|
Post by goldhead on May 11, 2007 21:36:40 GMT -1
"i hope the areas response nips this in the bud2 and the weather has changed" DO YOU REALLY THINK THESE FACTORS WILL SIMPLY MAKE THESE PERSONS/ EVENTS GO AWAY? ? WAKE UP AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF EVENTS IN THE REAL WORLD MR SCHOFIELD THE ASSOCIATION BALIFFS HAVE BEEN DOING YOUR -YES YOUR JOB FOR FAR TOO LONG AND WE ARE NO LONGER PREPARED TO PUT UP WITH THIS UNNACEPTABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS-GOLDHEAD
|
|
|
Post by Paul Dunstan on May 12, 2007 12:48:00 GMT -1
I totally agree that we don't want things to get out of hand. I hope the Area's response nips things in the bud. The Ogmore has been up about 3 feet overnight and dropping off again and with the current weather forecast things should hopefully be fairly quiet. Not surpisingly the activities do seem to coincide with warm sunny weather and/or bank holidays. Andy [/quote]
I feel that this is a very 'unfortunate' response from someone whose responsibilities are clearly defined.
All it says is, 'We are completely toothless and have neither the resources nor the will to act pro-actively. Luckily a change in the weather might let us off the hook for a while. Sorry.'
|
|
|
Post by Hoppy on May 12, 2007 19:03:28 GMT -1
I totally agree that we don't want things to get out of hand. I hope the Area's response nips things in the bud. The Ogmore has been up about 3 feet overnight and dropping off again and with the current weather forecast things should hopefully be fairly quiet. Not surpisingly the activities do seem to coincide with warm sunny weather and/or bank holidays.
Andy Mmmmm - When would be a good time to poach? High water lots of fish - or low water? A strange response from Andy Im sure that if its happening it needs to be addressed whatever the weather! Hoppy
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 13, 2007 11:33:35 GMT -1
I have received this copy reply from Sandy Mewies AM as part of the "We can make a difference" thread which I thought better left 'closed' You will see that the Minister is clearly fed up at the number of letters he is receiving o this subject. I am hoping that this will at least fix the issue in his mind and at least pay attention to the report when at last he receives it. Lets hope so. The reason for my adding it to this thread is the reference in the Ministers letter to the Agency having "a statutory obligation to protect and aid the development of fisheries" Now it seems to me that the Agency is in breach of that obligation. I am of the view that the Assembly, in setting performance indicators for the Agency, is in effect putting the Agency in the situation where it has to make a choice - either meet its targets (it boasts 95% achievement in that area) or comply with its statutory obligations. I believe it is choosing to meet targets in the hope no body will challenge its statutory obligations. I think it is time we started to take up that challenge! Regards. Highplains
|
|
|
Post by andyfly on May 18, 2007 11:43:11 GMT -1
what a bloody disgrace. a man cant even feel safe fishing. what a bout the kids parents would be weary letting them go fishing on there own. its a sad day indeed
|
|
|
Post by buzzerman on May 18, 2007 15:51:43 GMT -1
this government has a lot to answer for , what with the E.A. asking us to make sure we renew our license , and give us very little in return,now it looks like we need to fish in groups or hire bouncers , i know one thing ,the course anglers wouldn't put up with this and neither should we , suggestions and answers on a post card please
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 18, 2007 18:53:46 GMT -1
We just have to keep at it. I think we can be sure that the EA are at least aware of our campaign. lets just hope that they get on with improving things before somebody gets hurt.
Keep on posting.
Tight lines
Highplains
|
|
|
Post by rwgbridgend on May 18, 2007 19:54:00 GMT -1
Thank you everyone for your support and comments regarding current issues on the River Ogmore.
This issue has now grabbed the attention of at least two newspapers. I will let forum members know when any articles are published.
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 18, 2007 20:18:13 GMT -1
Rwbridgend,
Lets hope the press coverage helps.
Is there any news on potential prosecutions? Have the EAW brought any offenders to book?
Look forward to seeing the coverage.
All the best
Highplains
|
|
|
Post by buzzerman on May 18, 2007 20:49:14 GMT -1
keep your chin up it can happen to all of us
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 19, 2007 11:26:35 GMT -1
Thank you to Sally Williams of the Western Mail.
Welsh anglers turn vigilante to fight ‘mob rule’ May 19 2007
by Sally Williams, Western Mail ANGLERS are being forced to “go vigilante” on Welsh rivers due to a lack of protection for the fish stocks.
Gangs of poachers are starting to “mob rule Welsh rivers” and are increasingly clashing with legitimate fishermen who say there are not enough river bailiffs.
Welsh anglers who have been campaigning for years to have the number of river bailiffs increased fear the problem is now out of control.
They are beginning to enforce rod licensing laws by approaching suspicious anglers themselves.
Ogmore Angling Association (OAA) in Bridgend, says there have been several confrontations in its area. The association claims that poachers have subjected some of its members to verbal and physical abuse.
One member fishing alone at night claims he was pelted with boulders and forced to flee the river.
An OAA spokesman said, “The coastal areas, rivers and estuaries of Wales are being raped of their fish stocks.
