Post by Hoppy on Jan 19, 2006 19:23:15 GMT -1
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WALES
FISHERIES, ECOLOGY & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 27 OCTOBER 2005
PRESENT:
Mr P O Reilly, Chairman
Mr P Morgan
Mr A Rees
Mr J Roe
Mrs N Prichard
Mr C Charters
Major P Darling
Mr B Hodgson
Dr G Harris
Mr M Morgan
Mr P Eklund
Mr A Davies
Mr G Court
IN ATTENDANCE:
Dr D Clarke, Strategic Unit Wales Manager
Mr A Schofield, Acting FCRN Manager
Mr W Crookshank, Policy & Process Manager
Ms S Chare Fisheries Policy & Process Manager
Mr A Davies Welsh Assembly Government
Mrs J Brown External Relations Officer
05.46 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
·Declaration of Interests: Members were reminded to declare any interests in relation to items on the agenda.
·Declaration of Interests, Annual Reminder: The Chairman thanked those members who had returned their forms; those whose forms were outstanding were asked to return them as soon as possible.
05.47 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
·A very successful Association of Rivers Trusts Seminar was held in West Wales last month. The Seminar highlighted the benefits of working with local communities.
·The Chairman had given the opening keynote presentation at the NASCO/ICES Symposium in Norway in October where the interactions between aquaculture and wild salmonid fish stocks was the theme. Mr A Davies, Welsh Assembly Government, updated FERAC on aquaculture legislation for Welsh fisheries.
·Ash White – The Chairman was saddened to report the untimely death of Ash White, who had been very involved in the Fishing Wales initiative.
05.48 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Eric Humphreys, Huw Hughes, who had submitted written comments on agenda items, and from Donald Patterson, Bob Phillips, Fred Slater, Patricia Price, Alun Lewis, Michael Dolan, Dr Helen Phillips, Dr Malcolm Smith,
and Stuart Evans of the Welsh Assembly Government.
05.49 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2005
The minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2005 were submitted for consideration.
49.1Re: Minute No 05.38 – Developments in Salmon Management
Bullet Point No. 1 be amended to:
Concerns were expressed about undeclared net catches on the River Dee. A suggestion to introduce a reward scheme for voluntary release of net catches was put forward.
Agreed: that the minutes be approved as a true record, subject to the above amendment.
05.50 MATTERS ARISING
50.1 Re: Minute No 05.38 – Developments in Salmon Management
Major P Darling requested that a paper on byelaws be provided for the next FERAC meeting.
ACTION: AS
05.51 CREATING A BETTER PLACE TO PLAY – AN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY STRATEGY FOR WATER-RELATED SPORT AND RECREATION
Mr W Crookshank described the Agency’s strategy “Creating a Better Place to Play’, which is an overarching strategy for England and Wales. It sets out how the Agency will develop social, economic and environmental aspects to help deliver its responsibilities for water-related recreation. It is hoped that the Strategy will be launched at the Outdoor Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, during March 2006.
Mr A Schofield confirmed that the Federation of Welsh Anglers has appointed an Angling Development Manager. As part of his role the new appointee will be able to work with the Canoeing Officer at WCA, and it is the Agency’s intention to use this as an opportunity to move access issues forward.
Members made the following comments:
1.Mr Morgan raised concern about the lack of co-operation by the canoe unions on some projects in North West Wales and access issues on River Dee. The access problems could marr the arrangements of the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championship scheduled for
2006.
2.Mr C Charters welcomed the paper, recognising that there still remain issues on the riverbanks relating to the respective rights of canoeists and anglers:
-Lack of knowledge of agreements. More education is needed, making access information available to all interested parties. On the River Wye, there are improvements as more details are available on how information is disseminated and where access agreements currently exist.
-During the winter period, canoeists have limited paddling time, and there is a need to put in place agreements with riparian owners during this time.
-In areas of Wales such as the River Clywedog, where there are no fishing interests, areas could be released to canoeists.
