Protected species found dead in poacher's trap on Borders river

OTTERS and other protected species have been found dead in a poachers trap prompting a criminal investigation, it emerged today.

Police were alerted after water bailiffs from the River Tweed Commission found the trap at Horncliffe in the Borders on Monday.

As well as the otters, the net contained 13 dead sea trout and a dead cormorant.

It is believed the net had been in place for up to two weeks.

Ruaraidh Hamilton, Lothian and Borders Wildlife Co-ordination Officer, said: "This sort of tragic incident displays the reckless nature of poachers who put nets across rivers.

"Otter numbers went into rapid decline during the 50s through to the 70s and as such are protected under European legislation.

"They feed on the fish within the river and would have been attracted to the dead trout within the net before being caught themselves and drowning.

"Anyone with information about river poaching or who can help us locate the individuals responsible for this illegal trap is asked to contact police immediately."

Otters are a protected species under European law and along with cormorants are protected in Britain under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Salmon and sea trout are protected under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Consolidation (Scotland) Act.