Wildlife Crime

Overview

Wildlife Crime can take many forms but it all means one thing, damage to wildlife and the environment. 

Fishery Crime

Poaching of fish such as salmon or sea trout still takes place in the Forth and can have a significant impact on fish populations in rivers. Poaching occurs when the method of fishing used to capture the fish (such as using a net, spear or certain types of bait) is not permitted or someone is fishing without permission.

The Forth District Salmon Fishery Board and Police Scotland can enforce current legislation to combat fishery crimes. If you spot a net in a river or other illegal activity please contact the Forth DSFB’s superintendent on 07887 835549 or call the Police on 101. 

To find out more please visit the Board’s website. 

Other wildlife crime

There is a range of other wildlife crimes that occur in Scotland, this may range from hare coursing, deer poaching, damage to protected species such as freshwater pearl mussels, protected birds and their eggs and more. If you spot other types of wildlife crime please contact the police on 101. 

For more information on wildlife crime please visit the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (Paw Scotland).