'BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND'
Instead of tackling the problem head on, based on all the Scientific evidence presently available, which is at their disposal, together with the information being fed in by Fishery owners, Fishing Clubs and Anglers, the caring members of the society we share, both about fishes and also our native wild birds in Wales and UK wide, even beyond. It would appear that 'National Resources Wales' have and are doing just that, previously described elsewhere here as 'Fiddling whilst Rome burned' and 'Kicking the can down the road'.
'National Resources Wales' have just released a document, it is on social media, a long range plan of their view towards 2050, with the addition within of the intention that the Welsh Assembly will help the general public to be involved with decisions regarding nature ? Some if not all of those that have wasted valuable time to present this report will not be around in 2050 to correct their mistakes, it's totally mind boggling when they can not make the correct decisions for the present day. There are 180 comments on it already, not favourable ones I add.
I take this opportunity to thank Jack Melrose who recently posted a picture of an article found in 'Trout and Salmon Magazine' dated April 1986, in which it clearly states that back in 1986 the RSPB conducted a survey of which the preliminary result indicated that there were then, more than 1,100 pairs of Goosanders in Wales, whereas in the same report it indicated that there were only 10 pairs in Wales in 1977, with no County or Country boundary to contend with. It should be clearly obvious that the rapid growth in this population and presence would continue if unchecked to a predation level that was unsustainable, which it has. Repeated warnings have been ignored, you know the old adage, 'We told you so!', well we did!, and are repeating it and will continue to do so, as reported previously, here, within 'Petitions' with over 90,000 votes in total that we are aware of over the past few years.
This 'Petition' is about tackling this situation, to get the balance in nature restored quickly, efficiently and effortlessly, totally financially free, other than the emotional feelings of the Powers in being, in Wales, and throughout the UK and beyond, why? 'Cormorants and Goosanders', have no County or Country boundary, they need to be on the 'General Culling Licence', until that balance in nature is restored, and the levels of fish become sustainable again. The campaign are ready and willing, so, to the Powers in Being, are you? if not, why not? and why the delay? In addition to this all the hatcheries need re-opening throughout, to ensure stock to replace those being decimated by 'Avian Predation' and of course in case of emergencies, through pollution incidents. That security was there until a few years ago. Marry this up with the activities and results within' Local River Authority' results pre 1981 and the situation is spelt out loud and clear, rivers being looked after, Avian Predation controlled, hatcheries running throughout, rivers in the UK full to the brim of Salmonids and other fish. Caring local organisations that delivered.
Facts, yes, another fact there are reportedly 2.2 million Coarse Anglers and 0.8 million Game Anglers each spending around £1000.00 per annum on fishing, some spending more. In addition to the diminishing income from visiting anglers. The full socio-economic value of recreational fisheries needs to be recognised. Yes 3 Billion or £3,000,000,000 income, in standard decimal notation, every year. Anglers are now travelling far and wide into area's that are still maintaining and improving their Salmonid fisheries.
This 'Petition' has had a 'kicked hornet nest reaction', in some, which can and will not dissuade our meaningful, factual, truthful and lawful approach to the situation. The Licensing scheme has not worked, is not working and will not work, a 'General Culling Licence' is required. The Campaign are ready to deliver on this, not me personally, but others who are involved in fisheries in various guises throughout Wales and in fact the UK.
Bring pressure to bear, VOTE and SHARE, write to your A/M, M/P, or visit them at their local surgeries, it will deliver in the end, have faith. 'Natural Resources Wales', Welsh Assembly Government, Nature England and Nature Scotland, together with the UK Government will have to take action.
This weeks Update Picture is not very clear and was sent to me, by an upset and concerned angler off his mobile phone, on the river Dovey recently, he counted a group of 12 Goosanders scurrying upstream on his approach. Between now and 2025 this group alone will have accounted for a minimum of 100,000 + in river juvenile Salmonids, that we can ill-afford to loose.
'GENERAL LICENCE PLEASE'
Thank you for your support
Gwilym Hughes