Fishing authority issues coronavirus reminder after angler caught 'flaunting rules'

Musselburgh and District Angling Association (MDAA) bosses have issued fresh advice to anglers after one was caught on camera fishing near Polton.

And the Water of Leith plus Malleny Angling – who look after Harlaw and a part of Threipmuir Reservoir - have also reminded anglers that their waters, due to open on April 1, are closed because of COVID-19.

The extensive Facebook post from MDAA chiefs said: “To be absolutely clear, all rivers in the Forth District are now closed for fishing until the Government states otherwise.

“This includes the Esk, North Esk and South Esk and any of their tributaries.

“The frustrating thing about people deciding to flaunt these rules isn't that fact that they're going fishing while most others aren't, it's the fact that their actions will be the cause of even stricter controls on movement and for an increased amount of time, for everyone.

“Do the right thing and stay at home. The guidance is clear, essential travel only or daily exercise.

“Fishing is neither of them. Please stay off the river until such times as we are told it's OK again.”

Meanwhile, anglers were obviously looking forward to starting fishing on the Water of Leith and at Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs on April 1, but fishing is banned on both waters.

Added to that, car parks across Edinburgh and in the Pentland Hills Regional Park are also closed.

The key reason for closing all the car parks is to restrict unnecessary travel.

Jessica Morgado, senior natural heritage officer, said angling is not permitted on the Water of Leith on the basis that people would normally have to travel by car, which is not deemed as essential travel.

“Please follow this guidance. Hopefully, we can all get back out to enjoy our favourite outdoor activities soon.”

Jim McComb, chairman of Malleny Angling who administer Harlaw and a part of Threipmuir, said: “We all have a commitment to play our part, no matter how difficult or inconvenient that may be. “

McComb said the action by the Government is necessary and Malleny Angling fully supports any action, no matter how difficult that may be eliminate the spread of this disease.

“The sooner coronavirus is brought under control the faster we will get back to the sport we love.”

Meanwhile, Forth District Salmon Fishery Board (FDSFB) have issued a “massive” thank you to all anglers who are staying off the rivers whilst they are closed during the government lockdown.

Their superintendent is continuing surveillance and monitoring alongside Police Scotland officers.

Waters covered by the FDSFB include salmon fishing at Lanrick Estate, Stirling Council Fisheries, Allan Water Angling Association, Eas Gobhain Fishing, River Carron and Loch Coulter Fishing, West Lothian Angling Association and Cramond Angling Club (both River Almond), River Leven Angling Club (Fife), MDAA (River Esk), East Lothian Angling Association plus Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

The social media post said: “Anyone caught fishing could face an on-the-spot fine from the police due to the new coronavirus legislation.

“Fisheries are also closed meaning anyone caught fishing could result in a prosecution under current fishery legislation.”

The spokesman said: “As an angling community, let us all work together to get through this period of uncertainty as quickly as possible so we can ALL get out and have a cast once rivers reopen after the lockdown.

“Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.”