Sea Angling Licence Is No More

DEFRA Ditch The Sea Angling Licence

In a recent speech to the house of commons, the DEFRA fisheries minister Jonathan Shaw has declared his intention to remove the proposed sea angling licence from the recreational sea angling strategy and Marine Bill. When questioned on the issue of a sea fishing licence by Martin Salter Mp Mr Shaw replied “I have decided not to proceed with enabling powers in the Marine Bill to introduce a sea angling licence”

The good news has spread rapidly across the north east and the local charter fleet at Whitby are planning celebrations on the Charter pontoon tomorrow morning – March 19th 2008. Paul Kilpatrick the Chairman of the charter skippers association said “This is fantastic news, we now feel our businesses are safe”, “Its such good news we are holding a celebration tomorrow on the charter pontoon, the Whitby gazette will be present and Martin from Whitby Angling Supplies will be bringing along a bottle of champaigne”

Sea Fishing Licence Gone But Catch Restrictions And Closed Zones Still A Problem

Glenn Kilpatrick the secretary of The Whitby fishing club said” this is excellent news” and stated he was overjoyed with the news. However he went on to add that local anglers still need to be on guard with threats of closed areas, bait digging restrictions and catch restrictions still being considered by DEFRA.

Below : Jonathon shore tells Martin Salter he intends to ditch the notion of a sea angling licence.

Martin Salter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to proceed with the introduction of a sea angling licence; and if he will make a statement. [194586]

Jonathan Shaw: I met sea angling representatives at the Angling summit on 18 February where a number of concerns were raised with me regarding the introduction of a chargeable licence for sea angling. I have also discussed the issue direct with anglers around the coast, as have my officials. In view of the concerns expressed, including the extent to which sea anglers expected to see benefits from the charge, I have decided not to proceed with enabling powers in the Marine Bill to introduce a sea angling licence.

I will, none the less, continue with a package of other measures that aim to provide benefits for anglers, including a review of nursery areas for the protection of bass stocks and of inshore netting, and a pilot study on area-based restrictions to support sea angling. I have also recently announced measures to increase protection of tope, a key species for anglers.

I will reconsider the arguments for introducing a recreational sea angling licence at some stage in the future in the light of progress on the aforementioned measures.

An official statement from DEFRA is expected at anytime so please keep an eye on their website for more details

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/index.htm