Date posted: 22-08-2006
Source: Webmaster
Subject: New NAFAC News Site
Content of News Release:
Following a very busy year processing News, Press Releases and Events information, we are now offering a much improved News section of the site to accommodate archiving and searching facilities.
The volume of material that needs to be accessed daily along with older material of interest is becoming increasingly difficult to present and a natural step is for the site to expand to accommodate growth.
The existing archives present in this section will remain, but all new information will be transferred to the new site which you can now access via the following link:
http://www.nafac.co.uk/nafacnews.
Hope youi approve!
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 18-08-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER TO VISIT BEALE PARK
Content of News Release:
Rural Affairs Minister will be visiting Beale Park in Pangbourne, near Reading next Tuesday to support National Fishing Week and to back the Environment Agency’s drive to get more people fishing.
Reading West MP Martin Salter, who is the Parliamentary spokesman for angling and Mr Gardiner will be at one of two free angling days being held by the Environment Agency at Beale Park, Pangbourne, Berkshire next week as part of National Fishing Week (19 - 28 August).
Following on from the success of last year's event, when over 200 people of all ages experienced the thrill of fishing, the Beale Park event aims to give the everyone, from complete beginners to more experienced anglers, the opportunity to learn new angling skills.
The angling days take place on Monday 21 August and Tuesday 22 August between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Mr Gardiner and Mr Salter will be joining novices and more experienced anglers on Tuesday morning, but people can turn up at any time on either day and have a go.
Qualified angling experts from the National Federation of Anglers will be on hand to give people one-to-one tuition sessions and children who attend will receive a £2 reduction on their entrance to Beale Park.
Fisheries officers from the Environment Agency will have educational environmental displays and will also be organising supervised pond-dipping sessions where youngsters can learn more about water-life.
Mr Salter said:
"I'm really pleased that the new Rural Affairs Minister has found time to give his personal support to the excellent contribution that the Environment Agency is making to National Fishing Week, which aims to get even more people to take up Britain's most popular participant sport."
Chris Bell, Fisheries Officer at the Environment Agency, said:
"Angling days like this give families a real opportunity to have a go at fishing. Angling is a fantastic pastime as it gives children a real chance to get close to nature and learn about the different species of fish.
By giving people the chance to have a go at angling we are providing the opportunity to get closer to nature through a pastime which can become a hobby for life."
Mr Gardiner will also be hearing from the Environment Agency on work to improve rivers in the Thames catchment through the recently established Thames Rivers Restoration Trust of which Mr Salter is a Trustee.
-ENDS-
Further information
Martin Salter
Chris Bell: 01491 828358
Photocall 12 noon, Tuesday 22nd August. Martin Salter and Barry Gardiner with youngsters learning to fish at Beale Park Lake.
Directions
Beale Park is on the A329 Oxford Road, one mile west of Pangbourne, on the right hand side.
Note: Further information on National Fishing week is available from Brendan McKeown on 07966 135536 or at www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 18-08-2006
Source:
Subject: DEFRA-ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (EA) STRATEGIC OVERVIEW – Q&A
Content of News Release:
Consultation: Making Space for Water: Environment Agency strategic overview – strengthening our strategic approach to sea flooding and coastal erosion risk management – Questions and answers
Papers to Download below:
Related Document(s): DEFRAdraft-actionplan8-06.pdf
DEFRAconsultation8-06.pdf
Date posted: 18-08-2006
Source:
Subject: DEFRA-ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (EA) STRATEGIC OVERVIEW – Q&A Continued
Content of News Release:
Additional Download file reference this issue.
Question and Answer Paper below:
Related Document(s): EAqanda8-06.pdf
Date posted: 18-08-2006
Source: Caroline O'Flaherty
Subject: SALMON AND FRESHWATER FISH (SFF) STAKEHOLDER MEETING: 13 SEPTEMBER
Content of News Release:
Dear Stakeholders
The next and final meeting of the SFF Stakeholders will take place on 13
September in London. The agenda has not yet been confirmed, but it will be a
full day meeting starting around 10/10.30am. The meeting will be held at the
Civil Service Sports Club, Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick
Street, Westminster, London SW1P 2EP. Tel : 020 7976 7646 - Website:
www.cssc-london.co.uk
Attached is a map with directions to the venue:
http://www.cssc-london.co.uk/chadwickst/location.htm
I am grateful to the stakeholders who have already sent me their response to
the questions raised in the draft RIA. As a gentle reminder I would like to
stress the importance that the remaining responses are sent to me by 21
August. We are working to a very tight deadline, and cannot afford any
slippage in the deadline.
I have copied this email to the Core Group Members for information.
Thank you
Caroline O'Flaherty
Salmon and Freshwater Fish Team
Tel: 0207 270 1938
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 17-08-2006
Source: Marin Salter MP
Subject: National Fshing Week event for disabled children at Tapperns Lake, Theale
Content of News Release:
All over Britain anglers will introducing new converts to the country’s most popular participant sport during National Fishing Week which runs from the 18th-27th August. Currently there are estimated to be 3.5 million anglers in the U.K.
On Thursday 24th August, Reading West MP Martin Salter who is also the Government’s Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling will be teaming up with local anglers from the Reading area to introduce disabled children to the joys of fishing. The event takes place at Tapperns Lake in Theale near Reading with a group of a dozen disabled children from the PALS charity. Mr Salter’s helpers include Alan Hughes of Reading and District Angling Assocation. Tapperns Lake is situated beside the River Kennet at the end of Wigmore Lane with access across the railway line. It also holds a number of specially constructed disabled fishing platforms.
The children are all from P.A.L.S. (Partnership for Active Leisure Scheme) which gives physically disabled children between the ages of 5 and 18 the chance to join in a variety of leisure activities not normally available to them. Mr Salter has organised a similar event with PALS for the past five years and the activity has proved so popular that it has now become a regular part of their summer activities programme.
Over 200 children from West Berkshire, Reading and North Hampshire areas have benefited from the work of the PALS which was launched in 1998 with support from SCOPE (formerly the Spastic Society).
Martin Salter MP said:
“This has become an annual event for local disabled kids and is one of my favourite days of the year. I am extremely grateful to the lads from Reading and District and the Tilehurst Royal British Legion Angling Associations for taking time off work to give these disadvantaged children a great day out in the countryside and teaching them how to fish in a safe and secure environment.”
Brooke Shepheard of PALS said:
“Reading and District Anglers and Martin Salter have generously hosted PALS for several years. It is a highlight of our summer programme and we are looking forward to this years fishing opportunity on the 24th Aug on Tapperns Lake. Many fish will be landed and great fishing tales told”.
-ENDS-
Further information
Martin Salter
Brooke Shepheard 0788787112
Photocall12 noon –2.30pm,24th August,
Tapperns Lake, Wigmore Lane, Theale, Nr Reading.
Directions Park in car park at bottom of Wigmore Lane and cross railway line. Lake is over stile on left – call Martin Salter’s mobile for exact position.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 17-08-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: ANGLING MP’S FIRST CATCH
Content of News Release:
This week, the newly formed All Party Parliamentary Group on Angling had its first waterside encounter with a visit to Sparsholt College in Hampshire, and ended up catching the biggest fish in the college lake – a carp of 20lbs 6oz!
The MPs were viewing the National Aquatics Training Centre and looking at the other facilities at the college including their salmonoid hatchery and centres for equine, game and wildlife and countryside management. The visiting MPs were Martin Salter (Lab, Reading West) and Charles Walker (Con, Broxbourne) – the Chair and Vice-Chair of the APPG on Angling which was established in May this year. After their trip to the College lake the MPs met with Viv Shears and Ruth Lockwood of the English Carp Heritage Organisation (ECHO) to discuss the threat posed to British fisheries from the recently discovered Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) and the measures that need to be taken to try and contain the outbreak.
Martin Salter MP said:
“We had a great day on Monday and it is impossible not to be impressed by the facilities and standard of teaching at Sparsholt College which has the longest established fishery management section in the country. I was delighted that under the expert guidance of Viv Shears that my Conservative colleague Charles Walker was not only to catch his first carp of any size, but that he ended up landing the largest fish in the lake. Charles may be a fly fisherman first and foremost but I think we have probably turned him into a carp convert in three short hours on the banks of Sparsholt College lake!”
Ends
More info:
Martin Salter MP 07976946033
Charles Walker MP 07799378371
Photo Attached:
Viv Shears, Charles Walker (centre) and Martin Salter right) with the 20lbs 6oz Mirror Carp from Sparsholt College lake.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 10-08-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: Bass Minimum Landing Size Announcement
Content of News Release:
Labour’s Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling, Martin Salter MP, today gave a guarded welcome to the announcement by Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw to increase the Minimum Landing Size for bass from 36cm to 40cm in English coastal waters. This follows an intensive campaign by the Bass Anglers Sportsfish Society (B.A.S.S.) which Mr Salter supported and arranged for representatives to have direct negotiations with Ben Bradshaw following a National Angling Summit last year.
