Newsletter July 2006

Number 32

President : The Earl of Normanton

Vice Presidents: Orri Vigfusson and Hugh Miles

Registered Charity No: 1051068

Hay mowing in full swing across the region

HEADLINE NEWS: The European Commission, acting on the Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust complaint, consider that the Irish Government, by licensing their mixed stock salmon drift netting, is not doing enough to comply with the terms of EU habitats Directive They have therefore, issued a Final Warning to the Irish Government; the last process before court action. This follows the first warning letter sent in July 2005.

Dear Members and Friends,

I hope those who attended the AGM in March enjoyed themselves as much as I did. We are particularly grateful to those who come straight from a hard day’s work. Once again the auction proved a highlight, thanks to the very hard work by John Slader and Peter Hughes and the generosity of so many supporters. Bidding had quite a competitive note this year with some excellent lots reaching their full value. Keith and Janet Elson demonstrated consummate skill in teasing fivers out of pockets for a good range of raffle prizes. Our funds have enjoyed considerable benefit as a result.
As we put these newsletters together I get concerned at the amount of heavy content, particularly the bad news that we have to convey. A antidote to this is John Levell’s superb WSRT web site (www.wsrt.org.uk), in particular the 2006 diary in the news section.
We believe we have a duty to report, as accurately as we can, as much as possible of the fishy goings on, including the bad news. Surely our task, in part, is to guard against the negative consequences of such news.
An example perhaps is a press release from Defra reporting that the first UK outbreak of Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) has been identified in a Yorkshire trout farm by CEFAS Fish Health Inspectors, called in because of high mortality. Worryingly the virus was also found in grayling taken from the wild downstream.
The presence of Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) has been detected in a Devon trout farm, again by CEFAS inspectors, this time routine fish health monitoring. BKD can cause large numbers of mortalities in both farmed and wild salmon and trout.
Work continues to locate the sources of both outbreaks, and movement restriction orders are in place. Outbreaks of both diseases are rare in UK. I find it reassuring that this unsung service is quietly going about it’s work on everyone’s behalf. If you want to know more about them go to www.efishbusiness.co.uk.
On page 2 of the February newsletter I incorrectly reported that Christchurch Angling Club had agreed arrangements with the new leaseholders of the Royalty Fishery . This was an error on my part and I have apologised to C A C. for this mistake.
I was also gently rebuked recently when I referred to a water meadow when, in fact I was talking about wet meadows. This has lead me to re-visit a recently published book by Mark Everard called ‘Water Meadows’. It describes the history, operation and function as well as their biological and cultural significance, even looking into the future. The text is supported by maps, diagrams and photographs, many of the Avon catchment, including a number by John Levell. (Water Meadows: Mark Everard. Published by Forrest Text ISBN 0-9550740-0-2 hardback and 0-9550740-1-0 paperback.
I went to Brussels in mid May, accompanied by Niall Greene, about our usual Irish mischief; not for the first time, whilst chatting about WSRT and salmon, I was asked what is our objective. I gave the answer I believe in; a return to historic abundance enabling a sustainable harvest.
Sustainability in aquaculture is the subject of constant debate, most of it directed at salmon farming. We are fortunate that we do not suffer from this industry in the south, although there was an effort in the south west to establish a farm. The interminable sea lice debate continues, as does the massive infestation of salmon smolts and sea trout that must migrate past major establishments. Killary Harbour in north west Ireland forms the estuary for the Rivers Erriff and Delphi Both rivers have virtually lost their sea trout. My son caught a minute sea trout in the sea pool of the Eriff in late May. From what he could see of the fish it had not silvered, looking more like a small brown trout. The reason for it running back in so early was evident. It was smothered in a massive infestation of sea lice, so bad that not much of the fish could be seen. Ironically we need salmon farming. The pressures upon the wild population that would result from the closure would be devastating but to allow continuing year on year pollution and infestation is unacceptable. No other industry gets away with it. Why should this intensive, commercial, often foreign owned industry.

Dennis Herring MC, FRICS

We were sad to learn, soon after the last news letter was circulated, of the death of our founder member Dennis Herring. He died on the 7th January following a heart attack. Dennis was the epitome of a gentleman salmon angler, and a very effective one. He fished Somerley for many years, often accompanied by his wife, Barbara who died in 2002. It was always a pleasure to me when we met, even when he already had an enormous fish on the bank! He was ever jovial and generous. He is missed by his many friends.

Brian Marshall

The Avon at it's best

I sense a revolution coming on.

