Tom Pinborough

Hi Elton these details are now confirmed cheers Tom

Hi all Yesterday there was adjourment debate on the marine environment in the House of commons Some relevant extracts the Hansard Record available at: http://www.sacn.org.uk/Conservation-and-Po..._Bass_MLS-.html have a read of Martin Ssalters comments , Ben Bradshaws and Bill Wiggens (shadow fisheries minster) cheers Tom

Grants? What are they Ken? phils brother in eastenders ?

Hi all Good piece in todays Times on pages 34-35 “First catch ten fish then throw nine away”. The article in the paper also shows full size outline of the MLS of Cod, Plaice , Sole Haddock, Herring and 80mm mesh size, it also shows a number of diagrams showing how meshs hold their shape , whether it is diamond , hexagonal or square mesh. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...icle1582515.ece http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...icle1582516.ece There is also a piece in the editorial on page 20 cheers Tom

Hi all following the Eastern sea fisheries joint committee statutory meeting of the 24th Jan 07, I now understand that following byelaw has been confirmed by defra . BYELAW 14:- PROHIBITION ON THE REMOVAL OF TOPE OR PART(S) THEREOF "No person shall remove from a fishery any tope of the species (Galeorhinus galeus) or part(s) thereof which is detached from the body. Any tope, if caught, shall be returned immediately to the sea in a postion as near to that part of the sea from which it was taken. All Byelaws correct at 7th December 2006 cheers Tom ------------------------ Limits of the District So much of the sea within six nautical miles from the baselines* from which the breadth of the territorial sea of the United Kingdom adjacent to England is measured, with the adjoining coast, as lies within the following limits namely: On the North, a line drawn seaward true east from the control tower at the Royal Air Force Gunnery and Bombing Range at Donna Nook in Lincolnshire to the limit of the district above described (being the southern boundary of the North-Eastern Sea Fisheries District); and on the south, commencing at the point at which a line drawn seaward along the northern edge of the causeway situated opposite Lower Marine Parade at Dovercourt in the county of Essex intersects the line of mean low water, a line drawn seaward on a bearing 100 degrees true to the limit of the district above described, and a line drawn northward from the said intersection along the boundary of the administrative county of Essex to its intersection with a line drawn across the River Stour, along the seaward side of the railway bridge at Cattawade (being the northern boundary of the Kent & Essex Sea Fisheries District). Provided that a line shall be drawn at or near the mouth of every river or stream flowing into the sea or into any estuary within such limits as follows: A line at or near the mouth of the River Ouse and of the New Bedford River, drawn along the Denver Sluice, and continued in a true westerly direction from the westernmost extremity of such sluice until it reaches high-water mark on the left bank of the said New Bedford River; A line drawn across the River Bure, near its confluence with the River Yare, along the seaward side of the bridge carrying the A47 road at Great Yarmouth; A line drawn across the River Yare near its confluence with Breydon Water along the seaward side of the site of the former Breydon railway viaduct at Great Yarmouth, as defined by the bridge buttresses; A line drawn across Lake Lothing following the double bascule lifting bridge carrying the A12 road at Lowestoft; A line drawn across the River Blyth following the bridge carrying the A12 road at Blythburgh; A line drawn across the River Alde following the bridge carrying the B1069 road at Snape; A line drawn across the River Butley at the highest point to which ordinary tides flow, including Butley Creek; A line drawn across the River Deben following the bridge carrying the A1152 road at Melton; A line drawn across the River Orwell following the bridge carrying the A137 road at Ipswich; A line drawn across the River Stour following the bridge carrying the railway at Cattawade; A straight line across every such river or stream not herein-before specified, such line being drawn at the highest point to which ordinary tides flow into such rivers or streams respectively; And such lines shall be the lines above which the Sea Fisheries District shall not extend into any such river or stream. * “the baselines” means the baselines as they existed at 25th January 1983 in accordance with the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 as amended by the Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council 1979.

