Fishermen catch Severn elvers at night

Illegal nets will be seized, along with elvers caught by poachers.

At this time of year, up to 400 fisherman can be found on the river banks on a single night.

It is feared that widespread plunder could force the legitimate industry into decline by reducing stocks.

Elvers have been caught on the Severn for centuries as they head up river.

They drift up the Bristol Channel after being carried from the West Indies on ocean currents.

Some riverside villages once held elver-eating competitions.