At eighteen, his name meant nothing, and although the hall was silent, all necks craned forward like devotees of a modern day prophet trying to catch his every word. Much of what he said escaped my young ears but as things have panned out Richard Walker was correct when he prophesied the demise of the Hampshire Avon, for here we are decades later wondering where it all went wrong. The problem is that there are so many answers to that question. Pollution, predation, abstraction, bad fishery management, the weed cut, endocrine disruptors, destruction of habitat and now global warming, but the worst of them all has to be apathy.
We all know that the Hampshire Avon was famous for being so prolific; anglers came from near and far to reap the rewards of its abundant fish stocks. By the coach load they arrived in homage every weekend, knowing that they were going to catch. The only question was what the winning weight would be and how many keepnets would be filled. Weights from fifty to one hundred and fifty pounds of dace, roach, chub and barbel could be expected, and it seemed then that this utopia would last forever. But all good things must come to an end and sure enough it didn’t last. Slowly the river’s fame began to dwindle. It began gradually enough; the weights began to drop off, some even blanked and, as the years rolled by there were more blanks, and the London clubs became disenchanted. Their organised trips stopped altogether and soon the river was living on its laurels. Anglers began to visit her banks just for old times’ sake in an attempt to rekindle the magic of yesteryear.
To begin with the local anglers stayed true, those that knew and understood the Avon and could still unlock her secrets; but a new era had begun, that of the gravel pit, and even the faithful began to lose heart.
I have to admit that I nearly went the same way myself, out of necessity more than anything else. Carp fishing seemed to be where it was happening and the Avon just kept beating me, but something stopped me from tumbling over that particular abyss and I now leave carp fishing along with bolt rigs, spod rods, bite alarms and bivvies to those that frequent that branch of my sport. Not that I don’t fish for carp at all, I just choose to do so with a little more finesse.
However, I sometimes wonder how different things would have been if gravel pits hadn’t provided a bolt hole for the disenchanted river angler and I feel that if they hadn’t had the choice to vote with their feet how much pressure could have been brought to bear on the various ‘authorities’ and, to a certain extent, the angling clubs if we could have acted as a whole.
Unfortunately the opposite happened and the "if I can’t catch fish here, I’ll go over there instead" attitude took over and the Avon got left high and dry.
But not by all, the salmon anglers kept the faith, although for them there was little choice, their numbers were understandably hit as the Avon continued to fail and external influence continued to affect salmon numbers, something that the Trust has been, and is, working tirelessly to redress.
If nothing else the Avon remains a specimen river and a certain amount of its prestige has returned. Whereas in the past numbers of fish fuelled that flame of its fame so to speak, now it’s the size of fish that sets it apart. Big chub, barbel and the last of the big roach, few though they are, have kept the Avon in our thoughts and in the angling press. Good job too, for without them our eyes would have been taken completely off the ball.
Now a new era has begun and I sense a new air of optimism, and instead of each blaming the other for the Avon’s demise, kindred spirits, who, in the past, would not have crossed paths, are beginning to work towards a common goal. After all, a better river for the humble roach benefits the mighty salmon also.
Where once we relied on the EA to lead, we now know that it is up to those that love the Avon most. If we want things to change we must lead the way. Although consultation with the EA and English Nature must always figure and why not they have much to bring to the table, ultimately it is down to us. When I say us, I don’t only mean the W.S.R.T. I mean groups; syndicates, riparian owners, clubs and even individuals to implement the tasks that they feel will benefit their fishery.
Projects at Longford, Hale and Burgate already exist, the oxbow projects on Somerley Estate are well into the planning stage and on the Severals below Ringwood, great things are anticipated.
Some of these projects, although practical ones, will lead to lessons learned by way of the science projects carried out alongside them by colleges and universities. In the future they will provide a model for others to follow. Hopefully the ideals will migrate down to the lower Avon so that the whole river will benefit from this program of regeneration.
My point is that all of these initiatives are angler driven.
All are directed at habitat improvement and, despite lack of direction being shown by way of a Fisheries Action Plan, apparently due to funding. With the EC Habitats Directive and SSSI status to back us up, much has been and will be achieved in the future.
Two worries still exist, and they are apathy and inverted snobbery. Surprisingly the finger points to the coarse angler, not the ones that are prepared to get their hands dirty but those that stand back bemoaning the end of a beautiful river, whilst remaining dogmatic in their opinion that it’s just too late to do anything about it.
And snobbery? Try getting a coarse angler to sign up to an organisation with salmon in the title. It’s not easy but I remain convinced that this is the way ahead.
I have to say that joining the committee of the Rivers Trust has given a big boost to my resolve It is a breath of fresh air to know that a bunch of salmon anglers can feel so passionate about the plight of the humble roach. I’m not sure what knowledge and expertise I can bring but I know that one attribute I do have is a determination to see decay transformed into renewal. I sense a revolution coming on.
VIVE LA REVOLUTION

Budgie Price

Feeling the Heat? So do Salmon!

At a recent South Wessex Local Fisheries Forum a voluntary protocol was agreed that, if water temperature at Knapp Mill reached 19°C (66°F) salmon fishing on the Avon will be suspended. News to be issued via WSRT & CAC web sites, A & S R A, royalty Management. On 4th July temperature was between 23C and 25C

Informal Count (very!)