Martin Salter said:
“I’m pleased that Ben Bradshaw has accepted the arguments for a bigger Minimum Landing Size to give better protection to bass stocks in the face of a quite vitriolic campaign run by commercial fishing interests who always put their own financial concerns ahead of what is best for the marine environment. I realise that many sea anglers will be disappointed that Ben Bradshaw has not gone for the immediate 45cm limit that they wanted but in my view this is a step in the right direction and we do have a commitment from the government to further increase the minimum landing size in 2010. The government clearly recognises the advantages in promoting recreational sea angling and I am looking forward to further announcements in due course.”
Martin Salter rejected criticisms from the Countryside Alliance, who described the decision as a political fudge. Mr Salter said:
“As usual the Countryside Alliance has not lifted a finger to help bass anglers in their battle with commercial fishing interests and yet has been all too quick to criticise when we achieve some worthwhile progress regarding measures which will help protect fish stocks around our coasts.”
The new minimum landing size will take effect from April 6th 2007.
-ENDS-
Further information: Martin Salter, mobile 07976 946033
Read press release from Ben Bradshaw:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060810a.htm
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 11-08-2006
Source: Shyesha Lewis Administration Officer CCPR
Subject: CCPR European Update for August 2006
Content of News Release:
Please find attached the August edition of the CCPR European Update.
If you, or any of your colleagues, would like to subscribe to any of CCPR‚s publications please contact info@ccpr.org.uk.
Kind regards
Shyesha Lewis
Administration Officer
CCPR
Francis House
Francis Street
London SW1P 1DE
Tel: 020 7854 8577
Fax: 020 7854 8501
www.ccpr.org.uk <http://www.ccpr.org.uk/>
Related Document(s): CCPRAugust2006.pdf
SROC-AVMSDpaper8-06.pdf
Date posted: 10-08-2006
Source: Michael Evans DEFRA
Subject: BASS MEASURES - DECISION ANNOUNCED
Content of News Release:
Defra's Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, has today announced his decision on proposals to increase the number and size of bass available to commercial and recreational fishermen.
The minimum landing size for bass is to be increased from 36cm - 40cm, with an accompanying minimum mesh size increase, when targeting bass, from 90 - 100mm. These measures will come into effect on 6 April 2007, and apply to commercial and recreational fishermen.
The Minister has also announced his intention to increase the landing size further to 45cm, but this will be subject to a review in 2010 of the effectiveness of the measures announced today.
For further details, please refer to the Press Release, which can be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060810a.htm
A Summary of Responses and the Regulatory Impact Assessment can be found at:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm
E-mail: bassmls@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Michael Evans
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Marine and Fisheries Directorate
3 - 8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2HH
Tel: 0207 2708107
Email: Michael.Evans@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 9-08-2006
Source: Mark lloyd. Director ACA
Subject: ACA offers £1,000 reward to catch polluters
Content of News Release:
The Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA) – an environmental organisation fighting to protect rivers – has offered £1,000 as a reward to catch the polluters of the river Ribble.
Thousands of fish are thought to have been killed after several tonnes of an oil residue was poured into a storm drain at Barrow Beck and then Swanside Beck on three separate occasions in July 2006.
Although in the earlier incident at Barrow Beck the Environment Agency intercepted the pollutant before it entered the river, on the last two occasions (on 27th July and 28th July 2006), the oily material entered the Ribble between Sawley and Brungerley Bridge, filling the river almost to its complete depth. Eventually, around 8 tonnes of the substance were pumped from the water.
The Environment Agency also used pumps to re-oxygenate the water, but this did not prevent the deaths of many brown trout, sea trout, grayling and salmon. Following this catastrophic event, the river’s ecosystem may take years to recover.
All this comes as the Environment Agency has been investing in a new pilot scheme to bring the Ribble Catchment into line with the European Water Framework Directive which aims to restore good ecological status to the aquatic environment.
The polluters have not yet been found, but it is hoped that the reward put forward by the ACA will encourage those people who care about their local environment to come forward with any information which may lead to a prosecution or a successful civil claim against those involved. We would be very grateful if you could reproduce the notice overleaf in your publication.
WANTED
Information leading to the prosecution and/or a successful civil action against polluter.
£1,000 REWARD
The Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit organisation which takes action against river polluters on behalf of its member fishing clubs.
The ACA hereby offers a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution or civil action against the person or persons responsible for flytipping liquid waste into a storm drain at Swanside Beck on 27th July and 28th July 2006.
The waste material – believed to be oil residue from bio-fuel manufacture or refining – eventually entered the River Ribble between Sawley and Brungerley Bridge causing the death of many fish and ongoing damage to the river ecosystem.
Please contact the ACA on 01568 620 447 or email (justin@a-c-a.org), in complete confidence, if you have any information on the identity of the person(s) responsible for this devastating pollution.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 9-08-2006
Source: Mark Lloyd. Director ACA
Subject: ACA wins damages of £15,000 for slurry pollution on River Churnet and Cauldon Canal
Content of News Release:
The Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA) has won £15,000 damages on behalf of the Potteries Angling Society, an ACA member club, for pollution of the River Churnet and the Cauldon Canal with farm slurry.
In July 2004, a discharge of farm slurry into Coombes Brook caused a huge plume of polluted water to kill fish on the Churnet, canalised section of the Churnet and Cauldon Canal, killing thousands of adult fish and fry, including dace, roach, perch, bream, pike, carp, gudgeon and bullheads.
The Environment Agency investigated, but the farmer was let off with a formal caution – there was no prosecution and no fine. Fortunately, the Potteries Angling Society (PAS) and indeed the owner of the fishing rights affected are both members of the ACA. We were therefore able to step in and hit the farmer with a civil claim for damage to the fishery.
The £15,000 damages will enable the PAS to carry out much-needed habitat restoration and fisheries work to help the Churnet recover. The ACA action has turned a disaster into a recovery plan for the affected watercourses.
Mark Lloyd, Executive Director at the ACA said: ”Farmers have been told that many times to be careful with slurry spreading. Where they ignore that advice and cause damage to fish and other wildlife, they deserve to find themselves on the receiving end of legal action. This win demonstrates the ACA’s continuing commitment to ensure that no polluter escapes justice and that our member clubs have the legal protection necessary to recover damages. Even when the Environment Agency can’t or won’t prosecute, the ACA will take legal proceedings on behalf of its members to fight for fisheries and angling. We urge any clubs or fishery owners to sign up for membership of the ACA – the only organisation which provides this service – as soon as possible.”
Contact point: Mark Lloyd (Director).
Telephone: 01568 620447
Mobile: 07973 468198,
e-mail: mark@a-c-a.org
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 4-08-2006
Source: Adrian Taylor. Fisheries Policy and Process Manager EA
Subject: Open Letter to the Fisheries Community
Content of News Release:
Re: Koi Herpesvirus (KHv) Outbreak
There has been much speculation in the angling press and in Internet chat rooms about this year's serious outbreak of KHv disease, and the actions taken by the Environment Agency.
Here are the facts
1: KHV only affects carp, including Koi carp.
2: There have been 12 confirmed cases of KHv disease this year in stillwater fisheries in England.
3: We will not issue any fish movement consents from these affected fisheries into any other water. But we have no powers to prevent the movement of fish from these affected sites on to fish farms.
4: We have no powers to close affected fisheries, although we advise them to do so.
5: 10 of the 12 affected sites have been legally stocked with carp in the past 18 months. The other 2 have no record of being legally stocked.
6: We have identified the 10 different suppliers that have provided fish to one or more of the affected fisheries, and these suppliers received their fish from 26 different sources, some via holding sites.
7: In excess of 200 other fisheries have been stocked by the 10 suppliers or 26 source sites.
8: Potentially, there are several other secondary suppliers and sources that may have provided infected fish to the primary suppliers.
9: The majority of the affected fisheries have not received KHv vaccinated fish. (Note that there are a number of suppliers of vaccinated fish in the UK.)
10: We do not routinely screen for KHv when consenting carp introductions. Unless the carp are clinically diseased it is very difficult to detect. If fish are showing clinical symptoms then they would automatically fail a health check.
You will gather from this that the matter is far from straightforward, and that it is wrong to speculate that any one supplier or source is the cause of the outbreak. Given that most of the affected sites are not linked to KHv vaccinated fish and that many of those fisheries have received fish from more than one supplier, it is wrong to point to vaccinated fish as the cause of the outbreak.
