Operation aims to net poachers

SALMON poachers operating in the River Forth and River Tweed have been targeted by a new police crackdown.

Environmental crime officers from Lothian and Borders Police were joined by colleagues from Fife Constabulary and Central Scotland Police to work alongside water bailiffs.

Salmon migrate to the upper reaches of rivers to spawn. By placing nets across rivers, poachers can have a devastating effect on the breeding salmon, as well as catching and drowning animals such as otters.

During the operation, an illegal net in the Tyne was seized.

Pc Ruaraidh Hamilton, wildlife and environmental crime co-ordinator for Lothian and Borders Police, said: "This initiative has sent a message to poachers that the three forces are serious about targeting their activities and that we will use all the expertise at our disposal to do so."