About 100+ fish to the rods by the end of June spread well along the river. Somerley, North End and Royalty account for about 60%. The Mudeford nets have had 20+ but few sea trout. Humphrey Wood, Chair of South West rivers Association reports very few sea trout entering the Taw.

Trout in schools

For the third successive year we have now raised and released several hundred brown trout from eggs kindly donated by Trafalgar Fisheries, and the other schools involved have had some success also, although with more experience they will soon achieve comparable survival rates.
Applemore College and Priestlands School are enthusiastic about continuing with the scheme, and Applemore are using the scheme to contribute to their GCSE Applied Science assessment of practical skills.
Adrian Simmonds, keeper of the Wilton fishery at Great Wishford, worked amazingly hard to build a very professional version of our set-up at the primary school there, and I was really impressed with the work that the children did as a result. The whole classroom was filled with drawings of eggs, fry and trout, and the project was an outstanding success for them. Adrian spent many hours building and testing the system, and working with staff at the school. Well done Adrian, and we look forward to raising even more fish next year!
We have decided to try and get a further two systems running next year, making a total of six, and remain very grateful to the funding from Tesco, which makes the purchase of our rather deluxe equipment possible.
It is also hoped that we can develop the systems to perhaps hatch and grow on some roach fry in the Summer term each year. The value of raising awareness of the riverine environment is incalculable, and the interest and enthusiasm which the youngsters have shown has been a real pleasure to watch.
Many adults have also learnt and been actively involved with the Trout in Schools Project, and I can see it growing into a fairly major responsibility of the Trust. Luckily I will be taking early retirement this year and will be able to fill some of that spare time managing the project a little more closely.
Hugh Miles came to Ringwood to film some of our students in the classroom, both in a teaching situation and caring for the eggs and fry.
He filmed the newly hatched fish in close up with a rather expensive lens which provided fantastic images of life in the tanks, and he was also on hand to film the release of the fish into the stream at Ibsley.
All good footage for a section in his forthcoming TV series, Catching the Impossible.
It is some time before the series will be released, but the children were thrilled with the idea of some TV stardom!

Trust Vice President, Hugh Miles filming the release of the fry from the Trout in Schools project.

Pete Reading

WSRT Annual Charity Pike Match

The start of a very enjoyable day

The match was fished in difficult, cold, low water conditions by 43 anglers. Sincere thanks to all the riparian owners who allowed us on to their waters and to Charles Landells for his organisation of the match.
1st Prize of the Oliver Cutts Trophy and £100 won by 14 year old Steven Sophocleous, fishing Folds Farm, with a two fish total of 20½ lbs. 2nd Prize £50 won by Tony Aylott. with two Hale Park fish for 18 lbs 2 oz. 3rd prize won by Geoff Estall with two Bisterne fish for 16½ lbs. The £25 prize for the biggest single Pike went to Dave Best with a Somerley fish of 14¼ lbs.

Cover Story.

Familiar names, faces and places are featured in a well presented article about Christchurch Angling Club and salmon and trout fishing on Somerley in the July ‘Trout & Salmon’ magazine. Our Vice chairman even caught a salmon for the camera.

The cover picture

Christchurch Angling Club Free Fishing Day Kings

Vincent Lake, Somerley. 19 August 2006 9:30 am when many facets of angling are introduced. As well as the club, WSRT will be there with, we hope, a working demonstration of our Fish in Schools mini hatchery. S&TA, and EA will also be represented. A great day out for all the family, AND FREE!
Further Instruction and Coaching in Coarse, Game, and Sea Fishing is available for anyone upon request. Please contact: John Cheetham Press & Publicity Officer Tel: 07720671706. Also see www.christchurchac.org