We have two important priorities:
To contain the outbreak
To try to trace the source or sources
To do this we need the full co-operation of the fish suppliers, the affected fishery owners and of the many others that could potentially be affected if the outbreak escalates. Naming fishery owners and suppliers will do nothing but hamper our efforts, by discouraging the reporting of fish mortalities.
A: We will not consent any fish movements from the 12 affected fisheries
B: We will not consent the stocking of fish from any of the potential sources unless they can be tested clear of KHv.
C: On our behalf, Cefas will continue to test waters that may be affected by the outbreak.
We appreciate that anglers and fishery owners are concerned about the further spread of the disease. The primary route for spread is the stocking of fish. The risk of transfer via angling tackle is negligible in comparison to moving carp between sites. As a precaution we are advising all fishery owners to put routine disinfection measures in place to protect against this and other fish diseases from infecting their waters. Anglers should thoroughly dry nets between fishing sessions.
Advice on disinfection can be found on our website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/fish/fishnews/1434601/
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Taylor
Fisheries Policy and Process Manager
PDF version of letter for download below:
Related Document(s): KHvOpenLetter4-8-06.pdf
Date posted: 1-08-2006
Source: G. Karlsson DEFRA
Subject: Consultation on managing the exploitation of tope
Content of News Release:
I am writing to consult you on proposals aimed at preventing the development of a targeted commercial fishery for tope in order to protect tope stocks.
Tope are large coastal sharks that can live for over 50 years. They do not mature until around 12 years old and then produce a relatively low number of pups (20 every 2-3 years) compared with other marine species, so there are vulnerable to fishing pressure. It is therefore likely that a targeted fishery would be unsustainable.
At present there is no targeted fishery, but tope are caught as bycatch. Last year we received reports that a commercial fishing operation for tope in British waters was being considered and although this did not materialise the UK Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, considers we should consult on measures to prevent the unsustainable exploitation of tope in the future on the basis of the precautionary approach.
The enclosed combined consultation paper and partial regulatory impact assessment sets out three possible options:
1) do nothing;
2) only allow fishing for tope by rod and line but prohibit the retention, transhipment and landing of tope caught by any method;
3) prohibit all fishing for, retention on board, transhipment and landing of tope.
Recreational sea anglers fishing from the shore will not be affected by these measures.
Within the consultation document we also ask specific questions (in bold) about commercial fishing operations and recreational sea anglers and the benefits of tope to each sector to try to better assess the affects of the proposals.
The consultation documents and full list of consultees can be found at: I am writing to consult you on proposals aimed at preventing the development of a targeted commercial fishery for tope in order to protect tope stocks.
Tope are large coastal sharks that can live for over 50 years. They do not mature until around 12 years old and then produce a relatively low number of pups (20 every 2-3 years) compared with other marine species, so there are vulnerable to fishing pressure. It is therefore likely that a targeted fishery would be unsustainable.
At present there is no targeted fishery, but tope are caught as bycatch. Last year we received reports that a commercial fishing operation for tope in British waters was being considered and although this did not materialise the UK Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, considers we should consult on measures to prevent the unsustainable exploitation of tope in the future on the basis of the precautionary approach.
The enclosed combined consultation paper and partial regulatory impact assessment sets out three possible options:
1) do nothing;
2) only allow fishing for tope by rod and line but prohibit the retention, transhipment and landing of tope caught by any method;
3) prohibit all fishing for, retention on board, transhipment and landing of tope.
Recreational sea anglers fishing from the shore will not be affected by these measures.
Within the consultation document we also ask specific questions (in bold) about commercial fishing operations and recreational sea anglers and the benefits of tope to each sector to try to better assess the affects of the proposals.
The consultation documents and full list of consultees can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/tope/index.htm
We welcome your comments on the proposals and also ask that you provide as much information as possible on the impacts of the proposals, both positive and negative, to you and your business. Please send your comments in writing to Patrick Cotter at the address on this letter or e-mail them to: tope@DEFRA.GSI.GOV.UK by Friday 20th October.
In line with Defra's policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive may be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL. The information they contain may also be published in a summary of responses. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
The Information Resource Centre will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, e-mail: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk). Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hours' notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
If you have any complaints about the way in which the consultation process has been run, you should direct them to Liz Ambekar, Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.
Yours faithfully
G. Karlsson
Mrs Georgina Karlsson
Copy of Newsletter as image above in PDF form below:
Related Document(s): fishfocus-issue3.pdf
Date posted: 1-08-2006
Source: Anne Banner. Environment Agency
Subject: Young People’s Angling Project
Content of News Release:
The Young People’s Angling Project, hopes to introduce young people to the delights of fishing and along the way develop social skills and environmental awareness.
Saturday 22 July sees the start of this innovative project to help youngsters gain confidence and self-esteem with the aim of reducing the risk of them becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.
The Young People’s Angling Project is a partnership between the Gipping Valley Angling Club, the Youth Inclusion Support Panel, the Environment Agency, Eastern Angling, Anglia Care Trust and the Children’s Fund.
Ten youngsters between the ages of eight and 14 will be given the opportunity to learn from qualified fishing coaches how to bait a hook, cast a line and land their fish. It will also give them the skills and confidence to enable them to establish and sustain their own club.
The Gipping Valley Angling Club obtained funding worth £7,000 from Suffolk ACRE through the Local Network Fund (Department of Education and Skills). Further grants of £500 each came from the Environment Agency and Suffolk County Council.
This money will enable the club, together with the Youth Offending Service of Suffolk County Council, to provide the youngsters with 20 weeks of fishing coaching by local experts.
Ian Wood, Honorary President of the Gipping Valley Angling Club said: ‘We are pleased to support this project and would be keen to support similar schemes in the future’.
Ian Bliss, Environment Agency funding officer, said: ‘We are really pleased to be involved in a project that helps young disadvantaged people learn about angling and at the same time increases their awareness of the wider environment.
‘We hope that the project will be a huge success and that it can be replicated in other areas.’
The money enables the club to pay for the qualified coaches, transport costs and all the equipment needed for fishing including rods, keep nets and bait.
This pilot project will be based at the Gipping Valley Angling Club’s Barking Tye Lakes, where there is also a small classroom for workshops. Some of the money will go towards a generator to supply power and a PowerPoint projector and screen to be used there.
ENDS
Media enquiries: Contact Rita Penman or Catherine Burbage on 01733 464357 (during normal office hours, also for emergency service only, 24 hours).
All Environment Agency news releases, both regional and national, can be found on our web site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Notes for editors
Suffolk ACRE (ACTION with COMMUNITIES in RURAL ENGLAND) is an independent registered charity and has been in existence since 1937. It was formerly known as the Community Council for Suffolk.
It is Suffolk ACRE's aim to help communities in Suffolk to identify and tackle their needs through community action. Suffolk ACRE's role is to support community groups voluntary organisations to undertake self-help activities and enable communities to take ownership for their own well-being.
The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. We are responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.
Related Document(s): s_Angling.pdf
Date posted: 1-08-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: SALTER SECURES BREAKTHROUGH OVER FISH KILLER VIRUS
Content of News Release:
Reading West M.P Martin Salter, who is also Labour’s Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling has today secured an assurance from the government that the deadly Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) is to be designated a notifiable disease. This follows at least six outbreaks of KHV in recent weeks in fisheries in the South, East and Midlands. KHV is one of the most lethal viruses with recorded mortality rates of up to 98%. The increase in fish movements to provide stock for both angling and ornamental ponds and lakes has made it more likely that KHV could be spread widely across the U.K. with devastating consequences for anglers, fish farmers, and fishery owners.
Martin Salter raised the issue in the Commons at DEFRA questions and linked the proposed cut of £400,000 in the Environment Agency fisheries budget to the need to take action to try and prevent the spread of the KHV virus.
In his question Martin Salter said:
“The Minister will be aware that this wholly unwelcome cut of £400,000 in the Fisheries budget threatens to adversely affect the ability of the Environment Agency to combat the spread of lethal fish diseases such as the Koi Herpes Virus, several outbreaks of which have recently occurred in the U.K.
On behalf of Britain’s 3.5 million anglers can I ask him what action does he propose to take to halt the spread of K.H.V. which is the aquatic equivalent of foot and mouth disease?”
In reply Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw acknowledged the serious threat posed by the virus and confirmed for the first time that the government intends to make KHV a notifiable disease. This will require fishery owners to report suspected KHV mortalities in their waters.
