Mat Crocker has been appointed as Head of Fisheries, while Dafydd Evans has taken over as Eastern Area Manager, and Charlie Beardall has become the Regional Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager.

Russell Hole expressed concern that the senior staff changes in the Environment Agency had destabilised the work environment and could potentially compromise the work of the Agency, especially in fisheries teams. Russell asked for clarification of the structure of fisheries teams. Items of Interest Rod Licence Sales Nigel Tomlinson reported that Anglian Region performance has been maintained; we are still on track to meet targets for 2011. Junior sales are performing well in the region, and there has been an increase in female anglers. 

Welland Catchment Water Quality

Nigel Tomlinson reported that the Environment Agency had been investigating freshwater shrimp declines in the River Welland, with a précis of results included in this General Update. Cypermethrin (a pesticide and constituent of sheep dip) was present at many points above the biological tolerance levels, although investigations are ongoing to gather a robust evidence base of the source. Jane Hunt confirmed that a farm source has been identified and that the Environment Agency would be taking appropriate action. Fisheries Monitoring ProgrammeNational and regional Fisheries teams are currently being restructured to increase the efficiency of sampling and data analysis. Members expressed concern that rod licence income would now not be used to fund fisheries teams alone, and that this restructuring had occurred without any external consultation.

Jane Hunt explained that the changes relate to the Environmental Monitoring Programme, an eighteen month change programme. Jane said that she was unaware of the nature of National consultation but that there had been a lengthy internal process to bring together the monitoring programme. Changes include the use of operator self monitoring (OSM), water company monitoring, addressing National Audit Office review recommendations, and technological improvements. The purpose of these changes is to increase efficiency, decrease our carbon footprint and improve resource allocations. In terms of environmental monitoring in this Region, monitoring teams will now report to a single Environment Manager in each Area. A multi-functional monitoring team will now exist in each Area, with multi-skilled specialists. 

Of particular concern with these issues is the reduction in the work done and staff levels of “local” EA Fisheries Department. In my view this will lead to less work done by the EA for anglers and angling clubs as the EA seek to comply with the Water Framework Directive.   

WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE UPDATE PRESENTATION  

David Whiles gave an update presentation to the Committee on progress with the Water Framework Directive (WFD).Peter Hobson asked about the implications of failure to comply with legal EU obligations, and whether the WFD Plan was linked with the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).David Whiles replied that the Environment Agency would be liable for prosecution should we not fulfil our obligations, and the UK government would be liable for overall achievement of targets. He confirmed that the RSS had been factored into the Plan, which was accessible to planners, although unifying the two plans was proving a challenge.

It is hoped that the implementation of this directive in Europe will improve all water areas. Rivers, Wastewater, Pollution, Waste Disposal to name a few of more direct concern to angling. 

PROGRESS IN DELIVERING THE NEW EU EEL REGULATION, INCLUDING AN UPDATE ON EEL MANAGEMENT PLANS.

The Committee received a report providing an update on the ongoing work to achieve the EU Eel Regulation in England and Wales.

MIGRATORY FISH PROJECT IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT – EEL AND SEA TROUT PRESENTATION 

Ros Wright gave a presentation about migratory fish in a regional context, with a particular focus on eel and sea trout, emphasising the new Eel Regulation and Salmon & Sea Trout Strategy.  Members noted that improving migratory fish populations was critical to meet several other new pieces of legislation including migratory and freshwater fish legislation, the WFD RBMP (in which fish populations are critical to achieve good ecological status), and Biodiversity Action Plan targets.Anglian Rivers Sea Trout ProjectBreeding brown trout populations exist in several Anglian Rivers including North Norfolk chalk rivers: the Glaven, Stiffkey, Burn and Nar, and the Great Eau in Lincolnshire. The Project is run in partnership with the Wild Trout Trust , CEFAS, Natural England, ART, Wildlife Trusts, River Glaven Protection Group and Holkham Estates.It was reported that barriers to fish migration on inland rivers were not necessarily for flood protection purposes but to maintain water levels, and that new structures would account for needs of migratory species.The Chairman reported that the Marine Bill would need to be passed to allow the Environment Agency to restrict licence numbers to allow fish to be protected. Members would be consulted on this Bill in 2009. 