Christchurch Angling Club

It has been an eventful first half to the year at C.A.C. There have been a number of changes within the club, not least some of the personnel that make up the club’s committee. We now have a united committee that is unanimous in its aim to consolidate and build on its reputation as one of the South of England’s premier fishing clubs.
Our links with WSRT are historic, a considerable number of trust members also being CAC members. As a club we consider ourselves fortunate to be in a position to work closely alongside an organisation such as WSRT whose relentless pursuit of the interests of salmon both Avon and otherwise has been wonderfully productive and greatly admired.
The River Avon is unique in that it is one of few rivers that is both internationally and nationally recognized for both its coarse and game fishing, and is therefore able to provide fishing throughout the calendar year.
CAC has a long history of game fishing on the Avon, but as a club that provides and promotes opportunities to fish for both game and coarse fish, we are in full support of the Trust’s agenda that encourages the habitat improvement for all the fish that exist in our rivers.
We have recently been invited to attend and provide input at the Salmon Action Group (S.A.G.) which is looking at ways to increase the number of salmon coming up the Avon valley. We are also lending a hand with some of the work that is being carried out in the study and improvement in the numbers and distribution of the Avon roach.
Signs are very promising with regards to the numbers of salmon coming into the middle river with 38 fish now in the book at Somerley alone. The recently improved fish counting equipment directly above the Royalty has also given the added benefit of us all being able to gauge numbers coming through much more accurately.
We do of course understand that the situation alters yearly, but are hopeful that the improved river level controls that are now being implemented are largely responsible for the fish moving up the river in the numbers that they have been, even with the very low rainfall of last winter.
The weed cutting carried out on the Avon is also a contributing factor in river level control and therefore the issues surrounding weed cutting are now being discussed with both the E.A. & E.N. along with representatives of riparian owners and other affected parties. CAC is and will continue to be represented on these and other matters as we control a large percentage of the fishing on the middle and lower river.
These issues and many more besides are what will dictate the future of our river’s well being. Therefore we must all pull together to build an understanding of what is required in order to protect and enhance the habitat of the Avon and other rivers. We as a club realise that if we can pool the knowledge and resources of all concerned and retain the enthusiasm that is clearly evident, we can protect what we have for the enjoyment of future generations.
To all at, and associated with Wessex Salmon Rivers Trust,
Keep up the good work.

Ian May: Vice Chairman, C.A.C.

Salmon & Trout Association: South Wessex.

John Slader reports:

CANOE ACCESS

The British Canoe Union has been active in canvassing support for unrestricted river access for non-powered craft which has included lobbying Members of Parliament. Anglers were, and continue to be, encouraged to write to their local MP seeking their MP’s support to Martin Salter’s Early Day Motion amendment which is very much in line with the interests of anglers.
Clearly canoeists are not going to give up their fight for greater access and anglers need to be vocal in putting forward their resistance to opening up to floodgates to free unrestricted access.
This debate is often seen by the media as anglers vs canoeists, albeit that anglers are not anti-canoe and fully support the principle of local voluntary negotiated access agreements. This is in line with Government Policy.
Anglers have no automatic right of access to rivers or lakes. Before they are able to access a water to fish an individual must be in possession of:-
An Environment Agency Licence (age 12 & over), and have the permission of the riparian owner, which invariably requires payment – direct or through a tenant angling club or syndicate.
Having secured the above the individual is bound by rules and regulations (both statutory and those of the fishery). Failure to comply can result in the individual being identified / banned from the fishery and, in some cases, prosecuted. It is common for the individual to have appropriate third party liability insurance cover.
A large amount of funds generated by the above are invested back into the fishery, targeting sustainable biodiversity, environmental and conservation issues.
The canoeist’s arguments for unlimited access do not address:-
Regulating the activity and adopting an enforceable code of conduct
A unique marking system on canoes to allow for identification
Equitable payment for use of the resource
An acceptable national form of registration and third party insurance cover
Acknowledgement that whilst angling as a pastime doesn’t inhibit canoeing, the pressure of canoes can render angling impossible in small streams and on non-navigable rivers.
The increasing use of rafts which is seen as an issue in Scotland
The unique situation in Scotland, where access is permitted - the population density in England & Wales is far greater and rivers tend to be smaller than in Scotland.
Provisions to protect fragile environments and habitats - SSSI’s, SAC and the like - including fish spawning and birds nesting.
The transfer of waterborne diseases and parasites by canoes between river catchments - this cannot be addressed in the context of an unregulated activity.
Whilst there is scope for canoeists and anglers to share many of our suitable rivers, it is essential that the balance is struck both to protect the environment and to prevent one group who pay nothing from spoiling the sport of those who have invested a huge amount of time and money in helping to create excellent fisheries and thriving wildlife habitats.

The way forward ..... is through local voluntary negotiated access agreements. This will require greater trust and co-operation on both sides, which is not easy given the amount of illegal canoeing that already occurs - which the British Canoe Union does little or nothing to condemn - and the mistrust that this has engendered.

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

In the last newsletter members were advised of the proposed closure of the CEH Dorset site and encouraged to make their voices heard by writing in support of its continuation to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The Salmon & Trout Association and Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust joined many other national organisations, including WSRT, in writing letters of protest. Locally S&TA Wessex Branch and the Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust wrote separate letters to all local MP’s seeking their support. Despite these numerous protests in March the NERC confirmed its intention to proceed with the closure of the CEH Dorset site. Whilst the implication for the research that is currently carried out at this site is still unclear, it is understood some staff from Dorset will relocate to Wallingford (near Oxford), but it is likely that several areas of study will finish.

GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS

In the last newsletter concern was expressed regarding the potential threat of Gyrodactylus salaris - a freshwater parasitic fluke of Atlantic salmon. In the late 1970’s the parasite became evident in Norwegian Atlantic salmon strains resulting in an average loss of 89% of salmon from infected rivers. Its presence has also been detected in other European countries. Clearly if it ever entered the UK the result would be catastrophic and lead to the decimation of salmonid stocks. So how much of a risk is it? Should we be concerned? Having read Brian’s references to VHF and BKD and you could be justified in believing it is a time bomb waiting to go off.
The angling media this week reported the first consignment of Australian carp arriving in the UK - no doubt with all the appropriate paperwork in order - but do we really need any more carp in this country? Do we honestly need to be importing live fish into the country? Legal imports maybe one issue, but what about the trade in illegal imports? Again in the past few days it has been reported in the weekly angling press that a well known pike angler, himself a regular columnist, was caught entering Ireland with live fish which was destined for use as bait. He is now waiting to learn whether he will be prosecuted. Such fish movements are illegal and it is impossible to know the extent of the problem. The worry is not the size of the problem but the fact that it does go on; just one infected fish maybe enough to introduce a disease which could dramatically impact upon the future welfare of our native fish.
Now we are all probably aware of the crayfish story; until the 1970’s our native crayfish was living quite happily in our waterways. That was until the much larger non-native American crayfish was imported into the country and bred commercially to supply shops and restaurants. Escapees and the disposal of these live crayfish have resulted in our own indigenous species being decimated through the introduction of competition and disease. On the 4th June the Sunday Telegraph reported on a RSPCA officer who stumbled across a live crayfish in a suburban drain. Undoubtedly doing what he thought was right he took it to an internationally recognised crayfish reserve where it was released. In fact, it was the worst thing he could have done. The crayfish was in fact of the American kind and the pool reserve is home to an important population of the endangered indigenous white-clawed crayfish. No doubt very embarrassed the RSPCA has admitted the officer made "a serious mistake". In fact the Society could face prosecution under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Such events of the past few days really do cause justified concerns and when it comes to Gyrodactylus salaris it is the very reason why the Salmon & Trout Association continues to be active both nationally and internationally. It is seeking Government and its Agencies to go beyond campaigning for anglers and canoeists to clean their equipment after contact with Norwegian waters and include measures such as:-

putting in place contingency plans in place to stop G salaris entering our rivers. In particular the veterinary inspections procedures both here and the country of origin, and
seeking to stop the import of live fish, and
co-ordinated approach with Scotland.

NEW ALL PARLIAMENTARY ANGLING GROUP FORMED

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. Recently a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) 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.
Read more on the web site. www.salmon-trout.org

