Date posted: 24-04-2006

Source: NAFAC Council

Subject: NAFAC Chairman's Tragic Death

Content of Press Release:

Terry Mansbridge, NAFAC Executive Chairman, 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: Terry-Mansbridge-PR.pdf

Date posted: 30-04-2006

Source: Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs

Subject: Jim Knight announces Natural England board

Content of Press Release:

Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight today announced thirteen appointments to the Board of Natural England, the new public body responsible for enhancing and managing the natural environment.

Mr Knight said Peter Allen, Melinda Appleby, Sarah Burton, Roger Clarke, Lynn Crowe, Merrick Denton-Thompson, Michael Depledge, Tony Hams, David Hill, Doug Hulyer, David Macdonald Christopher Pennell and Pam Warhurst would take up their positions on the Natural England Board when the body is legally established in May.

The Chief Executive Officer of Natural England, Dr Helen Phillips, has been appointed an ex officio member of the Board.

Mr Knight said the Natural England Board would be responsible for overseeing the establishment and operations of the new body, which will take up its full functions on 1 October.

"The Board of Natural England has a big job ahead of it, and I am confident that the Board we have chosen has the breadth of interests, expertise and dynamism to discharge this duty ably, and to provide the new organisation with the leadership and direction it needs in the critical period ahead," he said.

Sir Martin Doughty, the Chair Designate of Natural England said:

"I am delighted that we have a Board with such a wealth of expertise, experience and knowledge. Among its members are leading ecologists, lawyers, upland and lowland farmers, recreation and access experts and academics. I believe that we have an excellent team to drive forward Natural England's purpose, ensuring that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of people now and in the future."

Notes for editors

1. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published Defra's Rural Strategy on 21 July 2004, following a review of rural delivery carried out by Lord Haskins. As part of the strategy, the Secretary of State announced that she intended to create a new body, called Natural England, to be formed by the merger of the Countryside Agency's landscape, access and recreation functions with the activities of English Nature and the larger part of Rural Development Service (RDS), dealing with the natural environment.

2. Natural England will be an independent statutory NDPB, bringing together and building on the strengths of English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service. Its remit will be to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

3. The creation of Natural England will unite in a single organisation responsibility for biodiversity and landscapes in rural, urban and coastal areas, with promoting access, recreation and public well-being. This remit will be delivered so that it contributes towards sustainable development. Its headquarters will be in Sheffield.

4. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act received Royal Assent on 30 March 2006. The Department has commenced certain provisions in the Act to allow Natural England to be established as a "skeleton body" as from 2 May. Natural England will be given an identity in law and will be able to employ staff and enter into contracts. This will give Natural England's Board and Chief Executive the powers they need to set up Natural England ready to take on its full executive functions on 1 October.

5. The Board of Natural England consists of the Chairman and up to 15 members all appointed by the Secretary of State. Board members will be paid £8,925 for a time input of 2.5 days per month.

6. Existing members of the RDS and Countryside Agency Boards and English Nature Council will step down from their current appointments before taking up their Natural England Board appointments with the exception of Christopher Pennell, David Macdonald and Doug Hulyer who will remain on English Nature's Council until 30 September in order to maintain its minimum statutory membership. Melinda Appleby is currently an RDS Board Member; Pam Warhurst is Deputy Chair of the Countryside Agency; Tony Hams is a member of the Countryside Agency Board; Sarah Burton, Roger Clarke and Lynn Crowe are all currently members of the English Nature Council.

7. Natural England's recently appointed Chief Executive Designate, Dr Helen Phillips, has also been appointed to the Board in her capacity as Chief Executive.

Biographical details of appointees:

Appointed until 30 September 2007

Doug Hulyer. Now an independent advisor on People and Nature programmes and projects, Doug was formerly (to end of December 2005) Director of Conservation Programmes for the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. A committed environmentalist, environmental educator and conservationist with almost 30 years professional experience.

Pam Warhurst. Currently Deputy Chair of The Countryside Agency, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturing, and Chair of a social enterprise in the
North East of England. Previous posts include Chair of a Health Trust. Leader of a Local Authority, and a member of an RDA.

