Global News - August 2008
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Otter killed in illegal fishing trap
Wed 20 August 2008 14:00 UK — Europe,Other
An otter has been killed in the River Tamar, after it was caught in an illegal fishing trap.
The BBC has reported that the otter was found by a member of the public in an unguarded trap near Weir Quay in Devon.
A spokesperson from the Environment Agency explained that the otter had swum into the trap but had been unable to escape. As a result, it is believed to have drowned.
According to the BBC, the Environment agency has already begun an investigation into the incident. It added that those responsible could face a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison.
The spokesperson added that the death was particularly sad, as it could have been easily avoided.
In the UK, Eurasian otter numbers declined for much of the 20th century, as habitat loss and water pollution pushed them towards extinction.
However, successful conservation and protection efforts mean their numbers are now increasing again and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan states that the creatures should have re-established themselves in all waterways they inhabited in 1960 by 2010.
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