“For example, wild salmon from Wales could sell for £50 a kilo in London restaurants.
“It is big money and the poachers we are talking about are nothing like the Seth Armstrong characters we have watched on television’s Emmerdale.
“The Welsh Assembly must address this issue, before there is a death or serious injury on the Ogmore or other Welsh river.
“The poachers are depleting the River Ogmore of the fish with which the river has been stocked for the benefit of club members.”
He said anglers had tried to enforce the law themselves but this was proving confrontational.
“Officers of the club who have been brave, or foolhardy enough, to approach these poachers have been chased away, threatened with violence and in one case chased by the thugs who threw kicks at the officer’s car. They also frightened and intimidated one junior member of the club who suffers from learning difficulties.
“Anglers in Wales, both local and visiting, contribute hundreds of millions of pounds each year to the Welsh economy. Loss of much of this income would seriously affect the rural economy of Wales.”
He claimed that the Environment Agency Wales, widely regarded as the “guardian of Welsh rivers”, had failed to address the problem.
And he added, “When we called on their emergency hot line, they responded by saying that they did not have officers available to attend the incidents.
“The Agency acknowledges five calls but such is the club’s lack of faith in this emergency number that many incidents were not called in.”
Another member of the angling club said, “There used to be five enforcement officers on the Ogmore – now there are none.
“Bridgend Police have been very helpful and have attended when called and there are prosecutions pending as a result of their help, which I hope will be carried through.
“We pay £15,000 to stock the river and it is all getting stolen, so we are starting to approach people whom we suspect are fishing without a rod licence.
“We are doing it on behalf of the Environment Agency.”
But the Environment Agency said it had increased patrols in the area since received the club’s reports about illegal fishing.
An Environment Agency spokesman said, “Our enforcement officers have increased their patrols in the area but to date we have not detected any offences.
“We will continue to use the information from all sources to target specific times and stretches of the river.
“We are concerned about the violent nature of some of the reported incidents and will continue to liaise with the local police.
“While we can’t physically respond to every call we get about illegal fishing, the information we get is valuable intelligence for us to target hotspots.
“This was evident in a recent court case in Cardiff where our officers used intelligence from our emergency hotline and were lying in wait to catch people taking spawning salmon from the River Taff.”
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 19, 2007 11:51:48 GMT -1
I am more than a little amazed at the Environment Agency's representative's comment as follows:
“While we can’t physically respond to every call we get about illegal fishing, the information we get is valuable intelligence for us to target hotspots
The Agency tell us the 0800 80 70 60 is their emergency hotline, direct to an Environment Agency Enforcement Officer.
This is not a hot line, it is not even a luke warm line. For heavens sake this "incident" went on from the 1st to the 7th of May. You now have the gall to tell us that you have made no arrests, brought no charges or indeed done anything apart from say that you have been on patrol there!
You are the guardians of our waters, you are charged with protecting them. I think I could be forgiven for contemplating charging you with a dereliction of your duties. The word disgrace in this case should to be proceeded by a number of superlatives and expletives that I am far too polite to post.
WAKE UP!!!!
Highplains
|
|
|
Post by Barcud on May 19, 2007 13:53:17 GMT -1
Would that be an increase from zero by any chance? Meaning they will have a quiet stroll along the river bank, check the licences of a few obviously legitimate anglers then disappear into the setting sun until the next rash of complaints.
So now every poacher in Wales knows that the EAW are unlikely to turn out even if they are caught red-handed.
|
|
|
Post by rwgbridgend on May 19, 2007 17:26:00 GMT -1
Barcud,
You are absolutely right. The increase is from zero.
No doubt we will be seeing a bit of the EA in the coming weeks until 'all the fuss' dies down, then we will be back to zero just in time for the summer months when our salmon and sewin are taken out further upstream.
|
|
|
Post by Gwyniadun on May 19, 2007 17:31:05 GMT -1
The writing has been on the wall for some time now and our efforts have been falling on deaf ears. I wonder if we pooled all the reports and complaints and sent a dossier to the ACA for legal advice on the next step forward, they may even takke it on board. These hopelesly unconcerned management team of the EA. are not on our side.
|
|
|
Post by johnf on May 19, 2007 17:46:07 GMT -1
Hello,
OK, I'm looking from the outside in but this does not retract from the fact that I care.
I visit Wales for a week a year and have done for 4 years. This is the only chance I get to pursue a passion of mine which is fishing for wild Trout. Due to work constraints as I said I have only been able to visit for one week a year. However, as I always live in the hope of being able to make another visit, I always buy a migratory fish annual license. Uhm, this is an expensive purchase but as a whole not the most expensive part of the break. I visit Wales (the Teifi at Cenarth to be precise) for one thing = FISHING!!! OK, yes I do enjoy the stunning scenery, but I'm there for the fishing, and I'm there to fish in stunning scenery!
The point I am trying to get across is that I have a high pressured job (although don't earn a great deal, but hey thats the NHS for you) and I need my annual fix of tranquility;
To EAW;
I hope you read this!
