Representatives of the sea angling and charter boat organisations were glad to respond to an invitation by MAFF to attend a meeting with its officials from Fisheries IIIB, Conservation; IVA Licensing and Quota Management; the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate and a scientist from CEFAS, to discuss the specific problems that were of concern to sea anglers and charter boat operations within the UK.
At the meeting chaired by Barry Edwards of Fisheries IV (Management and Control) Division, the discussions were frank and positive and items tabled included:
-The ownership of the fish stock resources.
-MAFF’s responsibility for the recreational angling industry.
-Recognition of the specific requirements of sea anglers in respect to the management of the fish stocks.
-How the decline of species important to anglers, (in particular, cod; rays, flounder, conger, whiting and wrasse) has impacted on the recreational angling industry and seeking answers on causes for the decline.
-The control of unlicensed fishing in particular for Bass.
-Bass Conservation issues existing and new.
-The problems of management through Tacs and quotas, and the disastrous effect on the charter boat industry when these are exhausted and closure measures ensue.
Assurances were given by Mr Edwards that sea angling interests were taken into account in fish stock management but as an ongoing principle MAFF would seek wider consultation on fisheries matters that affect the sea angling sector.
The sea angling industry is keen to stress that the most important issue is the restoration of the fish stocks and they have no wish to conflict with the legitimate interest of commercial fishermen but rather to support them in this common cause. It is also believed that in doing this the wealth generated by the immense sea angling industry which contributes significantly to the UK economy, would be maintained and built upon.
It was agreed that a succinct paper containing the main thrust of the argument for sea angling would be helpful to the ministry, and this will be prepared by the NFSA after consulting with the other organisations represented. It was also agreed that full meetings would be arranged on an annual basis, with the proviso that if deemed necessary by urgent matters, this arrangement can be supplemented by emergency meetings.
In attendance were representatives from Sea Angling Liaison Committee of G.Britain and Ireland, Professional Boatman’s Association, National Federation of Charter Skippers, Bass Anglers Sportsfishing Society, European Federation of SA (English Section), South West Federation of SA, and the National Federation of Sea Anglers.