At the last statutory meeting of the Kent and Essex sea fisheries committee , following a request from Defra , to the Association of sea fisheries committees to assist with the creation bylaws for bag limits on anglers. A decision was made , that the KESFC will be having a technical panel meeting on the 16th January at 10:30am at the Belmont Suite, The Thurrock Hotel, Aveley, Essex, to discuss bag limits on anglers. This is a closed meeting, not open to members of the public For further information on SFC’s and bag limits on anglers see http://www.sacn.org.uk/Conservation-and-Po...or_Anglers.html If you wish your opinions to be known , please email the Kent and Essex sfc’ at Chief fisheries officer is Joss.Wiggins@Kent.gov.uk Clerk is Joan.Taylor@kent.gov.uk Telephone 01843 585310 or 01206 303261 Cheers Tom

Hi all I requested the papers for the bait collection proposal from the K&ESFC , I received them yesterday. Within the papers for the statutory meeting of the Kent and Essex SFC (20th Nov 06) agenda item 11, there is mention of a request to the ASFC'c from defra asking for assistance from sfc's to introduce a bag limit for unlicenced bass fishing. I have further read the paper on agenda item 11 below and the CFO's states I recommend that further consideration should be given to this request from defra, taking into account enforcement capacity and cost members are asked to approve this action cheers Tom

Hi all just a wild guess or two , there is a proposal for a new container terminal on the thames estaury ( where the old oil refineries where at corringham) , I understand that to get the ships in a new channel will have to be dredged, I was led to beleive it would be 300 metres wide , 5 metres deeper and 7 mile long , and the tonnage of spoil is enourmous. there are numerous proposed wind farm projects maybe its related to this ? who knows cheers Tom any other conspiracies.

correction email address is as below joss.wiggins@kent.gov.uk

Essex SFC - CFO. Mr J. Wiggans – The Sail Loft, Shipyard Est, Brightlingsea, Essex. CO7 OAR. Tel: 01206 303261 joss.wiggans@kent.gov.uk or Address: The Ice House, Military Road Ramsgate Kent CT11 9LG Telephone No: 01843 585310 Fax: 01843 585310 E-mail: joan.taylor@kent.gov.uk

A terrible tragedy , my thoughts are with the family and all those that witnessed it. Tom

Following representations to the Eastern Sea Fisheries Joint Committee (ESFJC) by the Recreational Sea Angler representatives appointed by DEFRA, the ESFJC have voted to create a Recreational Sea Angling (RSA) Sub-committee. At the Statutory Meeting of the ESFJC on 25th October (which was also attended by a number of Recreational Sea Anglers sitting in the public gallery) the vote to create the RSA sub committee was passed with the support of all of the committee members bar one. The sub-committee will have 10 members; five elected (county councillors) and five Defra appointees (the two RSA representatives, two representatives from the catching sector and one environmental representative). This will be a public meeting where anglers from South Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, North Essex, can meet the ESFJC sub group members and visa versa, leading to a better understanding, feed back can then be reported back to the main committee. A date for the first meeting will be determined and RSA will be asked for its views, comments and concerns. Note: The ESFJC is responsible for fishery bylaws and enforcement in the district out to 6 miles from Donna Nook in Lincolnshire to a boundary through the middle of the river Stour in Essex.

Ian sent in today , acknowledgment received. cheers Tom

Hi cliff I think you will find these are the reports that are printed in Norman's monthly free sea angling news paper , if so it gets updated once a month . is that correct Norman ? cheers Tom