Appointed until 30 September 2008

David Macdonald. Professor of Wildlife Conservation, University of Oxford. Director (and founder) Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University. Chairman Darwin Advisory Committee. Awarded 2004 Dawkins Prize for contributions to wildlife conservation.

Tony Hams, OBE. Countryside Agency board member since 2000 - leading on protected areas, planning and energy issues. Chair of the UK Association of National Park Authorities and East Midlands Heritage Lottery Fund Committee. Former chair of the Green Alliance - remains a trustee. Professional background in planning, conservation and sustainable development. Awarded an OBE in 2000 for 'services to sustainable development'.

Roger Clarke. Chief Executive and a member of the Board of the Youth Hostels Association since 2000. From 1984 to 1999 he was Policy Director in the Countryside Agency (formerly the Countryside Commission).

Merrick Denton-Thompson OBE. Assistant Director of Environment, Hampshire County Council. A Trustee of the Learning Through Landscapes Trust and the Place2Be Trust. Rural Adviser to the Local Government Association and Awarded an OBE in 2002 for services to education.

Melinda Appleby specialises in sustainable land management and is an independent consultant in agriculture and environment. Member of the Consumer Council for Water- Eastern region; Council member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England; Trustee of the Wildlife Trust - Cambs, Beds and Northants.

Appointed until 30 September 2009

Christopher Pennell. After an Oxford law degree and 27 years in the coal industry, Christopher became for a decade the National Trust's East Midlands Director. For 13 years he was a Parish Councillor and for 3 years a trustee of CPRE in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. He is now a Member of English Nature's Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and the East Midlands Committee of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mrs Lynn Crowe. Principal Lecturer in countryside management at Sheffield Hallam University and responsible for the management of the Countryside Recreation Network. In 2005, Lynn was appointed to the Council of English Nature, and she is also a member of the Peak District National Park Authority.

David Hill has significant experience in consultancy, nature conservation and company business strategy. He is Chief Scientific Adviser to RPS Group plc, and a Fellow and past President of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. He has published extensively on ecological issues.

Sarah Burton. A Lawyer by training. In January 2006 was appointed Campaign Programme Director for Amnesty International. Between 1990 and 2001 Sarah held various positions with Greenpeace UK.

Michael Depledge. Chief scientific advisor to the Environment Agency. Senior science advisor to the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Member of the Natural Environment Research Council.

Peter Allen. Is a 17th generation Lakeland tenant hill farmer. Chairman of the North West Regional Management Board of the NFU. Member of the Moorland Access Advisory Group.

Appointment details:

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activities (if any) to be made public.

This appointments were made in accordance with the code laid down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Commissioner is independent of the Government and was appointed to follow up certain recommendations of the Nolan Committee. The intention of the Code is to provide an efficient and transparent appointments system in which both candidates and the public can have confidence. More details concerning the Commission and the Code are available at:

http://www.ocpa.gov.uk

Details of political declarations:

Tony Hams has undertaken political activity on behalf of the Labour Party.

Christopher Pennell has canvassed or helped at elections on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Party.

Pam Warhurst has canvassed or helped at elections on behalf of the Labour Party.




Related Document:

Date posted: 27-04-2006

Source: FACT Press Release

Subject: Angling Bodies Team up with Environment Agency to get more people fishing!

Content of Press Release:

The Fisheries & Angling Conservation Trust (FACT), the national umbrella organisation for
fisheries conservation and angling, welcomes and endorses the Environment Agency’s Angling in
2015 plan to bring 200,000 more people into angling over the next 10 years.

Press release available for download below:




Related Document: Angling_2015_FACT-PR-04_06.pdf

Date posted: 17-3-2006

Source: Environment Agency

Subject: What do you do when you go fishing?

Content of Press Release:

Anglers are being asked to help in a survey about patterns of angling activity and spending across England and Wales in 2005.