3.Mr J Roe said:
-The capital value of fisheries can be reduced when there is canoe access, and there is a need for a licensing/registration system for canoeists.
- More enforcement is needed.
- Thereare also insurance issues for canoeists.
Mr Charters commented that the WCA had recently appointed a new Chief Executive. In terms of registration numbers there is a difficulty, because not all canoeists display their registration numbers.
4. Major P Darling said:
- with reference to para 2.3 the comment that “it will not adversely impact on existing users and uses” does not take account of habitat impacts and wildlife conservation.
- His Local Fisheries Group strongly recommends that a paid licensing system should be introduced for canoeists.
-There should be a Code of Conduct for canoeists.
5. Dr G Harris said:
- There is a need to establish where riparian owners fit in to the process.
6. Mrs N Prichard:
- Expressed concerned about jet skiing and water skiing, both of which can have a major impact on the fish travelling up estuaries.
7.Mr A Rees said:
The United Usk Fishermens’ Federation currently have a good access agreement on the River Usk and will be meeting with Llangollen canoeists to discuss similar arrangements.
AGREED: 1) to support the new approach.2) that the Agency should note members’ comments.
05.52 EEL MANAGEMENT
Ms S Chare explained that the Agency is seeking to revise its eel strategy to improve eel stocks. In order to reduce further exploitation, the European Commission is considering introducing an Eel Regulation that would require member states to put in place Eel Management Plans (EMP) to achieve a 40% escapement target for eels. Until such plans are achieving this target the regulation would require that the eel and elver fisheries close for 15 days of each month. As the EMPs would take some time to deliver, the closed season could be in place for over 10 years. The Agency welcomes this proposal.
Ms Chare noted Mr A Davies’ comments that the Welsh Assembly Government, the Environment Agency and Defra are meeting to discuss this proposal including how it might be funded and implemented.
Members made the following comments:
·FERAC welcomed the paper.
·FERAC members were concerned about the declining eel stocks
·Noting that there is a lack of knowledge about eels, FERAC recommended that eels should be included as a listed species in the Biodiversity Action Plan.
·More enforcement during elver runs should be made a top priority.
·Eels are a vital source of food for otters and the decline in eel populations will affect otters and other species within the food chain.
·There is a need for the Agency to consult eel fisherman on how the targets in the EMP can best be met.
AGREED: 1) That the Agency should note members’ concerns about eel stocks.2) That the Agency should note members’ comments on the proposed Eel Management Plans.
05.53 BETTER LINKS BETWEEN FERAC & LOCAL FISHERIES GROUPS
Mr A Schofield asked FERAC to consider whether the Local Fisheries Groups (LFGs) operate satisfactorily and whether there should be a closer link between FERAC and LFGs. He said that there were six LFGs currently in operation throughout Wales, but currently there is no active LFG in the Gower area. Mr Schofield described the role of FERAC and the role of LFG members and referred to the options set out in the paper.
Members made the following comments:
·The paper was very timely and was welcomed.
·All active LFGs currently worked well with good feedback from clubs and other interested parties.
·FERAC recognised that each LFG worked differently and that ‘one size does not fit all’.
·Some members agreed with the proposal to develop Terms of Reference, although the Terms of Reference should be flexible and simple and should reflect the nature and needs of the local area.
·Reference made to the role of the Area Environment Groups and the need to share best practice in order to improve links with the local community
·The South West Wales LFG has a newsletter that is circulated locally and has proved to be very useful. In other areas, a Newsletter could also benefit the Environment Agency and its fisheries customers.
·LFG Chairs or an LFG member should continue to be members of FERAC – a situation that has in practice applied for many years.
·Welsh Assembly Government very much support the role of the LFGs, which have provided the Welsh Assembly Government officials with advice on legislative issues; Assembly Government officials recommend that the role of the LFGs continue.
