UK Fisheries Officers in the South West are clamping down on illegal activities with the help of the Avon and Somerset Police drone unit.
The unit is working in partnership with the Environment Agency to support fisheries officers in checking for illegal nets and out-of-season fishing.
A drone can scan miles of river bank in quick time and alert the Environment Agency to the presence of suspicious activity which may require further investigation on the ground.
Fisheries Officer, Richard Dearnley, said: “We take illegal fishing seriously. It’s through partnership working like this that we can send a clear message to those who break the law. Anyone committing offences can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. Not only does illegal fishing damage the sport, it also poses a serious risk of spreading fish diseases and invasive species. The irresponsible and illegal actions of a few can have widespread consequences for fisheries.”