THE Environment Agency is reminding businesses to be vigilant when buying wild salmon and ensure the fish have been caught legally.

The Agency is dropping Buyer Beware! leaflets through the letterboxes of fishmongers, hotels and restaurants across the country to remind them selling and buying wild salmon in the knowledge the fish was caught illegally can carry a £5,000 fine.

Spring salmon are of particular concern they are protected by bylaws which prohibit the killing of salmon by nets before June 1. Anyone who suspects illegally-caught salmon are on sale should contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800-80-70-60.

May 8, 2003 16:00