Post by Hoppy on Apr 27, 2007 14:30:32 GMT -1
Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting at 1.30pm, 24 April, at Bala Lake Hotel, Bala
Environment Agency Wales' committee who advise on topics such as conserving Welsh fish stocks, protecting our wildlife and improving recreational opportunities are meeting in Bala Lake Hotel, Bala on the 24 April.
The Committee will receive a report on the current fishery enforcement activities and organisation, together with proposals for future improvements in the Agency's service. The reported loss of fish from Welsh rivers due to illegal fishing can badly effect the income received by local communities from law-abiding anglers. Long term environmental impact of poaching may be significant as a result of the loss of future generations of salmon, trout and coarse fish.
Salmon stocks in Wales are low at present, and the Agency's fisheries officers will be discussing how best to secure the salmon's long-term future. The meeting will look at the current bylaws in place and discuss if they might be changed to better manage and protect our salmon stocks. A range of tools are available including catch and release, changes to the fishing seasons and bait restrictions.
The committee will also get the chance to comment on proposed increases in fishing licence duties. Whilst current proposals aim to increase duties to match inflation the Agency is proposing to keep the cost of the junior rod licence to just £5. The Agency has had major success in encouraging youngsters to take up fishing and this is seen as a step to keep up this success.
Graeme Harris, the Chairman of the committee said:
"The fish in our rivers are such a prized asset for Wales. We do need to protect them, not only for local anglers, but for the economic benefits that they bring to our communities.
"This committee is determined to provide our best advice to the Agency in order that they can put the right measures in place ensuring that there will be salmon, trout and coarse fish thriving in our rivers for years to come."
If you are interested in attending the meeting, or would like a copy of the related papers please contact Rhianne Sladen: 029 2046 6024 or e-mail rhianne.sladen@environment-agency.gov.uk
Environment Agency Wales' committee who advise on topics such as conserving Welsh fish stocks, protecting our wildlife and improving recreational opportunities are meeting in Bala Lake Hotel, Bala on the 24 April.
The Committee will receive a report on the current fishery enforcement activities and organisation, together with proposals for future improvements in the Agency's service. The reported loss of fish from Welsh rivers due to illegal fishing can badly effect the income received by local communities from law-abiding anglers. Long term environmental impact of poaching may be significant as a result of the loss of future generations of salmon, trout and coarse fish.
Salmon stocks in Wales are low at present, and the Agency's fisheries officers will be discussing how best to secure the salmon's long-term future. The meeting will look at the current bylaws in place and discuss if they might be changed to better manage and protect our salmon stocks. A range of tools are available including catch and release, changes to the fishing seasons and bait restrictions.
The committee will also get the chance to comment on proposed increases in fishing licence duties. Whilst current proposals aim to increase duties to match inflation the Agency is proposing to keep the cost of the junior rod licence to just £5. The Agency has had major success in encouraging youngsters to take up fishing and this is seen as a step to keep up this success.
Graeme Harris, the Chairman of the committee said:
"The fish in our rivers are such a prized asset for Wales. We do need to protect them, not only for local anglers, but for the economic benefits that they bring to our communities.
"This committee is determined to provide our best advice to the Agency in order that they can put the right measures in place ensuring that there will be salmon, trout and coarse fish thriving in our rivers for years to come."
If you are interested in attending the meeting, or would like a copy of the related papers please contact Rhianne Sladen: 029 2046 6024 or e-mail rhianne.sladen@environment-agency.gov.uk