·It was noted that the Upper Severn area was not covered within the current membership of FERAC, and it was suggested that a member from Midlands Region FERAC should be invited to attend FERAC Wales meetings.
·There was a suggestion that a member from the upper Dee should be included on Dee & Clwyd LFG.
·FERAC would support the reconstitution of the LFG for the Gower area.
AGREED: 1) To support the role of the Local Fisheries Groups 2) That the Agency should note members’ comments.
05.54 DIRECTOR’S REPORT UPDATE
Dr Clarke thanked members for their contribution to Welsh Assembly Government’s Environment Strategy through the joint sub committee meeting held on 27 September. Dr Clarke said that he had met with the Minister recently who confirmed that it was the intention to publish the Environment Strategy during February 2006, together with an action plan. This was an action that came from the sub committee meeting and Dr Clarke said that it was very pleasing as there would now be an indication of environmental progress and performance. Mrs Prichard said that this joint meeting had been useful in bringing together the views of all committees particularly in prioritising the comments.
Dr Clarke reported that Welsh Assembly Government has consulted on the number of plans produced by Local Government, which have been reduced from twenty to four. Dr Clarke said that the Agency considers that within this rationalisation, the loss of a focus for environmental issues at a local level will provide less opportunity to engage and enthuse councillors and communities.
AGREED: to note the report.
05.55 FCRN UPDATE REPORT Q2 2005/2006
Mr Schofield highlighted the work that had been undertaken to complete fish passes and habitat schemes at Abersannen, Llandaff Weir and Haverfordwest. Mr Morgan was pleased with the completion of the Abersannen fish pass and praised the design work.
In response to members’ questions on research by Wales Tourist Board, Mr Schofield confirmed that an additional £27 million of angling tourism expenditure had been spent in Wales as a direct result of the Fishing Wales campaign during 2004/05. He suggested that a presentation be given on Wales Tourist Board research to FERAC at a future meeting.
Dr Harris commented that the level of rod licence prosecutions in South West Wales compared to others areas of Wales still remains low.
AGREED: to note the report.
05.56 FISHING WALES – MAINTAINING MOMENTUM
The Agency is proposing to forward an application to WEFO for approximately £2m. Mr Schofield outlined the proposal for Fishing Wales II, and FERAC was asked to provide advice on the planned funding proposal for eight high priority fish passes at an approximate cost of £1m. Members were also asked to comment on the proposed training programme and marketing budget to help in the delivery of the project.
Members made the following comments:
·The proposal was strongly supported, and FERAC agreed:
1)That a letter of support be sent from FERAC.
2)That each LFG and WSTAA be encouraged to send a letter of support.
3) That local Rivers Trusts be encouraged to send a letter of support.
·Mr Davies, Welsh Assembly Government clarified the process associated with match funding.
·Members welcomed the opportunity for local involvement in the bidding process.
·Dr Harris supported the proposal for fish passes but queried the cost of maintenance.
·Mr Schofield confirmed that there would be a small charge for a fishery habitat advisory visit by a consultant as part of the scheme this would relate to the consultants subsistence costs only.
·In response to Mr Morgan’s question about using artificial spawning basins, Mr Schofield said that we need to encourage fish to spawn naturally. Others commented that such facilities in the UK have not performed as successfully as those in Canada and the USA.
AGREED: to note members’ comments and agreed the following response:
1)That a letter of support be sent from FERAC to the Agency.
ACTION:
POR2) That each LFG and WSTAA be encouraged to send a letter of support to the Agency.
3) That local Rivers Trusts be encouraged to send a letter of support to the Agency.
05.57 RFDC AND EPAC REPORTS
1) EPAC
Mr Rees paid tribute to Mr G Court who was attending his last FERAC meeting as Chairman of EPAC.
Mr Court highlighted the main issues that had been discussed at EPAC. He said that at the joint sub committee meeting, a change to building regulations was proposed that would encourage the use of low carbon and energy efficient materials. Waste minimisation was considered to be an important issue. The sub committee recommended that more challenging targets be set for local authorities to reduce biodegradable municipal landfill waste.