John Slader

Nationalisation by Stealth - A Personal View

Where do fisheries actually fit within the great plan as directed by the government, through Defra and the EA? Well, they are spread out and effectively emasculated between enforcement, monitoring and biodiversity. Fisheries come way down the hierarchical scale when compared to abstraction, discharge monitoring, flood defence and land drainage that exploit and control the river. Fisheries are afforded the same priority as navigation, ecology and public access, this despite anglers not only paying 20 million a year in the form of the rod licence for the EA to maintain, improve and develop our interests but also paying in the form of considerable rental values and in many cases as riparian owners. Why should some well intentioned environmentalists, canoeists or local authorities who contribute absolutely nothing have an equal say as a body that contributes in such a direct fashion? That could be viewed as a deliberate policy to ensure those that own and lease and directly use the rivers are not in a position to threaten the politically sensitive uses the government see as the primary role of our water ways. If the selection of committees is based on as wide a remit as possible the views of the owners and tenants are effectively diluted.
The running and control of the rivers as a corporate business by the government, generally under the guise of public interest, to me is nothing short of being a nationalised industry. The difference in the case of the rivers is that historically businesses that have been nationalised have had their shareholders and boards compensated for the loss of their property, as is the case with coal, steel, the railways etc.
So just what does owning a fishery enable you to actually undertake to improve your asset? The answer to that question is remarkably little, without the express permission of the government in the form of its self appointed management committees. Thus ensuring you don’t rock the boat by doing something to improve your lot or asking those that impact on your property or rights to pay for the privilege. God forbid that those that use and exploit the rivers for profit and gain by abstracting the life blood and replacing it with an enriched soup should be held to account for the damage to your asset.
You may say that is why we have representative bodies to consult and advise the EA on our behalf. If that is the case why were fisheries ignored by Defra / EA when the Water Framework Directive stakeholder groups were established, probably the most influential piece of legislation we are to face in the future. Where were our representative bodies? What were they doing to protect our interests? I hope they were not so caught up in the cosy relationship of representative panels, groups and committees chosen by the EA to give a facade of consultation that they failed to notice what was going on.
EA/Defra appointed committees are a management tool for maintaining the status quo and manipulating the outcome to toe the predetermined line. Rocking the boat by demanding action for which someone may be held accountable or responsible is a forlorn hope. Modern management practices do not include initiative. Nothing will be done based on management experience and decision making ability, a consultant will be employed to muddy the water and provide a screen for the ineffective management to hide behind "We were following best scientific evidence" or "the consultant recommended that course of action."
Many that are chosen to sit on these groups are completely out of their depths and provide a veneer of consultation and rubber stamping of the official line, fed them by the EA, whilst the rivers stagnate and decline? Having a seat at the table isn’t enough. If you are there to represent an aspect of riverine ownership or rights you have to be accountable to those owners and tenants and carry their demands to the table. Perhaps most importantly that table has to have executive powers or it is a waste of time. One of the major problems is that many of our representatives are amateur volunteers, run ragged by the scale of the forces arrayed against them. Whilst under the current system some do an admirable job what sort of business with a 3.4 billion pound turnover is represented by the retired and part time. Why do we spend 22 million pounds a year on representatives to maintain, improve and develop our assets and then spend all our energies fighting those self same people? Restrictions placed on independent efforts are so prohibitive as to doom them to certain failure. Anything that does not follow the EA dogma is undermined at every opportunity. Who other than anglers would pay to make themselves so bloody miserable?
The EA doesn’t have the corporate capability to manage our fisheries, particularly under BRITE. Staff are trained as scientists, enforcement officers etc., and rise through the ranks to become the managers of a regulatory monitoring service. The EA is a regulatory agency and we are so over regulated any spark of initiative, innovation or original thought is rapidly stifled. Any management system requires innovation and original thought. Without is to stagnate and any business operating in the private sector very quickly learns the consequences of that strategy.
Let me state, in block capitals, THAT I REFER TO EA FISHERIES IN THIS ARTICLE. The role of abstraction licensing, discharge monitoring etc are not the issue here. Also I am not attempting to get rid of fishery staff, quite the reverse, I see the many of those currently within the EA forming the nucleus of catchment boards, but independent of the EA, given decision making powers, with dedicated areas of responsibility, with fisheries as their sole role. A professional workforce answering to an elected, representative executive much as the Scottish system would seem sensible.
I hear many say this is not a realistic option in this country. Well all I can say is I hope those same people do not represent my interests.
Until we give local management its head to expand and develop the multitude of different approaches aching to be employed across the land we will languish in our current state. Diversification and innovation are the only way ahead for our fisheries. Catchment committees or groups of like minded individuals need to be allowed the right of self determination that we pay so dearly for. They must be allowed to experiment and research problems they perceive as having direct bearing on their assets or areas of concern. It would have to contain an element of government involvement to ensure vital infrastructure wasn’t put in jeopardy. Our right to get it wrong has been paid for and the belief that there are sufficient committed individuals out there to get it right has to be recognised.
To remain run by the government through national policy or national bye laws is a certain route to disaster. It locks all rivers into a bland catch all that is never the prescription to deal with the huge variation of rivers through out the length and breadth of the land. Diversity with every unique river creating the strategies required, based on local knowledge and aspirations. Never underestimate the value of a policy that has the support of the local users and owners; the fact it has that support alone gives value and credence to such a route. Outcomes will not be the fault of the agency. They are the results that answer the questions asked by concerned local river users. Failures can be examined and valuable lessons learnt, successes can be exported and adapted for use elsewhere, as success elsewhere can be evaluated and adapted for use on our own catchments. We need dozens, no hundreds, of differing approaches to problems we all share, enrichment, endocrine disrupters, weed, population dynamics, silt dynamics, barriers to passage and the multitude of other concerns.
I would dearly like to see the government adopt the same policy toward fishing as it has the water industry and the rail network - set it free from government interference and allow those who own and use our rivers be answerable and responsible for their fate.

John Levell.

Ireland; They’ve Done it Again!