Indirectly I am already affected by this, I am asking myself "what would I do if finding myself in a similar situation. Alone on the river at dusk, dawn and night is where I find my tranquility, or could this be the time of finding a more sinister side to Wales whereby I innocently stumble across these undesirables that have NOT been removed due to the failings of YOUR duties?
I'm thinking = sod that! We'll go else where! Simple!! = Wales looses 2 grand annual income from a single small family who visits for 1 week a year. I suspect the figure of 2k looks high, actually it is a conservative estimate. Accommodation = 500 LICENSE = 66.50 Ticket (TTA) 80 Eating ( I don't cook while on Hols) = £5 breakfasts, - £10 lunches, - £20 dinners x 3 of us for 7 days = a lot of money for the local economy. Plus the copious amount of beer I consume, the days out the missus and daughter have, the tackle I buy, the list goes ON.
Lets sum this up shall we in language YOU understand; £8,000.00 for 1 MONTH to local economy
1 Angler!!
Get it?
Uhm!
1 x Confrontation or the knowledge that there are no fish to fish for because they have been poached = £8,000.00 Going else where.
Multiply this by the countless thousands of visiting anglers = YOU are stuffed!
And this is without the local uprise!!
Look back on this comment in the not to distant future, and you will either say "oh, too late now best I look for another job"
OR, you can say "WE TURNED THIS AROUND JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME! WELL DONE TEAM"
Don't Forget;
We Loose; I Loose;
YOU LOOSE!
No one wins!
Do your Job, do it well, or don't bother. You have been doing the latter very well - let's see a change to wards the former!
Off my high horse now and back to speaking to ANGLERS.
A big debate has been circulating the Sea Angling press for a couple of years now due to the opposition of enforcement of rod licenses for sea anglers.
I have two questions for you;
Who would benefit from this charge? How would this be policed?
Your answers will be gratefully received.
My ideas;
The gov and councils will benefit - not you, from revenue gained which will be used to pay the undesirables before mentioned benefits, who will in turn destroy your fishery for monetary gains!
Stings a bit?
Policed! Joke! Organized agencies will receive a budget for patrolling/policing, but guess what (opening a can of worms here) that budget will be largely spent else where! You guess where!
The simple and sad thing is that YOU pay for someone to check your license!
The clubs do ALL the work on the banks, or it is down to individuals who wish to fish a non-club area.
Report an incident (as I have done several times) nothing gets done!
Revolt!
|
|
|
Post by rwgbridgend on May 19, 2007 18:56:42 GMT -1
Thank you johnf,
I think that your comments should be compulsory reading for every Assembly Member and EA hierarchy in Wales.
Fishing tourism is worth millions to the rural economy in Wales as it is in Ireland. In Ireland they look after their valuble resources. Unfortunately in Wales this is not the case it seems.
You have put this whole issue into conext. Is Wales willing to lose tens of millions in fishing tourism for the sake of a modest investment to get bailiffs back on our rivers?
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 19, 2007 19:33:37 GMT -1
Johnf,
Please don't give up on your trips to Wales. We certainly won't give up our campaign to have the rivers protected.
Keep in touch with the forum and keep posting.
Thanks for your comments let's hope they hit home.
All the best
Highplains
|
|
|
Post by highplains on May 19, 2007 19:39:27 GMT -1
Gwyniadun,
Well said. You may well have hit on a way forward. Has anybody an appropriate contact?
Would be really interesting to get a legal point of view. I believe the EAW duties and responsibilities are laid out in the Salmon and Freshwater Fishing Act 1975, Water Resources Act and the Water Act. These duties are perhaps being forgotten in order to comply with the Assembly set performance indicators. Corrections and advice will be welcomed.
Regards.
Highplains
|
|
|
Post by johnf on May 19, 2007 21:30:04 GMT -1
I'm not going to give up on Wales easily my friends! No No No!
I love the place! And if you love something it is difficult to give it over to a un-just pillage. The legal way is the way to go, without doubt. They (being the EA) have a duty of care, be it EAW or EA-anywhere they have a duty! What that duty is by contract needs to be clear to us all.
Being an agency, they are probably bound by a service level agreement? What is that agreement? I'd also like a look at the books, freedom of information act. Specific questions = how much revenue was recieved 2005, 2006 and this year. How much was spent on actual policing. How much was spent on regeneration and repair of river banks. How much did you get paid to not read this, not take note, disregard and throw it in the bin for filing!!
Questions. They have to answer. I think we should put as many questions foreward as we want to know the answers to. I for one would like to know where my cash goes.
When I pay my car tax it stings a bit, but at least I see the road on a daily basis and atempted improvements to it. My rod licence costs half this fee and yet the only work I see done is carried out by club members (T.T.A members take a bow as the last time I visited I was so impressed I dare not even smoke for fear of ruining the situation with a fag butt stomped into the ground) I'm sure the same is true with other waters, but I have only been preivilage to this one.
I know I ramble on, but the truth is WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING otherwise we will end up in a un-recoverable situation. My view at present is to not to pay for a licence next year? If we all jump on-board they won't be able to pay for the underlings to check for licences anyway?
My view.
Nighty night all. Suspect you are just off out fishing?
Enjoy and Tight lines.
Be with you in a week, optemistic John
|
|