2) RFDC
Dr Harris had discussed the Welsh Assembly’s consultation on the proposals for the new Committee that would take over from RFDC. The Minister’s preferred option is for 14 members: 6 appointed by the Minister, 6 by Welsh Local Government Association and 2 to be appointed by the Environment Agency. At their last meeting, the RFDC agreed that the new committee should be known as the Flood Risk Management Committee Wales.
AGREED: to note the RFDC and EPAC Reports.
05.58 INFORMATION ITEMS:
The following items were circulated for information:
1)Net Limitation Order Review
2)Improving the condition of SSSIs
3)Wildlife, Recreation & Marine Feedback and Update
4)Progress in implementing the National Trout and Grayling Fisheries Strategy.
5)Second public consultation on Abstraction Charges Scheme Review (copies of the consultation were available at the meeting)
6)Public Attitudes to Angling (previously circulated)
7)Angling in 2015. (members were asked to provide written comments to Jill Brown).
8)Incident & Flood Risk Management Project
9)Joint Sub Committee minutes on the Agency’s Corporate Strategy and Welsh Assembly Government’s Environment Strategy.
10) High Impact Enforcement Paper – a paper would be provided for the next FERAC Meeting.
ACTION: DC/AS
58.1 Sheep Dip
Dr Clarke told FERAC that the Agency is continuing to work closely with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. He said that the Agency was continuing to raise awareness of the serious effect of Cypermethrin pollution.
Mr Rees had attended a meeting with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and other bodies on 30 September. A paper by Andy Moore was presented on the impact of sheep dip on migratory fish, but there had been insufficient time for its discussion,
05.59 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mr P Morgan gave an update on the reintroduction of the European Beaver into France and elsewhere, following his attendance at a seminar held on 25 July 2005.
05.60DATES OF MEETINGS IN 2006:
AGREED: that future meetings would be held on:
24 January
26 & 27 April
11 July
25 October
FISHERIES, ECOLOGY & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 27 OCTOBER 2005
PRESENT:
Mr P O Reilly, Chairman
Mr P Morgan
Mr A Rees
Mr J Roe
Mrs N Prichard
Mr C Charters
Major P Darling
Mr B Hodgson
Dr G Harris
Mr M Morgan
Mr P Eklund
Mr A Davies
Mr G Court
IN ATTENDANCE:
Dr D Clarke, Strategic Unit Wales Manager
Mr A Schofield, Acting FCRN Manager
Mr W Crookshank, Policy & Process Manager
Ms S Chare Fisheries Policy & Process Manager
Mr A Davies Welsh Assembly Government
Mrs J Brown External Relations Officer
05.46 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
·Declaration of Interests: Members were reminded to declare any interests in relation to items on the agenda.
·Declaration of Interests, Annual Reminder: The Chairman thanked those members who had returned their forms; those whose forms were outstanding were asked to return them as soon as possible.
05.47 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
·A very successful Association of Rivers Trusts Seminar was held in West Wales last month. The Seminar highlighted the benefits of working with local communities.
·The Chairman had given the opening keynote presentation at the NASCO/ICES Symposium in Norway in October where the interactions between aquaculture and wild salmonid fish stocks was the theme. Mr A Davies, Welsh Assembly Government, updated FERAC on aquaculture legislation for Welsh fisheries.
·Ash White – The Chairman was saddened to report the untimely death of Ash White, who had been very involved in the Fishing Wales initiative.
05.48 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Eric Humphreys, Huw Hughes, who had submitted written comments on agenda items, and from Donald Patterson, Bob Phillips, Fred Slater, Patricia Price, Alun Lewis, Michael Dolan, Dr Helen Phillips, Dr Malcolm Smith,
and Stuart Evans of the Welsh Assembly Government.
05.49 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2005
The minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2005 were submitted for consideration.