In our February newsletter I quoted the EU Commission’s letter reporting Irish Government’s response by the then Minister; Pat the Cope Gallagher, to the 1st warning letter sent by the Commission in July last year. It was fulsome, unreservedly promising total compliance with the Habitats Directive. He was sacked soon after. John Browne TD has made a second appearance in the role. More fine words uttered about management toward achievement of Conservation Limits but notably, no reference to Ireland’s International responsibilities.
The National Salmon Commission (NSC) is chaired again by Joey Murrin who is well experienced in awarding thousands of our salmon to his drift netsmen. There is an eight man angling representation including our friend and supporter Noel Carr on the Commission.
The National Fisheries Management Executive (NFME) and the The Standing Scientific Committee (SSC) are both charged with providing scientific advice to the NSC on the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) by commercial and sport fisheries. The SSC, in turn, advise the minister.
The NFME, in their advice made it clear that management of Ireland’s salmon resource toward Conservation Limit achievement and meeting Ireland’s international obligations was impossible whilst drift netting continued.
The SSC said about the same but added that in 8 of the 17 Irish districts no surplus was available for exploitation. They never the less recommended a commercial TAC of 91,000 salmon.
The National Salmon Commission have recommended the same total to the Minister, re-allocating the district totals so that over 28,000 salmon are awarded to the ‘no fishing, districts.
Minister Browne has implemented the NSC advice. He has also set up a three man independent body to explore the possibilities of a compensation based closure for 2007 and the various options that might be available.
No where is there reference to the illegal fishery and the significant seal damage that increase this mortality. Thus the illegal exploitation of our protected fish continues into Ireland’s election year. Can you imagine the hustings in the west of Ireland? ‘Vote for me and I will close you down’! Unbelievable.
Shortly after these shenanigans, in mid May, I visited the EU Environment Commission in Brussels, accompanied by Niall Greene, where we were able to report these developments and examine, in minute detail, a collation of all the evidence supporting our complaint.
The evidence was, in turn, examined by each individual commission. As you saw from the page one headline, this has led to the decision, made on the 28th June, to proceed and a ‘Reasoned Opinion’ (a letter of final warning of proceedings) was immediately issued to the Irish Government. The nets are out there as I write, killing our salmon and those of the Test, Itchen, Frome, Piddle, Axe, Otter, .....;all the west country salmon rivers, the Welsh rivers, even some from the far north west of England and Scotland. Dumfries and Galloway, the Western Isles; all are losing fish to this infamous fishery. So too are France, Spain and Germany. I am sure they will fish out this season. Will they fish another?
If not it will be by no means the result of our complaint alone. The massive, skilful campaigns, fought for many years, by so many individuals and organisations have done the donkey work of forcing the Irish authorities toward the precipitous decision. Perhaps our input has helped push them over the edge but we must not drop our guard.

Brian Marshall.

Statement of 11 April by the Board of Stop Now

"Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now welcomes the Government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to manage salmon stocks in accordancewith scientific advice from 2007. The clear, logical outcome of this commitment is that mixed stock fishing for salmon will end with the 2006 season. This means that all drift netting and some draft netting will cease for good.
In the various statements issued on 24 March the Government commits itself to "fully align with the scientific advice from the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission in 2007". The Government acknowledges that "if the scientific advice is followed and the precautionary approach fully implemented, then it will have serious implications for drift net fishing". In addition, the Government have set up a three person Expert Working Group on Salmon the purpose of which is to "make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship arising for individuals involved in commercial salmon fishing from full compliance with the scientific advice by 2007".
Given the depressing evidence from the Standing Scientific Committee of a continuing sharp decline in salmon numbers, it is regrettable that the scientific advice is not being followed this year. While welcoming the adoption of a much reduced quota for 2006 catches Stop Now is disappointed that mixed stock fishing will again take place this year and that it will continue to have a major negative impact on endangered rivers. It will postpone for yet another year the rebuilding process for vulnerable stocks.
It is regrettable also that in the interests of clarity and certainty, the Government did not see fit to make an unambiguous statement about the consequences of the decisions they have made. As a result a degree of confusion has been sown among all those with an interest in salmon stocks - anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners, tourist interests and the commercial sector. Among anglers, the seriousness of the Government’s intent is not enhanced by the adoption of petty measures such as the imposition of an annual ten fish limit on angler catches - a limitation which will save no more than about 1,500 salmon nationally in a year in which the drift nets will be allowed to continue to catch 70,000 to 80,000 fish.
The early announcement of a fair scheme of compensation for those who will be required to exit the commercial sector is critical and it is important that the report of the Expert Working Group is delivered no later than the deadline set for it by the Government, end of August 2006. Equity demands that commercial operators be compensated for foregoing the catching of salmon. There is also a practical point that without compensation there is every chance that drift netting will continue illegally. Anglers, angling associations and fishery owners have made clear on many occasions their willingness to contribute appropriately to the cost of any compensation package and no doubt their representative organisations will make proposals to the Expert Working Group in this regard.
The ending of drift netting is an essential but on its own not a sufficient basis for rebuilding salmon stocks and it is important that the Government address as quickly as possible a number of key issues. Particularly urgent is the need to augment protection services both at sea and on land - to ensure that fishing at sea does not continue illegally and that there is not over exploitation in the estuaries, rivers and lakes. In addition, the lack of a single, national policy on the management of our salmon stocks must be addressed with a transition as quickly as possible to single stock management on a river by river basis.
It is important that all those concerned with salmon conservation remain vigilant in monitoring progress on the Government’s commitments. Drift nets have not yet been removed and, although the decisions announced on this occasion appear to be firmer than heretofore, historically Government follow through on salmon management undertakings has been, to put it mildly, poor".

