Water Framework Directive

[Guest Nik Whalley]

Spent yesterday at a meeting regarding the new Water Framework Directive. For those of you who haven't the foggiest this is the latest legislation which will effect the whole of the water environment. Its overall aim is to provide a framework for the protection of the water environment. The plan is to be implemented in a number of phased stages over the next 15 years followed by a rolling review on a 6 year basis. The main aim is to get all waterbodies to a "good" (hmm, no i'm still not sure either!) standard by 2015 by using a fully integrated approach to water management from source to sea. Between now and 2015 it is planned for much consultation to be undertaken although one of the presenters (from WWF) indicated that a proactive approach would be required by interested parties to make sure that they gain proper representation.

This WILL affect angling and the water environment both directly and indirectly and we need to be vociferous and involved from the start. Which happened to be December 22nd 2000!

Those present at the meeting included representatives from the various EA sections, Water Co's, consultants and academic bods.

I thought that a letter to relevant angling groups, personalities and the angling press may help to start the ball rolling but would appreciate it if those of you in the know could provide me with any contact details that you think may be of use. I would also be interested to know if there is already anything being done as I don't want to step on any toes (especially in size 12's!).

Personally I think that the involvement of angling in this process will provide both a much needed chance to broadcast the benefits of angling to a wider audience and provide a platform on which to base our future.

I was a little aghast at one comment provided by the panel along the lines of "anglers are not too bothered about the other flora and fauna within the water environment as long as there are fish to catch". If this is true then I will lay down my rods tomorrow and taking up knitting (wool - sheep - baaa!!!).

On that slightly worrying note (the quote as well as the sheep) I'll curtail what has turned out to be a rather large post.

 

Any further comments would be gratefully appreciated.

 

 

------------------

"Nature" Nik