49.1Re: Minute No 05.38 – Developments in Salmon Management
Bullet Point No. 1 be amended to:
Concerns were expressed about undeclared net catches on the River Dee. A suggestion to introduce a reward scheme for voluntary release of net catches was put forward.
Agreed: that the minutes be approved as a true record, subject to the above amendment.
05.50 MATTERS ARISING
50.1 Re: Minute No 05.38 – Developments in Salmon Management
Major P Darling requested that a paper on byelaws be provided for the next FERAC meeting.
ACTION: AS
05.51 CREATING A BETTER PLACE TO PLAY – AN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY STRATEGY FOR WATER-RELATED SPORT AND RECREATION
Mr W Crookshank described the Agency’s strategy “Creating a Better Place to Play’, which is an overarching strategy for England and Wales. It sets out how the Agency will develop social, economic and environmental aspects to help deliver its responsibilities for water-related recreation. It is hoped that the Strategy will be launched at the Outdoor Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, during March 2006.
Mr A Schofield confirmed that the Federation of Welsh Anglers has appointed an Angling Development Manager. As part of his role the new appointee will be able to work with the Canoeing Officer at WCA, and it is the Agency’s intention to use this as an opportunity to move access issues forward.
Members made the following comments:
1.Mr Morgan raised concern about the lack of co-operation by the canoe unions on some projects in North West Wales and access issues on River Dee. The access problems could marr the arrangements of the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championship scheduled for
2006.
2.Mr C Charters welcomed the paper, recognising that there still remain issues on the riverbanks relating to the respective rights of canoeists and anglers:
-Lack of knowledge of agreements. More education is needed, making access information available to all interested parties. On the River Wye, there are improvements as more details are available on how information is disseminated and where access agreements currently exist.
-During the winter period, canoeists have limited paddling time, and there is a need to put in place agreements with riparian owners during this time.
-In areas of Wales such as the River Clywedog, where there are no fishing interests, areas could be released to canoeists.
3.Mr J Roe said:
-The capital value of fisheries can be reduced when there is canoe access, and there is a need for a licensing/registration system for canoeists.
- More enforcement is needed.
- Thereare also insurance issues for canoeists.
Mr Charters commented that the WCA had recently appointed a new Chief Executive. In terms of registration numbers there is a difficulty, because not all canoeists display their registration numbers.
4. Major P Darling said:
- with reference to para 2.3 the comment that “it will not adversely impact on existing users and uses” does not take account of habitat impacts and wildlife conservation.
- His Local Fisheries Group strongly recommends that a paid licensing system should be introduced for canoeists.
-There should be a Code of Conduct for canoeists.
5. Dr G Harris said:
- There is a need to establish where riparian owners fit in to the process.
6. Mrs N Prichard:
- Expressed concerned about jet skiing and water skiing, both of which can have a major impact on the fish travelling up estuaries.
7.Mr A Rees said:
The United Usk Fishermens’ Federation currently have a good access agreement on the River Usk and will be meeting with Llangollen canoeists to discuss similar arrangements.
AGREED: 1) to support the new approach.2) that the Agency should note members’ comments.
05.52 EEL MANAGEMENT
Ms S Chare explained that the Agency is seeking to revise its eel strategy to improve eel stocks. In order to reduce further exploitation, the European Commission is considering introducing an Eel Regulation that would require member states to put in place Eel Management Plans (EMP) to achieve a 40% escapement target for eels. Until such plans are achieving this target the regulation would require that the eel and elver fisheries close for 15 days of each month. As the EMPs would take some time to deliver, the closed season could be in place for over 10 years. The Agency welcomes this proposal.
Ms Chare noted Mr A Davies’ comments that the Welsh Assembly Government, the Environment Agency and Defra are meeting to discuss this proposal including how it might be funded and implemented.
Members made the following comments:
·FERAC welcomed the paper.
