Peter, who has the highest number of licensed nets in the region, recently received a letter informing him of the plans to protect eel stocks in the Anglian Region.

The members of the Region’s Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee (RFERAC) looked at the proposals and thought plans for a closed season on eels, restricting when eels can be fished, were not enough.

They recommended ending commercial eel fishing and anglers returning all eels alive until numbers improve.

Peter said: “I love the Fen and my job. It’s my life.

“I enjoy visiting schools and talking and demonstrating the eel catching. It would tear me apart if this happened.

“I hope people will support me to keep this Fen trade alive.”

South West Norfolk MP, Christopher Fraser, is also backing him.

Mr Fraser said: “His specialist craft is part of Fenland heritage, passed on to him by generations of his family and I think his craft deserves protection, just as eel stocks do.

“Without both, the Norfolk Fens would be a poorer place.”

Peter makes and sets traditional willow traps. He also gives demonstrations in schools and at groups and wildlife events, as well as raising money for local charities.

He recently punted 22 miles to Ely to present eels to the Bishop of Ely.

He said the trip was hard going, with head winds and having to go against the flow of the river.

It took him just over four days and he camped in a tent overnight.

Peter arrived in Ely to be met by a crowd of people.

He then joined the St Etheldreda parade to the cathedral where he delivered the eels to the Bishop of Ely and a willow eel trap to the bishop in the Lady Chapel, where Peter’s great-great-great-grandparents were married in the 1840s.

Peter said he loved the trip, even if it was cold at night and windy; the wildlife and stunning sunrises were worth it.