The research team is asking everyone who went freshwater fishing last year to complete a questionnaire on-line at:

http://www.gcal.ac.uk/econsurv/anglersurvey.htm

The project, which has been commissioned by the Environment Agency and Defra, will help to understand how important freshwater fishing can be for jobs and incomes in different regions of England and Wales. The results are expected to influence the future development of fisheries.

Dr Guy Mawle, Fisheries Policy Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

“This study will show us and government how important freshwater angling can be for jobs and incomes across England and Wales.

“But we need anglers to provide the basic information. We'd like everyone who went freshwater fishing in England or Wales during 2005 to take part.

“It doesn't matter where you come from or how keen you are. The questionnaire only takes about 10 minutes to complete so it won’t take up much of your time.”

Webmaster note:
Whilst many may be sceptical about such surveys, this survey will provide support for the argument that angling is a major contributor to local economies. Therefore please pass on the information to your members and friends and encourage them to complete the survey online.


Related Document: NRanglers-survey3-06.pdf

Date posted:

Source:

Subject:

Content of Press Release:



Related Document:

Date posted: 9-3-2006

Source:

Subject: DEFRA : CONSULTATION on RIVER BASIN PLANNING GUIDANCE

Content of Press Release:

The following is an extract from the full Press Release of the letter responding to DEFRA regarding this matter - download the PDF below for full details of this important document:

1. The Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT) is pleased to have an opportunity of responding to this onsultation document, for though clearly intended primarily for the Environment Agency and not for the general public, to FACT, as the united voice of fisheries and angling, river basin planning is of immense importance. However, in view of the particular purpose of the consultation document many of the questions are so clearly directed towards a response from the Environment Agency that for FACT to follow a similar line would be inappropriate. Instead, therefore, the following comments are of a more general nature with greater emphasis on matters with which FACT is particularly concerned and to which it can contribute most closely. And in that context a cause for concern to FACT is the absence of the acknowledgment of fisheries or angling in the document. This neglect of fisheries and angling interests has been a valid and serious criticism of previous Defra consultation documents on WFD, notwithstanding the Environment Agency’s appreciation of the importance of fish and fishing. For, apart from the environmental, economic and social importance of fisheries and angling, the most reliable evidence of the health of a body of water is the existence of a thriving population of fish of the species appropriate to the character of
the water. Without such a presence of fish no body of water will achieve the standards required by WFD.

continues/

Read more and the supporting letter from NAFAC in the PDF files below:


Related Document: River_Basin_Pla…_FACT_FINAL.pdf

WFD-NAFAC-RESPONSE.pdf

Date posted: 5-3-2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: NAFAC make progress with British Waterways

Content of Press Release:

Following a series of consultations between the National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) and British Waterways (BW), when the latter agreed to a number of plans to improve canal angling across the country, there are definite signs that British Waterways are taking their new commitment seriously.
Soon after the promises were made however an announcement of price increases for North West clubs taking part in the Waterway Anglers Together Scheme caused anger and consternation among some of the clubs taking part. However as a result of further direct talks between NAFAC’s regional representative and local BW management, an agreement has been reached whereby none of the member clubs will pay anymore for the next 12 months, providing their membership conditions remain unchanged. Furthermore during the period of the ‘rent-freeze’ BW will fully consult with all the clubs involved to seek a way forward.
A similar positive attitude is also being adopted in the Yorkshire region where again following talks between NAFAC and BW, clubs leasing water have been sent a letter asking them to set out the problems they have with BW, with a view to developing a plan to resolve them in the future.
Steve Griffiths, NAFAC’s North West representative commented, ‘I am very pleased to have been able to help arrive at a solution that enables Clubs to stay in the scheme and the scheme itself to survive. Clubs can continue to fish on 500km of waterways with a promise from BW that they will pay no more in 2006, and BW have gained some understanding of how clubs function, which was lacking in the original imposed conditions. There is still work to be done in achieving a long term solution, but I am confident that with good will and the good offices of NAFAC and the local consultatives, it will be possible to arrive at a scheme which provides for consultation and takes account of the reality of the current situation in the angling club scene.’


Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC
01709 584590

Email: press-officer@nafac.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over 400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.