·FERAC members were concerned about the declining eel stocks
·Noting that there is a lack of knowledge about eels, FERAC recommended that eels should be included as a listed species in the Biodiversity Action Plan.
·More enforcement during elver runs should be made a top priority.
·Eels are a vital source of food for otters and the decline in eel populations will affect otters and other species within the food chain.
·There is a need for the Agency to consult eel fisherman on how the targets in the EMP can best be met.
AGREED: 1) That the Agency should note members’ concerns about eel stocks.2) That the Agency should note members’ comments on the proposed Eel Management Plans.
05.53 BETTER LINKS BETWEEN FERAC & LOCAL FISHERIES GROUPS
Mr A Schofield asked FERAC to consider whether the Local Fisheries Groups (LFGs) operate satisfactorily and whether there should be a closer link between FERAC and LFGs. He said that there were six LFGs currently in operation throughout Wales, but currently there is no active LFG in the Gower area. Mr Schofield described the role of FERAC and the role of LFG members and referred to the options set out in the paper.
Members made the following comments:
·The paper was very timely and was welcomed.
·All active LFGs currently worked well with good feedback from clubs and other interested parties.
·FERAC recognised that each LFG worked differently and that ‘one size does not fit all’.
·Some members agreed with the proposal to develop Terms of Reference, although the Terms of Reference should be flexible and simple and should reflect the nature and needs of the local area.
·Reference made to the role of the Area Environment Groups and the need to share best practice in order to improve links with the local community
·The South West Wales LFG has a newsletter that is circulated locally and has proved to be very useful. In other areas, a Newsletter could also benefit the Environment Agency and its fisheries customers.
·LFG Chairs or an LFG member should continue to be members of FERAC – a situation that has in practice applied for many years.
·Welsh Assembly Government very much support the role of the LFGs, which have provided the Welsh Assembly Government officials with advice on legislative issues; Assembly Government officials recommend that the role of the LFGs continue.
·It was noted that the Upper Severn area was not covered within the current membership of FERAC, and it was suggested that a member from Midlands Region FERAC should be invited to attend FERAC Wales meetings.
·There was a suggestion that a member from the upper Dee should be included on Dee & Clwyd LFG.
·FERAC would support the reconstitution of the LFG for the Gower area.
AGREED: 1) To support the role of the Local Fisheries Groups 2) That the Agency should note members’ comments.
05.54 DIRECTOR’S REPORT UPDATE
Dr Clarke thanked members for their contribution to Welsh Assembly Government’s Environment Strategy through the joint sub committee meeting held on 27 September. Dr Clarke said that he had met with the Minister recently who confirmed that it was the intention to publish the Environment Strategy during February 2006, together with an action plan. This was an action that came from the sub committee meeting and Dr Clarke said that it was very pleasing as there would now be an indication of environmental progress and performance. Mrs Prichard said that this joint meeting had been useful in bringing together the views of all committees particularly in prioritising the comments.
Dr Clarke reported that Welsh Assembly Government has consulted on the number of plans produced by Local Government, which have been reduced from twenty to four. Dr Clarke said that the Agency considers that within this rationalisation, the loss of a focus for environmental issues at a local level will provide less opportunity to engage and enthuse councillors and communities.
AGREED: to note the report.
05.55 FCRN UPDATE REPORT Q2 2005/2006
Mr Schofield highlighted the work that had been undertaken to complete fish passes and habitat schemes at Abersannen, Llandaff Weir and Haverfordwest. Mr Morgan was pleased with the completion of the Abersannen fish pass and praised the design work.
In response to members’ questions on research by Wales Tourist Board, Mr Schofield confirmed that an additional £27 million of angling tourism expenditure had been spent in Wales as a direct result of the Fishing Wales campaign during 2004/05. He suggested that a presentation be given on Wales Tourist Board research to FERAC at a future meeting.
Dr Harris commented that the level of rod licence prosecutions in South West Wales compared to others areas of Wales still remains low.
AGREED: to note the report.
