Countryside Minister Elliot Morley supports the proposed Cumbrian livebait ban, it was reported yesterday.
Environment Agency officials want to stop pikers using livebaits on around 20 pike waters in the Lake District, including household names like Windermere and Esthwaite.
Scientists claim that dwindling populations of rare fish like the vendace are under threat from discarded coarse species brought to the lakes for livebait.
More than 400 objections to the proposals were received after a campaign by specimen groups, the Pike Angler’s Club and readers of FISHINGmagic.
Many predator anglers fear the a ban in Cumbria could quickly lead to a national ban on what some regard as a banker method.
In today’s Eastern Daily Press, Mr Morley says: “There’s a strong case for banning livebaiting in sensitive waters, there are cases of spreading fish diseases and exotic species, so I support the EA in what it’s doing.
“The vast majority of anglers do not use livebait and many angling clubs and private fisheries prohibit it.”
In a crumb of comfort, Mr Morley said those who warned the Lakeland ban would lead to bans in other areas were “jumping the gun”.
An official announcement is expected from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Mr Morley’s Whitehall department – shortly.
