Its bad news for us Dave. The sad thing is that the Sea Angling representation bodies by and large have been taken over by conservationists. The types of people attending meetings with DEFRA and Natural England are either conservationists or the type of person who has a desire to attend meeting rather than go fishing. Looking at the senior members of SACN And NFSA I would not rate 1 of them as a hardcore angler in the sense we know it. What's more when you try to join those organisations and get your voice heard the close ranks on you and make sure they paint you as black as possible.
Worrying times ahead Dave and we haven't got any decent representation.
An excerpt of my response to the RSA Strategy consultation.
3.What is the biggest issue for you affecting your angling ? -
I am pleased you asked this. By far the biggest issue effecting my angling at the moment is DEFRA and Natural England. DEFRA's inability to manage the sea and the commercial fishery is plain for all to see. The years of neglect, turning a blind eye, and ignoring scientists means my fishing, although very good at times, is not quite as good as it should be. After years of NEGLECT DEFRA now pretend to be taking an interest. So where do they start ??? Do they decide to finally sort out the commercial fishing fleet ensuring sustainable practices are employed ?? No (They are too frightened of the NFFO). Instead they turn on Sea Anglers and propose many restrictions which can only damage our sport beyond repair. Fishing licences, bag limits, no take zones, bait digging restrictions etc etc etc. For no reason whatsoever DEFRA have decided that sea angling now needs managing. Why ? I can only conclude its to create jobs for the boys.