Martin Salter said:
“I’m delighted that Ben Bradshaw has listened to Britain’s anglers and in particular to organisations such as the English Carp Heritage Organisation (ECHO) who have been lobbying for KHV to be added to the list of notifiable fish diseases. This was an issue raised at the recent Angling Summit that I held in the House of Commons and shows the value of bringing together organisations representing Britain’s 3.5million anglers and giving them direct access to government ministers. KHV is a lethal threat to carp stocks the length and breadth of the country and if it was to become widespread the pleasure of millions and the livelihoods of many would be ruined.”
The announcement was welcomed by both ECHO and the Fisheries Angling Conservation Trust (FACT).
A representative from ECHO said:
“KHV is potentially the biggest threat to our country’s carp stocks in recent times. ECHO has worked for numerous years to highlight this deadly disease among fisheries and the angling world.
The impact of this virus on the industry could be huge and the news that it is to be made notifiable is a giant step forward in maintaining our fisheries health status.
We urge all relevant government agencies to achieve the notifiable status of KHV in as short a timescale as is humanly possible”.
/Ends
Notes:
1. For further information please contact Martin Salter MP.
2. F.A.C.T can be contacted through the Salmon and Trout Association on 0207 283 5838.
3. Viv Shears of ECHO can be contacted on 0784330661.
Related Document(s): defrapq200706.pdf
Date posted: 1-08-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: SALTER ASKS DEFRA TO REVERSE CUTS
Content of News Release:
Keen fisherman and Labour’s parliamentary spokesperson for angling, Martin Salter, is to raise the £400,000 cut in grant-in-aid from DEFRA to the Environment Agency for fisheries work this week in the House of Commons. Mr Salter has tabled a parliamentary question to draw comparisons between government support for angling and boating.
In a letter to Environment Secretary David Miliband MP Mr Salter says:
“I am well aware of the budgetary pressure that all departments are under but the total G.I.A for fisheries has not had even an inflation rise since 2002 and now faces a cut of £400,000. At the same time Britain’s anglers are contributing an even higher proportion to the invaluable work of the E.A. through annual increases in their rod licences. This contrasts poorly with favourable treatment given to boat owners where G.I.A has risen from £8.3million in 2004/5 to £13.3million in 2006/7. Furthermore the extra income derived from boat registrations for 2006/7 is estimated at £4.2m. This means that anglers are being treated as very much the poor relations of the waterways in that they are contributing over twice the G.I.A figure compared to less than a third for boat owners.”
Figures obtained by Mr Salter show that the proportion of the E.A Fisheries budget funded by anglers’ rod licenses has risen from 61% in 2002 to nearly 70% in 2006.
Martin Salter said:
“This is no time to be cutting the fisheries budget. The Salmon Action Plan has levered in additional resources from other partners and is beginning to have an impact whilst the recent outbreak of the deadly KHV virus shows how important it is to keep up the work to prevent the spread of fish diseases. I am seeking a meeting with Ministers to try and persuade them to reverse these cuts which threaten to undermine the excellent work that Labour has done to promote angling since coming to power.”
/Ends
Notes:
1. For further information please contact Martin Salter MP.
2. Text of Mr Salter’s Parliamentary Question to be answered on Thursday 20th July:
Martin Salter (Reading West): What the total grant-in-aid paid to the Environment Agency for (a) fisheries work and (b) navigation was in 2002-03 and is in 2006-07; and what its income from rod licences and boat registrations was in each year.
3. Table showing level of GIA cuts for fisheries work since 2000 available in attached PDF version of thie Press Release.
1. Copy of Mr Salter’s letter to David Miliband attached below:
Related Document(s): giacuts180706.pdf
miliband-gia.pdf
Date posted: 11-07-2006
Source: Anne Banner. Environment Agency
Subject: Learn to fish for free
Content of News Release:
Join the experts to see how at Bawburgh Lakes
When: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Sunday 23 July
Where: Bawburgh Lakes, Bawburgh, Nr Norwich for details how to get there download the map at the following link:
Map to the lakes from www.streetmap.co.uk: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=616665&y=308895&z=3&sv=616665
What: Angling Open Day organised by Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association, sponsored by the Environment Agency
An Angling Open Day is being organised by Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association (NACA) and sponsored by the Environment Agency. The Open Day aims to encourage newcomers to try angling and lapsed anglers to return to the sport. Both adults and children will be able to get free coaching with qualified angling coaches who will be set up on Semons Lake.
Entry is free and juniors must be accompanied by an adult.
Special guests for the day will be Dave Lane and Nick Helleur of Carp Fishing fame.
There will be demonstrations on carp fishing, boilies-making, long distance casting with Terry Houseago, lure fishing for pike and trace making by the Pike Anglers Club, feeder fishing with Nick Larkin, pole fishing, pond dipping and guided bird watching with Bob Bradley.
The event forms part of the Associations 20th Anniversary Project to develop participation and good practice in angling, which has recently been awarded a £5,000 lottery grant.
Bawburgh Lakes form part of a nationally recognised wetland habitat conservation site, managed by Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association for CEMEX.
Entry to the event is in New Road between Bawburgh Village and Bowthorpe, approximately 4 miles west of Norwich. Turn off from A47 main road bypass, signed ‘Watton’ and then turn right into Bawburgh village off main Watton Road. New Road is immediate right turn after bridge in Bawburgh village. From Bowthorpe, New Road turn is directly off the perimeter Chapel Break Road.
Graham Gamble from the Environment Agency said: ‘This event gives everyone a great opportunity to have a go at fishing to see if they like it. It is an opportunity for free expert guidance in pleasant surroundings.
We're really pleased to be sponsoring the Open Day and appreciate all the work Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association is doing to look after this area.’
Boilies making:
For those new to fishing, this means making your own bait with a mixture of things including egg, flour, meal and nuts. The mixture is rolled into soft balls from 10mm to 20mm diameter, and then dropped into boiling water to give it a hard outer shell so it stays in one piece when put on a hook.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Contact Chris Smith Publicity Officer, Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association 07786 513049
OR
Contact Rita Penman or Catherine Burbage on 01733 464357 (during normal office hours, also for emergency service only, 24 hours).
All Environment Agency news releases, both regional and national, can be found on our web site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Notes for editors
The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. We are responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 8-07-2006
Source: Fred French NAFAC
Subject: Koi Herpes Virus outbreaks
Content of News Release:
Should there be any information required about the subject of Koi Herpes Virus (KHP) following reports of further possible outbreaks of this disease, then the following link will supplement the paper published by NAFAC and available for download from the Members Area 2006 Publications
(0206-Koi-Herpes-Virus.pdf)
http://www.efishbusiness.co.uk/news/default.asp
Related Document(s): koi285pr-06.pdf
Date posted: 4-07-2006
Source: Carmel Jorgensen. Salmon and Trout Association
Subject: Fishing: Drought is a matter of life and death
Content of News Release:
As some of you may, or may not know, Brian Clarke, author, journalist and President of the Wild Trout Trust writes a regular monthly article for The Times.
I thought you might be interested in his article on 3rd July which is reproduced below but first is copy of S &TA Director Paul Knight's letter to the Editor of The Times supporting Brian's plea and highlighting the deplorable fact that there are further cuts in funding for the Environment Agency this year and that the long awaited Fisheries Bill is likely to once again be "longer awaited" than we had anticipated and had been promised.
Nothing ever seems to get better does it, and do we really believe that the Water Framework Directive will have any clout?
Letter to the Times:
Paul Knight
Director, Salmon & Trout Association
Sir,
I hope that Brian Clarke’s excellent article (Drought is a matter of life and death July 3rd) will drag people’s focus away from hosepipe bans, and remind them that our rivers, lakes and wetlands support a vast network of aquatic ecosystems that require water for survival, otherwise they will dry up and die.
Politicians of every persuasion give the environment their unremitting verbal support. The reality is somewhat different, with a cut in funding to the Environment Agency (EA) this year, while a new Fisheries Bill, necessary to better protect fish species and their habitats, is yet to be given parliamentary time six years after the legislative review process.
Unless there is genuine commitment to research and fund an integrated freshwater management system for this country, then the waterways we saved from the polluters of yore will once again be returned to wildlife deserts. Not only will this be an ecological disaster, but the Government also risks costly infractions from the EU for not meeting its responsibilities to the environment and fisheries.
Anglers provide £20m annually through licence fees for the EA to manage and conserve English and Welsh fisheries, and anglers provide funds for fishery owners to privately invest millions more into local rivers and lakes - £3.25m on the Rivers Test and Itchen alone in 2004.
The S&TA vigorously lobbies the Government, its regulators and the water companies, but the public has a most important part to play too in supporting this work. We need funds committed, plans agreed and actions urgently taken if our wetlands are to survive. It is simply unacceptable for Governments, or anyone else, to let rivers run dry.
