Brian
Dodson claims the government body created an otter haven on a nearby river and
failed to inform him of the potential problems the furry mammals could cause.
After
stocking six lakes at his new business with thousands of carp at a cost of
£250,000, the protected otters sought out his fishery as a rich food source.
Over
a period of years his valuable fish were decimated by the carnivorous
creatures, ruining his business before it had got off the ground, the
60-year-old claims.
Mr
Dodson said that had the Environment Agency told him of the probability of otters
re-colonising the nearby river he could have taken protective steps, like
erecting protective fencing.
He
is now suing the agency for breaching the Environment Act 1995, claiming the
agency had a duty of care to consult local landowners when planning the otter
initiative.
He
is seeking £2.5 million to cover the loss of income he believes he would have
recouped from anglers using his fishery.
The
matter will go before the High Court next month in what could become a landmark
case for fishery owners across the country who have had similar issues with
otters.
The
creatures were on the brink of extinction 30 years ago until wildlife
enthusiasts launched a massive programme to re-introduce them to the wild.
Since
then they have returned to nearly every corner of Britain.
But
critics say the scheme has been ill thought as there is not enough food in our
waterways to sustain their booming numbers.
As a
result otters - which have no natural predator - are said to have been picking
off big and cumbersome fish from fisheries and putting them in jeopardy.
Mr
Dodson's Waen Wen Fishery, near Bangor, in North Wales, has lain empty and out
of use for several years now. He has been unable to sell it and it has now been
taken off him by his mortage company.
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