Sea Anglers' Conservation Network

I am really shocked at this complete back door proposal for the sea fishing licence. Isn't it yet again another stealth tax we would have to pay, all in the name of conservation. At least thats what we are led to believe, but is it really going to improve fish stocks around the UK, I doudt it. Like everything with this greedy government it will become just another means of lining the governments pockets. I am a avid conservationist who is aware of the state of the sea and the fish stocks, but perhaps they should be looking at the fact the sea is over fished by gigantic trawlers from Iceland, Norway and many many more places. I am also a sea angler, who if I am lucky may catch one or maybe two fish every few months. But its not only the actual catching of the fish, but the freedom to fish when and where I choose along the coast of Britain. How is it that we can allow yet another freedom to be taken away from us, and yet no one seems to even care or be aware. Is it the intention to employ hundreds of bailiffs to patrol our coast line to make sure we have a licence or maybe they would board small boats ar sea to check for fishing rods and fish? Or is it a case of once that freedom has gone, then we as typical Brits then shout with dismay! Too late then. We have eneogh taxes and licences to pay already in this country. Many people who are not working or who just can't afford too pay for anything extra will suffer if this is introduced. Don't let this become yet another rich mans sport. Why are there no petitions to MP's? Come on Brits take a stance for once and be heard. We don't want this sea fishing licence!!

(Posted on March 4, 2008, 11:39 pm Kevin White)

As someone who fishes in the sea I would assume that I am classed as a sea angler. The first I heard of this proposal to licence sea fishing was Wednesday February 27th 2008. Apathy? Ignorance? Lack of information? I don't know. Perhaps we weren't supposed to know pre-'fait accompli' announcement.

(Posted on March 1, 2008, 8:14 pm gordon bellars)

Glenn. I think you are a bit unfair. Since when has NFSA -or any RSA body for that matter- had the powers to dictate the commercial fisheries biased DEFRA anything? Be happy that there is a consultation round -and that you are told about it. Now it is time for all to respond to it. (ed Glenn's comments have been deleted)

(Posted on July 14, 2007, 3:05 pm JK)

I can never be happy that we have consultation. The time period for the RSA strategy of which the licence issue is central has been too short and has been a complete failure. At the outset of the RSA strategy the Inshore fisheries working group was formed. They gave them selves several objectives to meet. 2 significant ones were items 13 and 14 ------------------------------------------------ 13. It was agreed that the RSA group must be representative of the vast majority of stakeholders, including individuals, representative groups, tackle dealers and charter operators. 14. Channels for communicating with RSA stakeholders were discussed, including regional and angling press and Fishing Focus. It was noted that Sea Angling News it not widely available, and Sea Angler is more widely read by ‘new’ anglers. Richard Ferre offered space in the NFSA newsletter for any Defra announcements relevant to his members. Reel Life, the Environment Agency (EA) newsletter for anglers could also be used. ----------------------------------------------------- With consultation only months away at Maximum these objectives have not been met. Anglers bye and large know nothing of the the Recreational sea angling strategy. As a member of the Whitby forum said only the other day " how the hell can clubs and members make their views heard if the only 100 odd people that know about it around here are the ones on this forum" My prediction for the outcome of the consultation is as follows : RSA strategy goes to consultation. Hardly anyone replies to consultation because noboddy has ever heard of it (IFWG has failed on their objectives 13 and 14 and have been unable to communicate with anglers). As noone replies government walks all over us and introduces Licences, bag limits and bait collecting restrictions. NFSA turns around and says don't blame us we said it was a bad idea - LETS BLAME ANGLER APATHY. Only time will tell, but I would bet my house on it.

(Posted on March 23, 2007, 10:37 am Glenn Kilpatrick)

Sea anglers fail to bite license bait (Updated 28 Mar 07)

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