One concern is, following the disappointment of the bass mls negotiations/consultations, who first suggested the sea angling licence ? Was it "our angling representatives", in return for some concession from the Government/Defra, or was it the Government/Defra independantly ? Hi Cranfield As you can clearly see below, it has come from govt , also in short , as I understand it , all RSA orgs have always said , that tangible benefits ( ie things like more and bigger fish , golden mile objectives etc) have to be place before licences , bag limits are in place . As for being sold down the river or could be sold down the river , I have to disagree , if this govt wants to impose regulation it will do ,it is also very good at saying it consulted before imposing regulation . It is also very clear from this forum that everyone has their own ideas on how they think RSA issues should be addressed and not everyone agrees. Sometimes it is very much “death by a thousand arguments” I am currently trying to take time out from RSA issues to concentrate on family and business matters . http://www.strategy.gov.uk/downloads/su/fi...NetBenefits.pdf There is limited information available to determine the true extent and national impact of recreational sea angling on local economies and fish stocks. To improve this situation it is recommended that a voluntary licensing scheme is introduced, along with provision for sea anglers to provide voluntary catch data via a web-based survey system, supplemented by independent research. It is also important to improve our knowledge of the impacts of recreational fishing through targeted research. Funding for additional research could be raised by a voluntary administrative levy administered through existing sea angling organisations. For example, a £10 per year levy raised from 40000 anglers would fund £400,000 worth of annual scientific research. Then it is raised again in the Bradley Review of Inshore Enforcement where they look to charge all 'users' of inshore management and enforcement, including inshore commercial fishermen, a contribution towards the costs. http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/...onsultation.pdf 8.5 In return for these benefits and in accordance with the beneficiary pays principle, consideration should be given to introducing licensing for marine angling analogous to that for inland angling, the net income from which would go to inshore fisheries managers. These funds could be utilised to support research and enforcement as well as habitat creation and protection. It then appears in the MarineBill proposals (Again with proposals to perhaps charge commercials) http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/...ill/consult.pdf 7.26 As part of our commitment to a more active approach to managing recreational fisheries, we need to consider what provisions may be necessary in the Marine Bill to achieve our aims. This may include such measures as introducing “bag limits” for recreational and hobby fishermen to ensure that the impacts of such activities do not adversely affect stocks in the absence of effort control or quota management arrangements applicable in these areas. As part of an overall strategy to actively manage recreational sea angling and allow angling interests to play a stronger role in the management of fishery resources, we will also investigate whether we need powers to charge anglers should this be identified as a preferred option. Cheers Tom

when they discover that their rights have been negotiated away on their behalf, ie, bag limits, licences, MPA's and compulsory catch and release, especially for not a lot in return. Hi Steve have they then ? has that happened ? cheers Tom

BASS MEASURES - DECISION ANNOUNCED Defra's Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, has today announced his decision on proposals to increase the number and size of bass available to commercial and recreational fishermen. The minimum landing size for bass is to be increased from 36cm - 40cm, with an accompanying minimum mesh size increase, when targeting bass, from 90 - 100mm. These measures will come into effect on 6 April 2007, and apply to commercial and recreational fishermen. The Minister has also announced his intention to increase the landing size further to 45cm, but this will be subject to a review in 2010 of the effectiveness of the measures announced today. For further details, please refer to the Press Release, which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060810a.htm A Summary of Responses and the Regulatory Impact Assessment can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm E-mail: bassmls@defra.gsi.gov.uk Michael Evans Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Marine and Fisheries Directorate 3 - 8 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2HH Tel: 0207 2708107 Email: Michael.Evans@defra.gsi.gov.uk Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) NEWS RELEASE Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960 Ref: 377/06 Date: 10 August 2006 Bass landing size increase to improve the stock The minimum landing size for sea bass is to be increased to improve and sustain the fishery. From April 6, 2007, fishermen and anglers will not be allowed to land bass any smaller than 40cm Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw announced today. The current limit is 36 cm. Mr Bradshaw said: “I have listened very carefully to the representations made and have not taken this decision lightly. I have accepted the arguments for a bigger minimum landing size to help increase the quantity and size of bass. This will also give better protection for the stocks. There may be short term costs from this measure before we see future gains but it is vital that fisheries management takes a long term view. “The recreational fishing sector makes a major contribution to our economy and it is important that their voice, as well as those of commercial fishermen, is taken into account in fisheries management. “In the future, I intend to increase the landing size further to 45cm, but subject to the results of a review, in 2010, of the effectiveness of the measures I have announced today.” The increase to 40cm will bring the minimum landing size closer to the average spawning size for bass (42cm). As a result, more juvenile fish will be protected and there would be increased recruitment to the spawning stock. This will in turn increase the number and size of bass available for capture to both the commercial and recreational sector. The increase in the minimum landing size is the first in a wider package of measures being considered by Defra in relation to sea angling. Work is currently underway with anglers, commercial fishermen and other interested parties on the drafting of a recreational sea angling strategy for England, and provisions are being considered for the Marine Bill in relation to sea angling. Further measures in relation to bass are also being considered, including ‘bag limit’ restrictions that would limit the number of fish individual sea anglers can take. The Minister said: “I have taken on board the concerns expressed during the consultation by the commercial fishing sector about the impact of an immediate increase to 45cm and the need for a reasonable implementation period to minimise the cost of net replacement. “I hope that both commercial and angling sectors will support this measure.” To accompany the increased minimum landing size, the Minister has also announced an increase in the mesh size for fixed gear for targeted bass fisheries from the current 90mm to 100mm to reduce potential discards. These measures are being taken forward in the light of recommendations in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit Report, ‘Net Benefits’ on recreational sea angling, and specifically, that fisheries departments consider the redesignation of certain species wholly for sea angling, including bass. Notes to editors 1. The consultation, which closed on 8 February, sought views on an increase from 36cm to 45cm in the minimum landing size (MLS) of bass and a corresponding increase in the minimum mesh size (MMS) for fixed gear. Approximately 2,800 responses were received. A summary of these responses and a Regulatory Impact Assessment, which evaluates the costs and benefits of the proposals are available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm 2. The increased minimum landing size and minimum mesh size will apply to English fishing vessels wherever they fish and Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh fishing vessels when in the English part of UK fishery limits. The minimum mesh size applies to all enmeshing nets (such as gill, tangle, drift, trammel and seine nets) but only to those vessels whose catches compose over 10% bass. 3. The increased MLS will not apply to other member states’ vessels. However, fewer than 10% of bass tagged within the UK inshore fishery and reported as recaptured were taken by other countries' vessels. This suggests that the main benefits of an increased MLS would accrue chiefly to fisheries operating within the UK 6-mile zone. 4. The minimum landing size will also apply to sea anglers, whether fishing from the shore or from a vessel. These measures will be implemented through a Statutory Instrument which will come into force on 6 April 2007. 5. The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) conducted a parallel consultation in relation to the Welsh territorial sea and will be making an announcement on the outcome of this shortly. 5. The review before considering a further increase in the MLS will assess the impact of the measures in terms of the stock and fishing activities, both commercial and recreational. 7. The angling strategy for England being developed by a sub group to Defra’s Inshore Fisheries Working Group may include elements such as management of key stocks of interest to anglers, improving access, controls on anglers, as well as other sea angling development opportunities