Related Document: Progress-with-BW-3-06PR.pdf

Date posted: 25-02-2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: Ban on Cypermethrin sheep dip.

Content of Press Release:

NAFAC welcomes the news of a ban on Cypermethrin sheep dip.

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) welcomes the news that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is to suspend the sale of Cypermethrin for use as a sheep dip with immediate effect.
Commenting on the news, NAFAC’s Executive Chairman Terry Mansbridge said, I join in celebrating with the many other angling organisations, clubs and individual anglers, who have fought hard to achieve this result. It certainly is cause for celebration. Cypermethrin is extremely toxic to the aquatic environment especially invertebrate life, which is the main source of food for fish and many birds. And it isn’t just the food chain that can be affected, independent authorities have suggested that chemicals such a cypermethrin can have a serious impact on fishes’ ability to reproduce. Fisheries across the country will be better off without it. But while the ban on sale of this chemical as a sheep dip is very welcome we should remember that it is still used extensively in agriculture and NAFAC will be pressing for further information on the possible effects on coarse fish and fisheries, particularly in areas of intensive agriculture.’

Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC

01709 584590

Email:press-officer@nafac.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and
regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over
400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.


Related Document: Sheep_dip_release.pdf

Date posted: 20-02-2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: Canoeing

Content of Press Release:

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, NAFAC, is urging all member
and non member clubs to write to their local MP’s asking them to sign Martin Salter’s amendment
to an Early Day Motion 957 which seeks to promote free uncontrolled access to all waterways for
canoeing.
In the amendment Martin Salter is calling for access, where appropriate, to be on an agreed basis
and not the free for all being proposed by the British Canoe Union.
To date the Early day Motion has attracted the support of 116 MP’s, just 100 more than have signed
the amendment.
Commenting on the disappointing response from angling clubs NAFAC Executive Chairman Terry
Mansbridge said, ‘This is a very important matter but is yet another instance of anglers not
supporting each other. Canoeing, and particularly white water canoeing, does not affect every club,
and as a result support for Martin Salter’s amendment has been sadly lacking. I would urge
everyone, whether affected or not, to contact their MP’s and ask them to sign the amendment’
A sample draft letter for MP’s can be found on the NAFAC website at (download as Word Document)

http://www.nafac.co.uk/news/Letter-to-MP.doc

Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC
01709 584590
Notes for Editors:
The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and
regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over
400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.


Related Document: Canoe-PR-2-06.pdf

Date posted: 25-1-2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: Change in bylaws sought to protect fish stocks

Content of Press Release:

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, (NAFAC) is supporting a proposal being put forward by the Upper Ouse Fisheries Consultative Association, (UOFCA), which seeks a change in Environment Agency bylaws to make the unauthorised removal of fish from rivers, drains, canals, and still waters illegal.
In a memorandum to member clubs and other interested parties, UOFCA point out that under current bylaws in the Anglian, and some other regions, the Environment Agency are powerless to get involved with fish removal in many instances, because current bylaws allow the removal of up to two fish without approval.
As a result UOFCA are asking other Consultatives, clubs and individual anglers to write to the Environment Agency seeking a change to the law to enable the unauthorised removal of fish to become a criminal offence.
UOFCA Chairman Trevor Johnson said, ‘The time to write to the Agency is now, because they, together with Defra, are currently reviewing the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act which is the foundation upon which regional bylaws are based’
Terry Mansbridge, NAFAC’s Executive Chairman, commented, “NAFAC support UOFCA’s appeal because there are problems in some parts of the country with fish either being taken to illegally restock elsewhere or for the table. This is an ideal opportunity to tighten up the regulations”

Anyone wishing to support a change in bylaws should write to,

Mr. A Taylor,
Environment Agency National Fisheries Policy and Process Manager.
Rio House,
Waterside Drive,
Aztec West,
Almondsbury,
Bristol
BS32 4UD


Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC
01709 584590
Email: press-officer@nafac.co.uk


Notes for Editors:


The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over 400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.

Copy of full UOFCA letters to the Environment Agency and their Members in pdf form in the next Press Release window below.