Paul Knight
Director, Salmon & Trout Association
The transcript of the article is available below:
Related Document(s): Drought-life-or-death.pdf
Date posted: 28-06-2006
Source: Jo Neill British Waterways
Subject: YOUNGSTERS GET CAUGHT UP IN ANGLING’S APPEAL IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Content of News Release:
The Northamptonshire Canal Partnership, working with the Northampton Nene Angling Club, held a successful free angling event for youngsters on Saturday 17 June on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire.
Youngsters of varying ages turned up to the event, which was designed to introduce them to angling and the fish of the canal system. The highly experienced anglers of Northampton Nene Angling Club were on hand to supervise and guide the youngsters, who all had a good day and caught fish of different species.
Richard Stevenage-Jones, Chairman of Northampton Nene Angling Club, said: “There have been several events organised by the Club this year, aimed at youngsters in the local community, including this event with British Waterways and the Northampton Canal Partnership. Everyone who took part in the event is keen to get another young anglers’ day arranged.”
Jo Neill, Northamptonshire Canal Partnership Co-ordinator said: “This was an excellent opportunity for youngsters to have a go at one of the UK’s most popular sports and was a really fun morning”.
The Banbury Lane section of the canal, where the young anglers’ event took place, is one of the best fishing spots along the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire.
In addition to holding community events on and along the canal, the Northamptonshire Canal Partnership (a partnership between British Waterways and three of the local councils) is also involved in several very exciting projects including the design of the artwork for the new Pineham Bridge in Northampton and creating a walks leaflet for the Northampton Arm of the canal. For further information on the Partnership’s activities, contact Jo Neill on 01908 302 506 or 07717 178400 or email joanna.neill@britishwaterways.co.uk.
Northampton Nene Angling Club is one of the oldest established angling clubs in the country, having been in existence since the mid 1800s. The Club has over 400 members and aims to provide angling for all.
In the last season, members produced carp to 30 pounds, pike to 29 pounds plus, chub to seven pounds and barbel to around 14 pounds. Their waters are made up of fisheries on both the rivers Nene and Great Ouse in addition to 14 miles of canal angling on the Grand Union Canal. The Club also has five still waters. For further information on the Club, visit www.northamptonneneanglingclub.co.uk.
Ends
Press and media enquiries: Contact Louise McCarthy, Media & Communications Executive, South East Waterways, on 01908 302560 or 07917 373116, email louise.mccarthy@britishwaterways.co.uk.
Notes to editors:
The Northamptonshire Canal Partnership is a working relationship between South Northants Council, Daventry District Council, Northampton Borough Council and British Waterways. The Partnership aims to conserve and enhance the inland waterways in our county for the benefit of visitors and local communities.
British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation's 2,000-mile two centuries old network of canals and rivers, working in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations to develop and improve the waterways in a sustainable manner. British Waterways' navigations are visited over 300 million times each year accounting for £1.5 billion annual visitor spend.
Waterscape.com provides information on ALL of Britain's waterways, and guides visitors through the complete waterside experience in an easy to use, fully comprehensive online resource.
Related Document(s): BW-PR_21-06-JuniorsEvent.pdf
Date posted: 21-06-2006
Source: Thames Estuary Parnership
Subject: TEP’s Response to Consultation on the Marine Bill
Content of News Release:
This is a draft response to the Marine Bill Consultation. All the questions contained in the main section of the Marine Bill Consultation Document are listed, with summaries of the sections of text that motivate those questions.
TEP is one of a number of coastal partnership organisations and the Marine Bill has been discussed at three recent action group meetings. Although TEP is a neutral organisation, we work with external partners through eight action groups. On the basis of our joint experience of managing projects in theThames Estuary we have compiled this response.
Response document available for reference below;
ICZM Options Final document for reference also below:
Related Document(s): TEP_response_to_Marine_Bill-06.pdf
ICZM_Options_Re…Final_Dec05.pdf
Date posted: 14-6-2006
Source: Carmel Jorgensen..S&TA (Salmon & Trout Association) UK
Subject: NASCO throws Lifeline to Western Atlantic Salmon!
Content of News Release:
The Irish Republic has given a commitment to abide by scientific advice and only fish commercially for salmon stocks which are above their conservation limit and targeted in estuaries and rivers. The new policy will start in 2007, so closing the damaging Irish coastal drift net fishery.
This statement was given by Alan Gray, Head of the EU Delegation at the annual meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), held in Saariselka, Lapland (Northern Finland) on Thursday, 8 June, and was included in the official record of the meeting.
The EU‚s statement brings further hope that the mixed stock drift net fishery operated in the Republic‚s coastal waters, which intercepts fish from England, Wales and SW Scotland as well as many other European rivers struggling to re-establish salmon populations, is at last coming to a close, following years of lobbying by a wide range of Non Government Organisations (NGOs) from Ireland and all the other salmon-producing nations affiliated to NASCO.
The NGOs enjoyed their greatest influence in the 23 year history of NASCO. Accepted as a NASCO partner for the first time, with their Chairman, Chris Poupard (former S&TA Director), sitting at the top table alongside Heads of Delegation from all the NASCO Parties, the NGOs had a full input to all the issues discussed at the meeting.
The NASCO NGOs, including S&TA, also called for all other mixed stock fisheries still operated within the UK to be closed. The NGOs stated that the efficient management of salmon populations can only be effected on single stocks from individual rivers. All parties have signed the NASCO resolution to end mixed stock fisheries within their coastal waters, and they should now stand by that commitment.
Apart from the Irish drift nets, the most important issue debated was that of Implementation Plans, whereby all Parties will produce programmes of measures to manage and conserve salmon stocks within their jurisdiction. These plans will then be reviewed by an ad hoc group, which will include representatives from the NGOs, to monitor progress on an annual basis, thereby overcoming the accusation that NASCO Parties could renege on management commitments without fear of retribution at following meetings.
S&TA Director Paul Knight, who was attending his fifth annual NASCO meeting, said, „there was a real feeling this year that NASCO was entering a new, transparent working atmosphere, with the NGOs at last being accepted as partners in the fight to improve salmon stocks throughout the Northern hemisphere. The EU commitment to closing the Irish drift net fishery from 2007 was an indication of a heightened willingness to action rather than just talk, and we look forward to the Parties‚ Implementation Plans carrying this commitment to all the issues currently jeopardising salmon populations.‰
NASCO‚s SALSEA project, which looks to research salmon in the marine stage of their life, will form the bedrock of scientific work for the future. This is the vision of NASCO President, Ken Whelan, and follows on the successful voyages undertaken by Scottish and Norwegian research vessels in 2005, carrying out work part-funded by the UK NGO, the Atlantic Salmon Trust. The NASCO Board pledged funds for further SALSEA research, and the NGOs agreed to work closely with the Parties in identifying further funding streams for future work.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
NASCO is an inter-governmental organisation comprising all countries in the North Atlantic area which have significant salmon populations. Originally established to set quotas for the fisheries around Greenland and the Faroe Islands, it has since developed standards for the management of salmon and monitors the status of stocks through commissions with the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). NASCO now debates all issues of relevance to salmon management and conservation and, in particular, has signed all Parties up to resolutions covering the Precautionary Principle, the ending of all Mixed Stock Fisheries in home waters and the Williamsburg Resolution, which seeks to reduce the impact of aquaculture on wild salmonid species.
Dr Ken Whelan of Ireland‚s Marine Institute was reelected chairman of NASCO for a further two years
The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) established in 1903 is the only organisation representing all game anglers in the UK at the highest levels to influence and change Government legislation, policy and management practices to protect and improve the water environment and the quality of fishing. S&TA promotes flyfishing by introducing people of all backgrounds to game angling and communicating the environmental, social and economic benefits of angling.
For further information, please contact the Salmon & Trout Association, on 020 7283 5838
Carmel Jorgensen
Policy, Campaigns and Communications
S&TA (Salmon & Trout Association) UK
Tel. 020 7283 5838
Email. carmel@salmon-trout.org
Web. www.salmon-trout.org <http://www.salmon-trout.org>
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 12-06-2006
Source: Mike Heylin SAA
Subject: Scottish Ban on live bait fishing!
Content of News Release:
Item no:
94. The Scottish Executive proposed a complete ban on the use of live vertebrates as bait due to the potential impact on the biodiversity of water bodies through competition and predation as well as the increasing the risk of disease and parasites to existing stocks.
95. A majority of respondents agreed with the proposal. However a substantial minority of individuals objected, pointing out that most live bait users are responsible.
