Anglers have been urged to report illegal fishing activity after the discovery of a line carrying up to 50 hooks on Rockland Broad, east of Norwich.

The Environment Agency (EA) said this was the latest in a series of incidents reported throughout East Anglia, and warned that illegal netting, trapping and thefts could deplete fish stocks and pose a risk to the environment.

Lesley Robertson, environmental crime team leader, said: 'Anglers are our eyes and ears on the water and reliable, accurate information is critical to help us fight illegal fishing. If anglers find nets, traps, or long lines in rivers, lakes or broads they should contact us immediately with as much detail as possible, rather than trying to remove them. Nets and traps that have been authorised by the EA can legally catch eels and fish but those operating illegally have a negative impact on the environment.'

John Currie, chairman of the Broads Angling Strategy Group's pike sub-group, said: 'Anglers have long been concerned about illegal fishing activity and its impact on fish stocks. That is why we are working with the EA to share information and protect our fisheries.'

Illegal fishing can be reported on the EA's free 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.