ILLEGAL traps have been found in the River Skerne.

The traps, which can be deadly for river mammals and put endangered eels at risk, were found during an Environment Agency operation tackling illegal fishing.

Enforcement officers have seized more than 20 of the traps in the North East, including several in Darlington. The work is part of Operation Creel, which aims to protect species threatened by the changing climate; the white clawed crayfish and European eel.

Members of the public have reported illegal practices including crayfish trapping and fish theft, particularly in the River Skerne and nearby ponds, adding to other sources of intelligence and helping authorities to track the culprits.

Traps can prove deadly for river mammals including otters who may get stuck and drown after following prey.

They can also impact native white clawed crayfish, which are in decline in the North East due to invasive American signal crayfish, which are bigger and can take over the habitat.

David Shears, Environment Agency senior fisheries enforcement officer, said: “I’d like to urge people to contact the Environment Agency if they witness any signs of illegal activity.

“Climate change is putting many of our native species at risk and we need to protect habitats where they thrive. It’s a serious crime to set these hazardous traps and horrific to see evidence of otters having drowned, as well as the other ecological impacts we risk. We are on the ground, remaining vigilant and will act on all intelligence we receive.”

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We’re happy to continue to support the work of the Environment Agency’s enforcement officers in tackling illegal fishing and would urge anyone with information to pass it on to the Environment Agency.”

Traps used to take fish in England must be authorised by the Environment Agency and be safe for other wildlife. Because of the populations of rare native crayfish in the area, traps are rarely authorised other than for scientific reasons. Anyone who fishes must also have the permission of the landowner.

People fishing illegally or using illegal traps can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine.

Illegal activity can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.