The Moran Committee is pleased to give its backing to The English Carp Heritage Organisation (ECHO) in its bid to promote sweeping changes in fishery legislation.
ECHO is a 1,300 strong protection group fighting against the illegal importation of carp and other coarse species into the UK, and it is lobbying for tougher legislation on this important matter. Many coarse fish imported from mainland Europe have been obtained illegally, and they are able to act as carriers of potentially fatal diseases to which UK fish have no immunity. The consequences can be, and have been, widespread mortalities in fisheries where such fish have been introduced.
Already actively working with the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Specialist Anglers’ Alliance (SAA), ECHO believes that their voice can only add weight to the demands for new legislation to protect the future of angling and fisheries at home and abroad.
Ian Chillcott, ECHO founder and chairman said:
“This is a huge and exciting step forward in the battle against the flood of illegally imported fish that threaten our sport. ECHO has always understood the need to link angling with Governmental organisations and offer a united front in order to achieve the sweeping changes angling requires to safeguard its own future. To have gained the full backing of the Moran Committee has forged another crucial political link and we are delighted that they have given us their support”.
“Echo has become a vitally important link between anglers and Government bodies like CEFAS and the EA. Now we also have the potential to air our views direct to Government through the Moran Committee. This new link is provided by the SAA and makes us a much more powerful voice in the political arena.”
The Moran Committee will place the ECHO campaign on its agenda at meetings with key Government departments, English Nature and other influential organisations.
CEFAS: 01305 206681
Environment Agency National Fish Movement Team: 01840 414581
For further information, please contact Carmel Jorgensen c/o Salmon & Trout Association, Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, London EC4R 9EL
Tel: 020 7283 5838 or Email carmel@salmon-trout.org
The Moran Committtee Comprises:
Anglers’ Conservation Association
Angling Trades Association
Association of Stillwater Game Fishery Managers
Atlantic Salmon Trust
Commercial Coarse Fisheries Association
Institute of Fisheries Management
National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives
National Federation of Anglers
National Federation of Sea Anglers
Salmon & Trout Association
Specialist Anglers Alliance
Welsh Federation of Coarse Anglers Ltd
Welsh Salmon & Trout Angling Association
Chairman: The Lord Moran