Related Document: PressRelease-UOFCA-23-1-06.pdf

Date posted: 25-1-2006

Source: Trevor Johnson. Chairman UOFCA

Subject: Upper Ouse Fisheries Consultative Association, (UOFCA), which seeks a change in Environment Agency bylaws to make the unauthorised removal of fish from rivers, drains, canals, and still waters illegal.

Content of Press Release:

In a memorandum to member clubs and other interested parties, UOFCA point out that under current bylaws in the Anglian, and some other regions, the Environment Agency are powerless to get involved with fish removal in many instances, because current bylaws allow the removal of up to two fish without approval.

As a result UOFCA are asking other Consultatives, clubs and individual anglers to write to the Environment Agency seeking a change to the law to enable the unauthorised removal of fish to become a criminal offence.
UOFCA Chairman Trevor Johnson said, ‘The time to write to the Agency is now, because they, together with Defra, are currently reviewing the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act which is the foundation upon which regional bylaws are based’


Related Document: UOFCA_Letter_to_EA.pdf

UOFCA_Letter_to_Members.pdf

Date posted: 17-1-2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: AGM and Midlands Seminar

Content of Press Release:

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, (NAFAC), will be holding their AGM at the Centennial Centre, 100 Icknield Port Road, Birmingham, B16 OAA, on Saturday 18th March. The meeting will combine with a Midlands Seminar, which will be held immediately afterwards, and members and non members alike are invited to attend.

Commencing at 9.30 with coffee, Daffyd Evans will then give the welcome address, being followed by the AGM, and a series of presentations by well-known speakers. Included in the presentations will be:


*Working with British Waterways, Jon Oakes, BW Service Manager Central Shires

*Non native fish and stocking, Ash Girdler, Director AGA, NAFAC Hon. Scientific Advisor

*Where your money went, Martin Cooper, EA Fisheries Development Manager

*Alien plants and their control, Stewart Clarke, Senior Freshwater Ecologist at English Nature

plus Fisheries Action Plans, Rivers Trusts. Midlands Consultation and others including an open forum.

Further details can be obtained either from the NAFAC office on 0121 454 2886 or from the web site www.nafac.co.uk. Tickets for the seminar cost £10, which includes a full buffet lunch, and are available from NAFAC, 106 Icknield Port Road, Birmingham, B16 0AA. Entry to the AGM alone is free of charge.

Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC
01709 584590
Email: press-officer@nafac.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over 400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.



Related Document: AGM+Midlands-Seminar-2006.pdf

Mid-Seminar2006-Poster.pdf

Date posted: 1/1/2006

Source: Martin Read NAFAC Press Officer

Subject: Licences to shoot cormorants double!

Content of Press Release:

Licences to shoot cormorants double
Numbers just released by Defra show that the number of licences granted to shoot cormorants, and
the number of cormorants shot, more than doubled in the year following the changes made to
licensing procedures.
In the year before the changes were made just 146 licences were granted for 828 birds, of which
499 were shot. Following the changes announced by Ben Bradshaw in September 2004 a total of
330 licences were granted for 1996 birds of which 1298 were shot.
NAFAC’s Executive Chairman, Terry Mansbridge commented ‘I am pleased that Defra listened to
angler’s pleas for help with cormorant problems. This increase in licence numbers demonstrates not
only that there was a need for an improved system but that the new system is being used by fishery
owners and clubs alike’
NAFAC National Council member and long time campaigner for a better deal for anglers regarding
cormorant predation, Martin Read, was delighted with the figures adding, ‘These figures clearly
demonstrate the need to control cormorants at fisheries. However more importantly, the difference
between those licensed to be shot, and those actually shot, confirms what we have said all along,
that anglers are not trying to cull cormorants, but shoot them only as a last resort in order to protect
their fisheries and in some cases livelihoods’

Martin Read. Press Officer.
NAFAC
01709 584590

Email: press-officer@nafac.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) is the national body of local and
regional fisheries and angling consultatives (stakeholder groups) that together represent the views of over
400,000 anglers and others with an interest in our fisheries.


Related Document: Cormorant_licensesPR.pdf