05.56 FISHING WALES – MAINTAINING MOMENTUM
The Agency is proposing to forward an application to WEFO for approximately £2m. Mr Schofield outlined the proposal for Fishing Wales II, and FERAC was asked to provide advice on the planned funding proposal for eight high priority fish passes at an approximate cost of £1m. Members were also asked to comment on the proposed training programme and marketing budget to help in the delivery of the project.
Members made the following comments:
·The proposal was strongly supported, and FERAC agreed:
1)That a letter of support be sent from FERAC.
2)That each LFG and WSTAA be encouraged to send a letter of support.
3) That local Rivers Trusts be encouraged to send a letter of support.
·Mr Davies, Welsh Assembly Government clarified the process associated with match funding.
·Members welcomed the opportunity for local involvement in the bidding process.
·Dr Harris supported the proposal for fish passes but queried the cost of maintenance.
·Mr Schofield confirmed that there would be a small charge for a fishery habitat advisory visit by a consultant as part of the scheme this would relate to the consultants subsistence costs only.
·In response to Mr Morgan’s question about using artificial spawning basins, Mr Schofield said that we need to encourage fish to spawn naturally. Others commented that such facilities in the UK have not performed as successfully as those in Canada and the USA.
AGREED: to note members’ comments and agreed the following response:
1)That a letter of support be sent from FERAC to the Agency.
ACTION:
POR2) That each LFG and WSTAA be encouraged to send a letter of support to the Agency.
3) That local Rivers Trusts be encouraged to send a letter of support to the Agency.
05.57 RFDC AND EPAC REPORTS
1) EPAC
Mr Rees paid tribute to Mr G Court who was attending his last FERAC meeting as Chairman of EPAC.
Mr Court highlighted the main issues that had been discussed at EPAC. He said that at the joint sub committee meeting, a change to building regulations was proposed that would encourage the use of low carbon and energy efficient materials. Waste minimisation was considered to be an important issue. The sub committee recommended that more challenging targets be set for local authorities to reduce biodegradable municipal landfill waste.
2) RFDC
Dr Harris had discussed the Welsh Assembly’s consultation on the proposals for the new Committee that would take over from RFDC. The Minister’s preferred option is for 14 members: 6 appointed by the Minister, 6 by Welsh Local Government Association and 2 to be appointed by the Environment Agency. At their last meeting, the RFDC agreed that the new committee should be known as the Flood Risk Management Committee Wales.
AGREED: to note the RFDC and EPAC Reports.
05.58 INFORMATION ITEMS:
The following items were circulated for information:
1)Net Limitation Order Review
2)Improving the condition of SSSIs
3)Wildlife, Recreation & Marine Feedback and Update
4)Progress in implementing the National Trout and Grayling Fisheries Strategy.
5)Second public consultation on Abstraction Charges Scheme Review (copies of the consultation were available at the meeting)
6)Public Attitudes to Angling (previously circulated)
7)Angling in 2015. (members were asked to provide written comments to Jill Brown).
8)Incident & Flood Risk Management Project
9)Joint Sub Committee minutes on the Agency’s Corporate Strategy and Welsh Assembly Government’s Environment Strategy.
10) High Impact Enforcement Paper – a paper would be provided for the next FERAC Meeting.
ACTION: DC/AS
58.1 Sheep Dip
Dr Clarke told FERAC that the Agency is continuing to work closely with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. He said that the Agency was continuing to raise awareness of the serious effect of Cypermethrin pollution.
Mr Rees had attended a meeting with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and other bodies on 30 September. A paper by Andy Moore was presented on the impact of sheep dip on migratory fish, but there had been insufficient time for its discussion,
05.59 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mr P Morgan gave an update on the reintroduction of the European Beaver into France and elsewhere, following his attendance at a seminar held on 25 July 2005.
05.60DATES OF MEETINGS IN 2006:
AGREED: that future meetings would be held on:
24 January
26 & 27 April
11 July
25 October