The statement has been endorsed by all of the Irish national and regional game angling federations. (All the FISSTA and Stop Now news and reports can be see on www.fissta.com.ie and www.stopnow.ie )

Ox-bow Fry Refuges

What one quickly comes to learn when trying to unravel the problems that face our rivers are that many if not all have common factors. When we came to look at the impact of large flood events on the salmon redds it became obvious that they not only impact on the salmon but much of the ecology of the Avon.
When the salmonid ova and fry are still within the gravel and the flow is confined within the banks of the channel the vital gravel shoals are at risk of scouring, thus destroying salmonid year classes. This same high velocity flow potentially impacts upon invertebrate and juvenile cyprinid populations by flushing them through the system when they are unable to swim against the current or gain access to slacks and back channels. On the Avon the number of weirs, hatches and trout farms mean that once flushed over such a barrier they are lost to that section. Immediately south of Salisbury where the five rivers meet and at Christchurch at the bottom of the river some beats benefit from this flushing giving rise to increased numbers of some species.
The Avon has a one way system which potentially moves year classes or entire populations downstream through the system. These same structures prove impassable barriers to the subsequent upstream adult spawning migrations preventing populations re-establishing themselves.
The decline of the water meadow system combined with the removal of obstructions and the canalisation of much of the river for flood defence purposes in previous decades has created a harsh environment for many species.
The lack of suitable refuge habitat combined with the increased frequency of major flood events, (there has been three one hundred year probability events in the previous two decades), is believed to have contributed to missing cyprinid year classes particularly roach.
To evaluate just what impact this flood effect is having, the trust have embarked on a project to provide sanctuary areas of slack water by clearing out two silted and blocked ox-bows on the Somerley Estate.
The project is specifically designed to benefit the indigenous species of the River Avon SSSI and the Avon Valley SSSI/SAC. Its sole purpose is that of habitat improvement.
If the project proves that there is a benefit in providing refuges it is hoped to use the scheme as a model for export throughout the region. We are designing a monitoring programme with Sparsholt College to evaluate and record the value of these bays. Dependent on the outcome we will decide the trust policy related to future commitment to this work.
We envisage this will be a collaborative project with riparian support from Somerley Estate, Christchurch Angling Club, as the tenants. and Sparsholt College, as previously mentioned, will be monitoring the project.
We have had considerable help and advice from the Environment Agency and English Nature who have been very positive. We are now at the consent stage with the drawings and paperwork with the agency hopefully for approval.
We believe this to be a very exciting initiative that has enormous potential not only for the ecology of the valley but also as an example of positive action designed to meet raised concerns.

John Levell

The starting point

Avon Salmon Action Group

The group met on the 5th of May. Representatives from the Environment Agency, Avon & Stour Rivers Association and Christchurch Angling club attended. and Wessex Water plc attended. English Nature once again sent apologies. Regrettable when the prime purpose of the meeting is the restoration and conservation of the primary reason for the SAC designation of the Avon catchment. Rae Borass - A&SRA proposed a vote of thanks to WSRT for our Irish initiative. Gratefully received.
Gravel cleaning, a perennial subject, was discussed. David Solomon has carried out a review of South Wessex procedures and effectiveness compared with Southern Region who apparently have lower costs. It is because they use contractors. He considers the practice is effective and versatile. Mixed views on the value of the operations. Plans are to double the area cleaned on the Avon this year.
Low Flow / Salmon transporting.
WSRT funded CEFAS Hydrophonic research into the performance of salmon transported from Mudeford to Avon Tyrell in very low flow condition, whilst on a very small sample, clearly showed that fish were best left to their own devices. Out of 36 fish radio tagged at the nets 50% were transported whilst the balance were released at Mudeford immediately the netting session ended. Five of the transported fish went beyond Somerley to spawn whilst 15 of the unmoved fish passed Somerley. Case closed. No more fish transporting. We again owe a debt of gratitude to the Mudeford netsmen whose help in this research was invaluable. Hopefully, as funding source, we shall soon be allowed the written report.
Stock Enhancement.
WSRT have proposed a pilot trial of an egg box scheme to produce an increased number 0+ salmon fry in areas where they are not currently present. Jon Bass agreed to put up a proposal with Andy Martin. (When complete this will be put on to WSRT web site under the research / projects section).
We shall take part in the consultations on the finished proposal with English Nature, necessary due to the conservation status of the river, and with all other interested parties.
EA Review of Trout Farm Discharges.
Impacts upon SAC, coarse fish fry entrapment, water temperature changes and scope for minimising. Defra research on impacts upon salmon due December.
Pesticide in Gravel. Research in tributaries will collect three years data. Results 2009.
Low Flow and Weed Cutting Protocol. Meetings (separate) being re-scheduled.
Salmon Counter Knapp Mill: John Bilbrough reported working well. Most fish going through main weir. Another counter in the Turbine House. Fish not using the fish pass in high flows. Fish currently appear to be running through Royalty without stopping.

We hope you are reading this as one of our growing membership. If not, and you would like to join, you can download an application form from our web site www.wsrt.org.uk or e mail me at marshallb@onetel.net or telephone on +(0)1425 485105.
You will be most welcome.