96. The Scottish Executive intends to implement this proposal by drawing up an SSI to prohibit the use of live vertebrates as bait throughout Scotland. The Bill will contain an enabling power enabling the Scottish Ministers to prohibit such baits and lures as they may specify by statutory instrument.
Read the Bill contents for yourself at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/06/09083640/5
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 7-06-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: NEW PARLIAMENTARY ANGLING GROUP FORMED
Content of News Release:
Britain’s 3.5 million anglers now have a cross-party group in Parliament looking out for the interests of coarse, sea and game anglers. This week a new All Party Parliamentary Groups on Angling was launched in Westminster and Reading west MP Martin Salter (Lab) was elected Chairman with Baroness Lin Golding (Lab) as Secretary. Newly elected Conservative MPs Charles Walker (Broxbourne) and Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) will serve as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. The Labour Peer Lord Williams will be one of the other Vice-Chairs and a vacancy is being held open for the Lib Dems.
Martin Salter said:
“All we had in Parliament for angling was the Lords and Commons Fly Fishing Club which was hardly representative of anglers as a whole. I very much welcome the fact the coarse, sea and game anglers in both Houses of Parliament will be joining forces to support Britain’s number one participant sport. There are already APPGs on Cycling, Soccer, Table Tennis, Golf, Rugby, Rowing, Hockey, and almost any other sport you can think of, so it was about time we had one for angling.”
The main speaker at the first meeting was Paul Knight, Executive Director at the Salmon and Trout Association who gave a presentation on the current issues facing fishing and fisheries.
Charles Walker MP, the Vice-Chair of the APPG said:
“As a life long coarse and game angler, I am delighted to be involved with this initiative. Fishing is a mass participation sport that has failed to punch its weight for far too long. Angling enthusiasts make a massive contribution to the economy and, even more importantly, they are the true protectors of this country’s precious aquatic environments.”
The APPG on Angling will also be organising a number of “fishing days” to promote the sport. They are also planning to set up a website.
Ends/
Notes for Editors
1. For more information please contact Martin Salter MP 07976 946033 or Charles Walker MP 07799 378 371
Related Document(s): PR_Angling_APPG7-6-06.doc
Date posted: 6-06-2006
Source: Environment Agency
Subject: A better place to play
Content of News Release:
EA Corporate Strategy 2006 - 2011 document
Two million more people playing on and around water.
We're planning to get an extra two million people enjoying water-related activities such as boating, sailing, fishing and walking by 2011.
The new plan, ‘a better place to play’, sets out how we will boost the number of people using water and watersides for sport and leisure; encourage a richer diversity of people to water and watersides and increase how often people visit.
Building a healthier and more active population is a key aim. It follows a recent government report that revealed the economic burden of physical inactivity and the resulting impacts on health cost £8.24 billion. Just a five per cent increase in activity would save around £300 million each year.
If you would like us to post you a copy of 'a better place to play', please contact us by phone on 08708 506506, or by e-mail enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Copy available to download below:
Related Document(s): final_english_strat_1325406.pdf
Date posted: 2-06-2006 UPDATED 3-6-2006
Source: Mike Heylin FACT
Subject: FACT Asks Minister for Compensation to Fish Farmers in VHS Outbreak
Content of News Release:
Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust Ltd (FACT) has written to David Miliband Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs asking that he reconsider the position of fish farmers, subject to mandatory fish slaughters in the event of disease outbreaks, being denied compensation for their stock, after the recent discovery of Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, VHS, in trout stocks in Yorkshire.
There are no measures in place to provide compensation to fish farmers in the event of compulsory slaughter of diseased fish in UK. This contrasts with the situation in regard to other animal husbandry businesses. This is a long-standing problem that has been in contention for many years and on which government has been immovable.
Control of VHS, as well as other serious diseases such as Gyrodactylus Salaris, relies on early reporting of suspicion of disease. There are legal requirements placed on the industry for such reporting and the defence of UK Fish Health relies on that reporting being carried out in a responsible manner. However, reliance on this all important early reporting, without compensation in the event of compulsory slaughter, is a seriously weak link in UK Fish Health arrangements and a potential danger to what is a significant part of the UK
economy.
FACT advises fishery managers to increase biosecurity measures in the light of this outbreak and to ensure that dips and washes are replaced regularly and used efficiently.
Ends
INFO SHEETS AVAILABLE BELOW:
For further information contact;
Michael Heylin
07836 718187
Notes For Editors
1. The Fisheries & Angling Conservation Trust (FACT) is a company, limited by guarantee, formed in January 2005 to protect and promote the interests of angling and recreational fisheries in the UK.
2. FACT encompasses the work undertaken hitherto by the National Angling Alliance (NAA) and the Moran Committee. Its subscribing members are:-
Angling Trades Association (ATA)
Professional Coarse Fisheries Association (PCFA)
National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives (NAFAC)
National Federation of Anglers (NFA)
National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA)
Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA)
Specialist Anglers Alliance (SAA)
Association of Stillwater Game Fishery Managers (ASGFM)
Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST)
Anglers Conservation Association (ACA)
VHS is principally a disease of farmed rainbow trout, but most salmonid fish are considered susceptible, as are whitefish (Coregonus spp), grayling and pike. The disease has also been reported from farmed turbot, and wild Pacific herring.
The virus has been isolated from numerous marine fish species, in the Atlantic Ocean: Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Gadus aeglefinus), poor cod (Trisopterus minutus), rockling (Rhinonemus cimbrius), sprat (Clupea sprattus), herring (Clupea harengus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena), Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarki). Diagnostic tests have suggested the presence of the virus in other marine species, from which the virus has yet to be isolated.
Outbreaks are typified by a sudden increase in mortality rates. Symptoms include darkening of the body, swollen eyes (exopthalmia), distended abdomen and haemorrhaging at the vent and bases of the fins. Fish may become moribund and congregate around the pond outlets and sides. They may also show erratic swimming behaviour such as darting, spiralling and swimming on their sides.
Internal signs include haemorrhaging on the surfaces of the visceral fat and internal organs and throughout the musculature, with accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
There is no treatment for VHS. As a List II notifiable disease there is a legal obligation to report any suspected outbreaks of VHS to the Fish Health Inspectorate.
VHS can lead to up to 80% mortality of stocks.
Michael Heylin
Director
Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust Ltd
One Voice
Related Document(s): VHS-infosheet.pdf
Biotopenewsetter10.pdf
Date posted: 2-06-2005
Source: Paul Leinster Environment Agency
Subject: Monday 5 June is World Environment Day.
Content of News Release:
Once again this year we are working hard to promote World EnvironmentDay to businesses and the public. We want everyone to make small changes to their behaviour which add up to big savings for the environment.
We can all do our bit. Working for the Environment Agency we all know how important these promises are to create a better place. Let's give the campaign the support it deserves by taking a lead. It doesn't matter if you already do some of the things on the list of promises (see link below). Find something that you can contribute.
Once you have made your promises, don't forget to send the link to your friends and family.
Let's all help to make the campaign a success and spread the word that small changes can make a big difference.
Go to:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed .
Remember to use your work email address when making your promises.
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 30-05-2006
Source: Environment Agency
Subject: National Fishing Week 2006
Content of News Release:
National Fishing Week is an annual celebration of one of the country’s favorite pastimes. Every year, millions regularly fish the nation’s sea, shores, rivers, lakes and canals.
National Fishing Week is your opportunity to join in! Over the coming months organisers of fishing events around the country will enter events on the FISH4U events finder. By the summer you will be able to find a comprehensive list of National Fishing Week events.
You want to organise an event during National Fishing week?
If you want to organise an event for National Fishing Week go to the box on this page to sign up as an organiser, download an organisers pack with all the information you will need to organise an event, or register an event. Many of the events will provide expert tuition from the country’s leading licensed coaches. The majority of events will offer easy access from road and public transport and many cater for people with disabilities.
Visit the National Fishing Week web site at:
http://www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk/home/
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 26-05-2006
Source: NAFAC Member Services Officer
Subject: NAFAC Summer 2006 Newsletter now ready for download
Content of News Release:
This excellent publication of informative articles and information with its included 'Live Links' feature of active links out to the information pages located across the internet is now ready for download.
Loaded with Legal FAQ's
Letters from member clubs
History of the Consultatives Movement
Download and read today. MEMBERTS ONLY
Not a member, why not join as an individual, club or organisation? Download a copy of our application form below.
