News from Lower Ouse and Fenland Consultative (LOFCA) meeting May-08

An illegal coarse fishing workshop was held in London on March 28th involving Ministers, Angling Trades, The Environment Agency, Press and Angling Representatives to tackle the problem of illegal fishing and associated problems. The conclusions were that this needs to be stamped out and plans are now in place to improve education, enforcement and information gathering which will result in some high profile enforcement by the EA. It is important as always that anglers report any illegal acts immediately. Rod licence sales reached a new high last year, particularly in the Anglian Region where their highest ever numbers were sold. For those anglers who never see an EA bailiff 26,181 rod licences were checked with 1094 offence reports issued. The improved sales meant £259,000 was available for fisheries projects in the region and Kings Lynn AA have already received nearly £9000 benefits this year with ongoing discussion with the Middle Level and The Environment Agency to the continuation of the revetting of the Middle Level banks that anglers found a big benefit from the last project.

Members were updated on the Marine Bill, the Angling Unity progress, Legal problems and answers from NAFAC.  Environment Agency work and projects are discussed and reviewed; clubs are given netting and acoustic reports for their waters. Any problems can be discussed and answered. Consultatives are independent of the Environment Agency but are supported by Agency staff.Do your or your club want a say in how the Environment Agency work, how they spend your money.

Do you have any projects you would like to see funded on your clubs water. If the answer is yes to any of these then join your local consultative and help make things happen. For more info on the Lower Ouse and Fenland Consultative contact secretary Richard on 07731990783. 4 meetings a year is not going to take up too much of your time.

Mike Grief