un-grateful to those like Leon and Tom who helped it be inforced pardon ! cheers Tom

The show is still on the road, and we are going forward - Strategy for the Development of RSA - Protection for tope and other elasmobranchs - 'Modernisation' of SFCs - Launch of the Mullet management Plan - The Golden Mile - The Marine Bill and MPAs (actually we are fighting to defend our position here, as much as gaining any benefit from fish stocks) - Protection for bass extended into the EU (40cm is going to be a lot easier to sell as an EU wide measure than 45cm!) - Increase of bass mls to 55cm and a review sooner than 2010 Oh! and a few other things to boot!!! I share Steve Pitts concerns on this ,having worked at the sharp end on most of the above, this was a golden opportunity to for govt to show real commitment . On paper the above list looks good , but the harsh reality is different, I am concerned that issues such as the RSA stratergy will go the same way as yesterdays announcement. As for when buildings fall down , we pick up the bricks and start rebuilding , I agree , but now and again I would like to throw some of them bricks and make sure they hit the target and hurt. Yesterdays decision was out and out politics, more sea anglers have to get politicised , and be heard. 2800 respond , now if there had been 28,000 and 90% had been sea anglers the decision would have been a lot easier. This has to be bourne in mind , with the issues such as bag limits , licences (rod tax) , and the list above . The above list is all about the management of sea anglers , lets not forget the management of the other stakeholders. cheers Tom

I have to share and express my dissapointment at the outcome of the consultation , the only glimmer of hope is the fact that the MLS has been raised and the reaction of the commercials, it will be interesting reading in next weeks FN. From the summary of response , it is clear that there was a large number of standard response and it would appear there was 66 responses investigated ,supporting option 2 that where rejected. That aside there was clearly a large number of non standard responses from RSA and other stakeholder organisations supporting option 2 . my initial anger has slightly subsided, but my opinion has not changed , this really does not offer RSA anything, an increase to 40cm and mesh size of 100mm. Below are some general thoughts in no particular order. “which brings it closer to the average spawning size” only closer so not the average spawning size. “a review in 2010�� so a wait of another 5 years , there will be a major change in govt by then (Blair gone or a new party in power) from page 7 of the summary section 18 “the final decision based on the evaluation of the costs and benefits “ , this suggests commercial interests only , what about potential benefits and growth etc I also found it disturbing the number of anglers / charters who voted option one , who is the SWFSA , considering the southwest is a major angling heart land. The minister received a number of letter from mp’s supporting option 2 . cheers Tom

something to do whilst waiting 1 billion green bottles standing on the wall and if one green bottle was to accidentally fall there would be........................................... if you know the words join in and do please try to sing in tune . Tom

