Former cop to battle poachers as head of Angling Trust project

A retired police officer who once tackled a man armed with a shotgun has been hired to lead a team of 500 volunteer bailiffs fighting poaching and unlicensed fishing.

Nino Brancato served in the police for more than 30 years but has now joined the Angling Trust as its national enforcement support manager.

He will lead the 500-strong Voluntary Bailiff Service and the Building Bridges project which works with migrant anglers.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service and building on the great partnership we have with the Environment Agency,” said Nino.
“Our 500 volunteer bailiffs, led by a dedicated team of regional enforcement managers, and our Building Bridges team, provide quality intelligence which supports the work undertaken by the EA’s fisheries officers and police.”

The former detective inspector received a Higher Chief Constable’s Commendation for disarming a murder suspect who was wielding a pump-action shotgun.

Mark Owen, the Angling Trust’s head of freshwater, said:

“Having someone of Nino’s experience and seniority is a great asset to both the Angling Trust and fishing.”

The EA’s Graham Storey added:

“We’re working hard to crack down on illegal fishing, working in partnership with the Angling Trust, the police and others. With the skills and experience Nino brings to the role, we are confident that we will further reduce illegal fishing.”

The Fisheries Enforcement Support Service is funded by licence sales and includes the Voluntary Bailiff Service, which began as a pilot five years ago and now boasts 500 members. Nino replaces Dilip Sarkar, who left the Trust earlier this year.