This was a very interesting presentation indicating the vast amount of work done by the EA on the subject. I have more information should it be required.  

PROGRESS IN DELIVERING THE FISHERIES STRATEGY 

Martin Stark introduced ‘A better Environment – Healthier Fisheries’ strategy document for 2006-11, which was produced in 2005 and was now subject to mid-term review. The Strategy aims to create a better environment with better stocks, which should help to boost fishing participation, fisheries and local economies. Key outcomes are reported in the Appendix of the report, and scored as red, green or amber, incorporating other Environment Agency activities contributing to achievement of the outcome.  The Chairman stated that reasonable progress was apparent and that this Strategy would help to achieve improved fish stocks and a better environment for wildlife and people.

Peter Hobson enquired how adaptive the future strategy was in terms of recruiting anglers from diverse backgrounds, and suggested that the strategy should account for cultural differences in attitudes to fishing.Mike Grief pointed out that anglers would deny that access or stocks had been enhanced, and although rod licence sales had increased, commercial lakes were more popular than rivers for angling.Martin acknowledged this problem, but explained that it was more of a priority aim to introduce people to angling, and a secondary aim to encourage river fishing.Peter Holloway enquired whether the Environment Agency was still funding training for angling coaches.Martin replied that the Environment Agency had paid for 200-300 people to become angling coaches in the past 2-3 years, but that this scheme would not be continued until a revised coaching system was in place.Nigel Tomlinson explained that where we have sponsored coaches, either at Region or Area. However, there were conditions in place, for example, that they participate in National Fishing Week.Martin explained that the economic evaluation was broken down according to Regional Assembly area, for example the number of jobs sustained by angling, visiting anglers, etc. 

Of concern to me is, are the EA just ticking boxes.Would anglers consider that angling/fish stocks are improving. Examples given to me were the introduction of Barbel in the River Nene

The Strategy was a pilot study in three regions: the East of England, South-west and Wales, to examine and address inland demand and constraints for water recreation. The Strategy constitutes the vision of each region to meet the needs of increasing populations, etc. As stewards of the water environment, the Environment Agency were lead partner. Support will be provided by other regional agencies (e.g. RDAs, GOs, RAs, Sport England, British Waterways, etc) on the steering group, who are integral to deciding how we undertake each stage of the process.

The consultation closed on 28 October, with forty-three formal responses, most of which were of a high standard. These proved helpful in developing the Plan further; Neil emphasised that the Plan is a living document.

This document was discussed by LOFCA members with some concern. Members were able to add their thoughts via the web site.

RFERAC members were able to highlight their ideas directly with Roger and Neil.On the original document Angling participation and angling numbers were way down the list of priorities and action. After discussion with Roger he realised that angling should be at the top of the list.Further information for LOFCA members.The meeting was  informed of the progress of the Marine Bill.

Club fisheries fish movement is to be tightened and the process made more visible. The applications are to be made simpler. Forms from Fish Health Inspectorate, CEFAS, Barrack Road, The Notte, Weymouth, DT4 8UB CEFAS 01305 206677 www.efishbusiness.co.uk

Information received from NAFAC was given to members regarding angling unity and the formation of the Angling Trust.Details of The Angling Trust and the money received for angling from the Angling Development Board can be found elsewhere on the KLAA web site.

The success of the Angling Trust and the power and influence it has in the corridors of power will be dependant on the support it has from Anglers joining the Trust. Are you a member?

Authors comments in italics 

Next LOFCA Meeting Monday January 26th at Littleport Sports Centre. For more information contact Richard Hiom on 07731990783