Hi Davy looks tidy with the lick of paint , what make is she ? cheers Tom

I thought you was acting a bit funny on the boat last week, try increasing the dosage :-) cheers tom

Hi Ian In the news section of this months sea angler , they have covered the problems you have had with Ross Finnie. cheers Tom

Hi All defra have issued a press release today on the future of SFC's for the full press release cut and paste the address below http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060620b.htm the start of a new era or more of the same ? I suppose the devil will be in the detail and the following discussions on modernisation. cheers Tom MODERNISED SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEES TO DELIVER IMPROVED INSHORE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN THE FUTURE Modernised Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) will deliver improved management of fish stocks and the marine environment in England, Minister Ben Bradshaw announced today. SFCs will be given new powers through the Marine Bill in line with the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve the way the country’s fisheries and marine environment are managed. They will be given a more clearly defined purpose and duties, and will be tasked with achieving sustainable development of fisheries within their jurisdiction. They will also work to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment, while having regard for the economic development of the fisheries sector. SFCs will continue to be responsible for management up to six nautical miles offshore, but their jurisdiction will be extended inland to assist in the enforcement of landed stocks. They will be given powers to introduce quicker, more effective management measures, and will work more closely with the Government’s Marine Fisheries Agency. Mr Bradshaw said: “It’s vital we improve the way the marine environment is managed, and modernised Sea Fisheries Committees will play a vital role in this. “My decision follows an extensive review of inshore fisheries management. I believe the approach I’ve adopted is the best, most effective way to achieve healthy fish stocks and sustainable seas, while retaining necessary local input in the day-to-day running of these waters. It is important that we now work closely with SFCs and others in drawing up the detailed provisions needed through the Marine Bill to deliver these changes.” The Minister’s decision follows extensive stakeholder engagement and a working group review of the recommendations on inshore management reform made in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit report Net Benefits and Defra’s own Review of Marine Fisheries and Environmental Enforcement. Notes to Editors 1. There are currently 12 Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in England and Wales established under the Sea Fisheries (Regulation) Act 1966. SFCs are local authority committees wholly funded by levy on their constituent local Councils (except for some EC grants for fisheries enforcement). 2. The 12 SFCs cover most of the coast in England and Wales except certain estuaries such as the Dee and Severn where the Environment Agency acts as an SFC. The seaward limit of SFC districts is six nautical miles from baselines; the landward limit is generally the high water mark. 3. SFCs regulate sea fisheries in their districts by means of byelaws. Byelaws can regulate fishing methods and fishing gear, restrict fishing seasons, set minimum sizes for fish and shellfish, manage and protect shellfish beds or control fishing for environmental purposes. Byelaws come into force when confirmed by the Secretary of State and/or the Welsh Assembly Government, after advertisement for objections, in accordance with the Sea Fisheries (Byelaws) Regulations 1985 (Statutory Instrument 1985 No; 1785). The byelaw making powers of SFCs are laid down in Section 5 of the Sea Fisheries (Regulation) Act 1966 (as amended). SFC byelaws cannot be less restrictive, but may be more restrictive, than national or EC fisheries legislation, Some SFCs are also grantees of Regulating Orders for molluscan shellfish made under Section 1 of the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967. 4. SFCs appoint their own fishery officers for the purpose of enforcing their byelaws. SFC fishery officers may also be involved with the enforcement of a range of national and Community fisheries legislation in coastal waters either independently or, as British Sea Fisheries Officers, in conjunction with the Government’s Marine Fisheries Agency. 5. Half the members on each SFC are appointed by its constituent Councils. The other half consists of members appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and/or the Welsh Assembly Government and one member appointed by the Environment Agency (except for the Isles of Scilly SFC). 6. Legislative changes required to modernise SFCs will be pursued through the Government’s planned Marine Bill. A consultation on the Marine Bill closes on 23 June 2006. 7. More information on the Marine Bill can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/...-bill/index.htm 8. More fisheries information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/fish/sea/sfp/ Press enquiries 020 7238 6094;Public enquiries 08459 335577; Press notices are available on our website www.defra.gov.uk Defra’s aim is sustainable development