WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Bringing matters to the attention of those that are empowered to act and address the problems, that is where it stands. Is it already too late? or will that situation develop? If we allow the Powers in being to continue with their present stance, it will.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
'UNITE', with the campaign to drive the matter into the heart of 'Natural Resources Wales', and UK wide organisations. Make them take the necessary action in a simple decision, yes simple, 'General Licence' for the control of 'Avian Predation', then the campaign will look after the rest, that is the purpose of this 'Petition', bringing the 'Avian Predation' issue to the fore.
WHO ARE WE REFERRING TO?
The Angling Fraternity, Angling Clubs, Riparian Owners, Small Water Fisheries, Large Water Fisheries, Canals, Hoteliers, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments, Fishing Tackle shops, Fishing Tackle manufacturers, reportedly over 2 million of like minded beings in the UK. I know that not everyone is on Social media sites but to date, after 4 months nearing 3000 votes from a possible, more than 2 million. Be aware that the Powers in being are dependant on this apathy from within to continue with their present stance on the matter, it is down to you, get the word out there and help to get the matter moving forward,
CREATE A HANDWRITTEN 'PETITION' HEADED
'SAVE THE SALMONID AND OTHER FISH CAMPAIGN'.
and place it in a prominent place in your premises and invite 'votes' to catch those who are not on social media. it may save your business.
ON LINE 'VOTING AND SHARING'
Writing to A/M's MP's and anyone that will lend an ear and support the cause.
THE FUTURE OF ANGLING ! PRESENTLY HANGS IN THE BALANCE
AND IN YOUR HANDS
Some messages in and amongst very many, from social media sites relative to the 'Petition' and various updates:
David Southall:
'Cormorants are destroying my local rivers in East Yorkshire' and I've seen them all over the Country in rivers that I fish'
David Tombs:
I lost the will to live after the first paragraph.
Iain Barr:
'It is really time to take a stance against 'Goosanders and Cormorants' which predate our rivers and lakes, stand up and be counted or loose it forever'
Ian Richardson:
The Atlantic Salmon is an endangered species, sadly fish don't matter to a lot of people in places of power, NRW and likewise organisations should be ashamed.
David Griffiths:
I manage seven miles of chalk stream in Wiltshire which is a Wild Trout Fishery, you would think given the international importance of chalk stream's unique habitat and diversity of aquatic life and their economic value as trout fisheries, that Natural England would issue the Cormorant licences in a timely manner, over a period of four years there have been delays, by months and not just us, every Riverkeeper in the Avon catchment. We have to sit and watch our stocks of trout, grayling and Salmon smolts disappearing down the necks of Cormorants on a daily basis, NRW, NE and EA are no longer fit for purpose and should be replaced.
Terry Greenwood:
100% correct it's every river.
Nick Craigs:
Something is very wrong here.... we are loosing our Salmon. Ignorance, Politics and most of all inaction....time for a change?
David Jones:
'It is time to act! I have been informed that 'Whitland Angling Association' has already folded and a lot of Associations / Clubs in West Wales have seen their membership drop by 50% that is scary to say the least!!!'
Richard Evans, Secretary New Dovey Fishing Association:
I will not be applying for a Culling Licence for 2023/24, It is a waste of time and effort, for it does not work.
Committee of Usk Fishing Association: ( In November Trout and Salmon Magazine)
It was agreed that UFA would not apply for a licence to shoot fish eating birds due to the detailed evidence required and onerous restrictions applied, whilst Cormorants and Goosanders roam the river in large numbers feeding on small fish.
Mr R McCreadie, Dumfries and Galloway
(Bladnoch Salmon RIP) In November Trout and Salmon Magazine.
Despite the protective SAC designation and more than 30 years of benefiting from the guidance, direction and resources of a 'Fisheries Trust' and its river Biologist. Bladnoch salmon are now, for all intends and purposes, an endangered species, as correctly predicted by the eyes and ears of the river, the local anglers. There is surely a lesson in this. (For more about this please follow Ken Reid's post on the 'Salmon Fishing Club' forum on face book, and the very apt comments on the post)
It is time to put a stop to this uncaring, unworkable, nonsense, dictated to us by the Powers in being. Cormorants and Goosanders have to go on the 'General Licence'. Surely National Resources Wales and your like throughout the UK can see that we are trying to help you out of a situation you have created and allowed to develop. Fulfil your legal obligations to the Fisheries.
This week 'Update Picture' is of a dissected Cormorant, culled under licence, (1 Cormorant) this many fish in a feed, none appear to have started to digest, you work the figures out. 'Unsustainable Predation'