Related Document(s): NAFACApplication_Form-05.pdf
Date posted: 26-05-2006
Source: DEFRA - Marine Bill Consultation Team
Subject: Marine Bill Update ...Newsletter Published
Content of News Release:
Issue No. 3 of the Marine Bill Newsletter has been published to give details of the ongoing consultation. It summarises the way forward after the consultation and details the recent Marine Bill Forums that took place throughout May 2006. This publication has been timed to coincide with the issuing of transcripts from the Marine Bill Forum events. The transcripts contain all spoken comments made in plenary during the events in Cardiff, Liverpool and London, along with keypad voting results and feedback from the
comments boards.
The newsletter is available at the below link:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/pdf/newsletter0605.pdf
Transcripts of each Marine Bill Forum in 3 separate PDF documents are also available at the below link:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/here.htm
Please note the final closing date for consultation responses is Friday, 23 June 2006. We must receive your responses on or before this date either to this email address, or the mail address shown below.
Thank you,
The Marine Bill Team
Our Website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/index
..htm
Email us: MarineLegislationDivision@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Write to us: Marine Bill Consultation Team
Area 2E
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
3-8 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2HH
Phone us: 020 7270 8711 / 020 7270 8707
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 24-05-2006
Source: Hannah James External Relations Assistant
Subject: BRITISH WATERWAYS REEL IN SUPPORT FOR ANGLING
Content of News Release:
British Waterways’ commitment to promoting angling is reeling with success. Further steps in promoting the great opportunities for anglers along the network and the facilities offered at our commercial fisheries is being highlighted with initiatives taking place across the network.
Robin Evans, Chief Executive of British Waterways will be lending his hand to the sport in July in an event being held at British Waterways’ Makin Fisheries, Warwickshire. His support helps raise awareness of the recent Angling Agreement between British Waterways and angling groups and the need for further commitment in promoting safe, responsible fishing. 2005 saw five million anglers visit the 2,000-mile network run by British Waterways’, which is set to increase through growing visitor numbers and a rising popularity in the pastime activity.
Helping confirm the national commitment are local initiatives such as The Youth Angling Scheme being run by experts in the West Midlands. These sessions offer youngsters the chance to try their hand at fishing on the canals, involving and encouraging youths to take up responsible angling across the waterways. Similar schemes run by British Waterways help involve the local community, reduce crime rates and anti-social behaviour and generally encourage safe, considerate angling.
Liz Sollars, co-ordinator for British Waterways West Midlands’ fishing initiatives, explains: “these schemes are great opportunities for all visitors, especially children, to have fun learning how to fish in their local canal. Community involvement is crucial in combating anti-social behaviour and for teaching safe angling practices. In the last four years, events held by the West Midlands alone have seen over 400 people taking part - it’s great to see the increase in visitor numbers. It means the schemes are successful in allowing people to access, interact and be educated through our waterways”.
More/…
British Waterways Reel in Support for Angling…/2
British Waterways has a range of excellent fisheries throughout the country, which are extremely popular with anglers. If you’d like more information about angling at British Waterways’ Fisheries, visit www.waterscape.com/angling or request a copy of the ‘British Waterways Fisheries’ leaflet from the Customer Services Centre on 01923 201120.
Ends
For more information contact: Hannah James on 01923 201365 or hannah.james@britishwaterways.co.uk
Notes to editors
British Waterways cares for a 2,000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers across the country and works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to improve the social, economic and environmental benefits of the inland waterways. For more information visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Makin Fisheries has been created for the angler’s enjoyment with 18 landscaped pools and over 500 well maintained and reed fringed permanent swims. Makin Fisheries are located on Bulkington Road, Wolvey, Warwickshire.
Waterscape.com is a comprehensive, easy to use online guide to all Britain’s inland waterways. It promotes and provides information on all waterways in the UK, including rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, working in conjunction with the Environment Agency, The Broads Authority and British Waterways. www.waterscape.com
Related Document(s): BWAngling-PR-5-06.pdf
Date posted: 23-05-2006
Source: BBC.co.uk
Subject: BBC LOCAL RADIO AND TV ANGLING PROGRAMME ARCHIVES
Content of News Release:
Whilst not an organisation that directly promotes angling, NAFAC are pleased to be able to provide its Members and visitors with the links that will provide access to material that is related to our favourite pastime.
To facilitate this we have provided a link to all past and current BBC Local Radio and TV Angling Programmes.
500 pages of links and information for you to work your way through.
To access the archive just click on the BBC Logo to be whisked across to the homepage.
Enjoy!
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 23-05-2006
Source: Ian Russell CEFAS
Subject: INTERCAFE COST ACTION 635 Fact Sheet
Content of News Release:
There is growing interest across Europe in the COST Action “INTERCAFE”.
Interdisciplinary initiative to reduce pan-European cormorant-fisheries conflicts
The attached 2-page fact sheet (PDF) below provides: (1) answers to Frequently Asked Questions about INTERCAFE, (2) contact information for INTERCAFE’s website, (3) background information to INTERCAFE’s predecessor, the Concerted Action “REDCAFE”.
What is COST?
What is INTERCAFE?
What is the objective of INTERCAFE?
How are stakeholders involved in INTERCAFE?
How does INTERCAFE work?
How is INTERCAFE funded by COST?
What will INTERCAFE do?
Where can I find out more about INTERCAFE?
How can I find out more about REDCAFE?
Further details of the INTERCAFE COST Action are available on the Action’s website: http://www.intercafeproject.net
Related Document(s): INTERCAFE-FACTSHEET.pdf
Date posted: 22-05-2006
Source: Jan Kappel EAA and EFTTA
Subject: Anglers and Industry address Fisheries Ministers
Content of News Release:
Yesterday, 18 May the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association delivered a letter of concern to the European Council.
The Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries will meet in Brussels Monday 22 May. They are set to reach a political agreement on a Regulation that will establish the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) from 2007-2013.
Recreational angling or sportfishing has no mention at all on any of the Regulation‚s 86 pages.
For years we have been informing the EU that there are recreational fishermen as well as commercial fishermen in the community. However, the EU continues to treat Europe's 25 million recreational anglers as an inferior group that 'fish for fun'.
What continues to be overlooked is the economic value and numbers of jobs that recreational angling generates. In many countries in the EU recreational angling is of higher economic value and creates more jobs than commercial fishing. Despite this the EU‚s fisheries policies and funding programmes continue to shy away from any mention of the recreational angling sector.
Recreational anglers, sportfishermen and recreational fisheries are rarely used terms in the EU vocabulary.The EU could learn a great deal from the US, Canada and Australia where recreational fishing is a sector with its own identity and given an importance equal to commercial fisheries.
We are convinced from reading the European Fisheries Fund proposal that recreational angling is not excluded in benefiting from EFF funding programmes. However, to avoid any confusion in the future we urge ministers to make sure that recreational angling and its dependant industries is included in the final
text.
ENDS
a.. Attached: Letter to the European Council, Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries
Note for editors:
a.. Council meeting, Agriculture and Fisheries, agenda 22-23 May:
www.eu2006.at/en/News/Background_Information/2205BackgroundAgriFish.pdf
b.. FIFG, 'the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance' comes to an end in 2006.
c.. The EFF is the FIFG successor programme, tabled by the Commission on 14 July 2004: 'Proposal for a Council Regulation on a European Fisheries Fund'
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2004/com2004_0497en01.pdf
d.. EAA, the European Anglers Alliance is the pan-European recreational angling body representing more than five million affiliated anglers in 18 European States and acts to protect the interests of 25 million anglers throughout Europe. Anglers in Europe spend minimum • 25 billion per year on equipment, transportation and lodging etc.
e.. EFTTA, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association is an international,non-political, independent association to serve the European fishing tackle trade by campaigning to promote sportfishing, environmental issues and international business. Membership is open to manufacturers, wholesalers, agents, press and related organisations in the tackle industry. EFTTA currently has over 200 European members. There are, within the European Union, 2,900 companies, manufacturers, and wholesalers) trading in recreational fishing tackle, making an annual turnover of • 5 billion and representing 60,000 jobs.
The fishing tackle trade serves Europe‚s 25 mill. recreational anglers through 12,900 Tackle shops that employ another 39,000 people.
EAA and EFTTA office in Brussels
Jan Kappel
Tel: +32 (0)2 286 5956
Fax: +32 (0)2 286 5958
E-mail: email@eaa-europe.org
47 Rue du Luxembourg
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
Press release document below:
Related Document(s): CouncilAgriFish…18_May_2006.pdf
Date posted: 19-05-2006
Source: Martin Salter MP
Subject: NEW PARLIAMENTARY ANGLING GROUP FORMED
Content of News Release:
Britain’s 3.5 million anglers now have a cross-party group in Parliament looking out for the interests of coarse, sea and game anglers. This week a new All Party Parliamentary Groups on Angling was launched in Westminster and Reading west MP Martin Salter (Lab) was elected Chairman with Baroness Lin Golding (Lab) as Secretary. Newly elected Conservative MPs Charles Walker (Broxbourne) and Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) will serve as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. The Labour Peer Lord Williams will be one of the other Vice-Chairs and a vacancy is being held open for the Lib Dems.
