karen Triggs, DEFRA Press Office. Telephone 020 7238 6044.