News - August/September 2015

Following a hectic summer it is now time for some news updates. We are delighted to let everyone know that Mark Evans, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, has accepted an offer to join Llyn guides. As he has been fishing since he was atoddler he is a very experienced angler. He is an international fly fisher, being a member of the 2015 Welsh Fly Team and is currently taking part in trials for a place in the 2016 team. As a Ranger at Llyn Brenig he is a respected member of staff. He already holds basic qualifications as an angling instructor, in addition to having an appropriate first aid certificate and child protection clearance. He is currently working toward obtaining his APGAI qualification. We look forward to some exciting times ahead – watch this space!

CPWF
Whilst continuing the fight to protect and preserve Welsh fisheries the Campaign To Protect Welsh Fisheries, a voluntary body, was unsuccessful in the Trout & Salmon pitch for funding. Whilst the work will continue, this is obviously not going to make it easy to obtain a high level review of the various reports, relied on by Natural Resources Wales, in coming to a decision to close most hatcheries in Wales.

THE ANGLING TRUST
The Angling Trust was the winning organisation of the Trout & Salmon eight submissions for funding to further the fight to protect wild salmon. Reflecting the concern for wild salmon the South West Rivers Association & North Atlantic Salmon Fund, came in second place. The Angling Trust has pledged to match every pound donated by those supporting their work to protect salmon. www.anglingtrust.net

FISH LEGAL
The legal arm of the Angling Trust is Fish Legal. This is a membership body which continues work hard in helping to protect member’s interests. In Wales the organisation is currently working on five major issues, including Llyn Padarn. In addition they are keenly watching the proposals for lagoon power suggested for Swansea and Colwyn Bay. Most clubs and associations are now joining to support the work. Not in a club or association? You can join for as little as £25! Visit www.fishlegal.net

SYNDICATE VACANCIES
The Monday Club Syndicate has a couple of vacancies at present. Anyone interested should contact Noel at llynguides@dnetw.co.uk The Club has a beat on the river Tanat, with some reciprocal sharing with the Bala Anglers Association and the Denbigh and Clwyd Club.

DEEP SEA POACHING
In the late 80’s I spent some time with the Irish Fisheries Protection boys. Whilst they could exercise their powers up to 200 miles off the Irish coast they were unable to stop a major commercial salmon “poaching” operation. 10,000 yards of netting dropping to a depth of 90 feet were laid in the path of returning salmon. Looked after by three trawlers they were untouchable. I mention this for two reasons (1) this is and has had a greater impact on our salmon than anyone realises and (2) commercial poaching continues today. There is an international black list of trawlers which are responsible for a global business valued at $10 billion in annual sales! Amongst the fish taken will be salmon. Interpol has a Purple Notice (i.e. Most Wanted List) in existence for five ships, one of which has now been sunk, but governments are reluctant to commit funds to resolving this problem. Why not?

STORM SURGE
Ever been caught out by unexpected tidal movement which have not been forecast? It is scary when this happens – the voice of experience! Perhaps you misread your tide tables, or might it have been a storm surge? You can now check in advance by visiting www.ntslf.org Stay safe, please!

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