Martin Salter said:
“All we had in Parliament for angling was the Lords and Commons Fly Fishing Club which was hardly representative of anglers as a whole. I very much welcome the fact the coarse, sea and game anglers in both Houses of Parliament will be joining forces to support Britain’s number one participant sport. There are already APPGs on Cycling, Soccer, Table Tennis, Golf, Rugby, Rowing, Hockey, and almost any other sport you can think of, so it was about time we had one for angling.”
The main speaker at the first meeting was Paul Knight, Executive Director at the Salmon and Trout Association who gave a presentation on the current issues facing fishing and fisheries.
Charles Walker MP, the Vice-Chair of the APPG said:
“As a life long coarse and game angler, I am delighted to be involved with this initiative. Fishing is a mass participation sport that has failed to punch its weight for far too long. Angling enthusiasts make a massive contribution to the economy and, even more importantly, they are the true protectors of this country’s precious aquatic environments.”
The APPG on Angling will also be organising a number of “fishing days” to promote the sport. They are also planning to set up a website.
Ends/
Notes for Editors
1. For more information please contact Martin Salter MP 07976 946033 or Charles Walker MP 07799 378 371
http://www.martinsalter.com/
PDF version available below:
Related Document(s): Angling-Group-Formed-PR.pdf
angling-charter-06.pdf
Date posted: 17-05-2006
Source: Environment Agency
Subject: Fishing for the future
Content of News Release:
Angling - health, economy and environment
Angling is good for our health, the economy and the environment. Last year more than 4 million people went fishing. We want to increase this number and the benefits it can bring.
You can also read our implementation plan, below. This details the specific actions we'll take over the next ten years to make Angling 2015 a reality. It'll be updated periodically with progress, so be sure to come back and check.
Our vision for angling
Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a high quality environment, now and for future generations. More people will care for, use, appreciate and enjoy their environment.
While our overall fisheries strategy – Better fisheries for our nations – and recreation strategy set out how we are contributing to that vision, this document looks specifically at making more people aware of angling and getting more people from different backgrounds to take up the sport.
Get a copy at the following link:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/fish/569882/1342813/?version=1&lang=_e
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 16-05-2006
Source: Neal Grant. Press and Public Relations Officer: Energy Networks Association
Subject: Angling Safety Guide
Content of News Release:
Just published and available for use in informing anglers, clubs and planning departments the following leaflets are now ready for download and distribution.
# Angling Flyer
Risks When Angling in Close Proximity to Overhead Electric Power Lines
# Angling Flyer - Club / Fishery Management
Risks When Angling in Close Proximity to Overhead Electric Power Lines
Available to download documents below:
......................................................................
# Angling Flyer - Planning Authorities
Risks When Angling in Close Proximity to Overhead Electric Power Lines
Available from the link below:
http://www.energynetworks.org/spring/SHE/SHEpublicsafety_02.asp
Related Document(s): Angling_Leaflet_-_Anglers.pdf
Angling_Leaflet_-_Management.pdf
Date posted: 15-05-2006
Source: Scottish Executive
Subject: Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill – Analysis of Consultation Responses
Content of News Release:
I am pleased to inform you that the Analysis of Consultation Responses has been published online at the following address:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/afBill/Intro
Hard copies of the document are currently being printed and will be available shortly. In the meantime you can view and download the document at the above webpage. In addition you can also view over 200 of the consultation responses.
If you have any queries about the document or the consultation process itself, please contact the Bill Team either by e-mail us at fisheriesbill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on 0131 244 6246.
Yours sincerely,
Angus Yarwood
Fisheries Bill Team
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 15-05-2006
Source: Scottish Executive
Subject: Environmental Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Location/relocation of Fish Farms Draft Programme Proposals
Content of News Release:
Development of rationale for the location / relocation of fish farms for net environmental benefit is one of the priority actions of the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture.
This report assesses the environmental impact of the principles developed by the location/relocation working group.
We would welcome any comments on this report which may be found on the Executive’s web site at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/113728
Please send any comments by 3 July 2006 to;
Bryan Wallis
Location/Relocation Project
Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture
Room 401
Pentland House
47 Robbs Loan
Edinburgh EH14 1TY
0131 244 3599
07767 325430
bryan.wallis@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Printed copies may be obtained from the above address
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 12-05-2006
Source: John Williams NAFAC Exec Secretary
Subject: Commons Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee (EFRAC) Report Published
Content of News Release:
You may have heard or seen in the news that the Commons Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee (EFRAC) has to-day published it's report into the working of the EA. You will recall that several of our Consultative members (TFCC, NWFC), CCPR, FACT and NAFAC all made submissions to the committee and these are all published in the report alongside those of BCU and others. As respondees we have been sent a copy of the report, however I urge you all to access it and read it for yourselves at:
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee home page:
http://www.parliament.uk/efracom/
The report index page:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmenvfru/780/78002.htm
List of submissions from interested parties (interesting reading):
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmenvfru/780/780we01.htm
Download PDF version of the report from the Commons web site at the link below:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmenvfru.htm
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 4-05-2006
Source: BBC Radio 2
Subject: Canoe Access Discussion and Poll
Content of News Release:
Listen to the discussion on Canoe Access between martin Salter MP on behalf of angling and the BCU, hear listener comments on the Jeremy Vine Show.
Enter your vote in the Access Poll online at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/
Listen Again to the programme and the Coanoe Access debate at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio2_aod.shtml?radio2/r2_vine_thu
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 27-04-2006
Source: BBC News Service
Subject: Chicken cull after bird flu find
Content of News Release:
The birds will be killed as a 'precautionary' measure
Some 35,000 chickens at a poultry farm in Norfolk are to be slaughtered after dead birds tested positive for a strain of bird flu.
The dead chickens were found on Witford Lodge Farm in Hockering, about 13 miles (20km) west of Norwich.
For more detail follow the following link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4949026.stm
Bird Flu In Depth:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/world/2005/bird_flu/default.stm
View Video News report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolavconsole/ifs_news/hi/bb_rm_fs.stm?nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&nol_storyid=4949174&news=1&bbwm=1
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 24-04-2006
Source: NAFAC Council
Subject: NAFAC Chairman's Tragic Death
Content of News Release:
Terry Mansbridge, NAFAC Executive Chairn, sadly passed away on the evening of 20th April 2006.
A great loss to his wife and family and his many friends in the angling and fisheries community.
Whilst many may not have known Terry personally, many, members of NAFAC and the wider fisheries and angling community, will have benefitted over the years from his unending committment to fisheries and angling of all disciplines. The following is a tribute to him and his committment. We hope that those of you who knew Terry will remember him and his work on your behalf, those of you who did not know him, hopefully will be able to learn about and acknowledge his efforts on your behalf.
He was committed totally to do whatever was necessary to develop or protect our river and stillwater fisheries and the angling we are able to enjoy therein. The NAFAC Council members are committed to fulfilling these same goals and the many Terry aspired to, but will not be able to fulfill due to his untimely death.
As a tribute to him and to celebrate his life a page is dedicated to a reflection of his life at the link below:
http://www.nafac.co.uk/nonmembers/terrym.html
Enquiries and messages regarding this issue should be addressed to the Secretary at one of the following:
Tel/Fax Tel:0121 454 2886
Email:secretary@nafac.co.uk
Related Document(s): Terry-Mansbridge-PR.pdf
Date posted: 26-04-2006
Source: BBC News web site
Subject: Bird Flu - Keep up to date
Content of News Release:
Whilst the Bird Flu issue is seemingly quiet at the moment the link below will keep you up to date with the latest news via the BBC News service.
Bird Flu In Depth:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/world/2005/bird_flu/default.stm
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 6/4/2006
Source: NAFAC Information
Subject: Bird Flu in Scotland - DEFRA Guidance information.
Content of News Release:
To read more about the current affairs and activity regarding Avian Flu following the discovery of a dead swan in Scotland and to become better informed on what action you should take if you discover any dead birds, follow the link below to visit the DEFRA web site and the section dedicated to the Bird Flu issue:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
Wild birds deaths reporting instruction page:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/wildbirds/index.htm#reporting
BBC News info page for current updates:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4886016.stm
Related Document(s):
Date posted: 26-3-2006
Source: John Hepworth
Subject:
NAFAC News Releases for 2006