MIKE BAILEY

Finding Sanctuary Sea Angling Representative

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Mike Bailey when he talks about a project which will have a major impact on the future of the seas around the West Country.

Mike is one of 40 people from a wide variety of marine backgrounds who will recommend locations for a new network of Marine Conservation Zones.  In his case, the former head teacher is representing the interests of sea anglers on the regional Finding Sanctuary Steering Group.

 “I have had a passion for sea angling since early childhood and like most anglers I spend a great deal of time surrounded by the marine environment. This makes us a group who are very aware of environmental pressures on marine habitats,” explains Mike, who has been a member of Brixham’s flourishing Sea Angling Club for over 40 years.

“I hear all the time about how catches are less plentiful and fish are smaller, how fishing is becoming more challenging and yet much of this is said in a pub and people really need to be saying these things publicly. When I came across Finding Sanctuary I recognised an opportunity for sea anglers to register their views along with everyone else.”

As a dedicated angler, Mike knows that the introduction of Marine Conservation Zones can be a sensitive subject amongst sports fishermen, many of whom have their own favourite (and sometimes secret) spots alongside popular south west favourites such as the Eddystone Rocks and Wembury Reef.  However, he believes that anglers should come forward and tell Finding Sanctuary where they are fishing so that these locations can be taken into account. 

Mike is also a member of the Angling Trust and the National Mullet Club and as Hon. Secretary of his local angling club he has played a part in encouraging his group to respond to developments such as the Government’s Marine Bill.  Now he has found himself at the heart of a project which will help to determine the future management of seas off the south west for decades to come.

At the moment Finding Sanctuary is in the final months of the largest ever survey into the commercial and leisure use of south west waters.  When that research is completed, the Steering Group will use the findings to create recommendations for the creation of Marine Conservation Zones – these recommendations will be presented to Government by June 2011.

Mike says, “It is a great privilege to be on the steering group, there are three of us representing anglers out of 40 members.  It is an honour and very exciting to know that you are drawing lines on a map that will be there for years and years to come, lines which will have a big impact on the future of our seas.

“This isn’t about the interests of the individual; it is good for all of us to get involved with something that can improve sustainability.  The health of our seas is also about the health of our economy – not just commercial fishing but visitors coming here to dive or go angling.  It is important that we create a network of protected areas, sanctuaries where marine creatures can breed, live and flourish.  A healthy sustainable environment is what everyone wants.”

MIKE BAILEY