LOFCA Meeting Nov-09

Written by Mike Grief
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 11:15
LOFCA Meeting November 2nd 2009 Littleport Sports Club The meeting was well attended and quite active. Jonathan Wilson from the Angling Trust and Mick Robinson from EA Enforcement were invited but neither was able to attend on the day. Kye Jerrom from the Agency answered his actions from the previous meeting to the satisfaction of the members. However the blanket weed problem on the Old Bedford at Welney was not answered. Several information items previously given to the now redundant CAAP are still not on the LOFCA Agenda. Kye presented the latest survey details on local rivers, plus an update on Mitten Crab sightings. He produced the project proposal forms and an EA Family Tree of contacts.Projects were discussed. Cambridge Albion had received 1K towards their platform project at Stretham. Kings Lynn was in line for platforms on the Little Ouse and Middle Level. Clubs were invited to send in projects that would enhance their fisheries. Weed has been cut and cleared on the Gt Ouse at Littleport, to the appreciation of Littleport AC. Further work to be considered. Kye was informed of the concerns of the local club on the work done to the back channel on the River Sapiston, this using Rod Licence Grant monies. The club thought that the 18K was not well spent. Crayfish traps being destroyed by Agency weed cutting boats on the Lark. Kye informed members of the overall costs of an EA part time bailiff, working 10 hours a week (15K pa) and what actions they were allowed to take depending on their “level” Members were updated on the future way Enforcement “Calls” will be dealt with. This would be intelligence led on information received, rather than in a response to individual calls. This was of concern to members as Anglers just do not seem able to pick up the phone in real time and contact the EA about illegal issues they see. The KLAA “Hot” phone line has only been used twice in nearly 2 seasons. The Recent Review tabled in the RFERAC minutes was discussed. Member clubs felt there had been a considerable breakdown in information pathways from the “New” look EA Teams. Examples given Clubs not informed or informed on the day of any EA actions on their waters.Results of surveys or any information gathering being received months after the events, preventing clubs from utilizing any hot tips.Weed and bank cutting programmes clubs were not being informed. Kye was very concerned and agreed to look into these matters The Angling Trust was discussed. Whilst members felt it is a must for angling in the long term, they considered that the PR and Advertising used by the trust to be very poor.Members were worried that LOFCA as a member organisation had not received any information from the Trust, particularly no information about where LOFCA sits or the future of Consultatives. The Possible New Byelaws were discussed. The members were in unanimous agreement that the taking of any fish should be illegal. If pike are allowed to be taken those removing them will. Say they are after pike and remove all they catch as happens now. Ignore size limits as they will not have scales or a tape with them Current practise is often to drag them in and kill them Those stealing fish ignore all rules and notices, anglers have been seen to remove fish next to KLAA Notices banning this practise. Those anglers are becoming extremely fly in that they roam the banks for miles perhaps covering 2 or 3 venues in one day armed just with a rod and rucksack. They deposit their catch in bags in the reeds or under bushes to be collected later, if they do not get back too bad or so what..Do they care. This weekend the KLAA Bailiff found bags of fish in the reeds still alive with the possible culprit’s miles down the bank disappearing in the distance. Even last weekend of foul weather 10 “Anglers” and I use the term loosely were patrolling the banks, some very drunk. However whatever the byelaws the EA Enforcement teams will need to expand and this has cost implications. RFERAC Meetings Members were pleased to hear that the Annual 4 meetings pa was being reintroduced. Kye has discussed with other EA teams some of the above concerns from the meeting and has already replied. These include improved communication from the Fisheries team to clubs, encouraging clubs to attend survey sessions where possible. Hot info on these would be sent to the clubs asap. An action plan is being produced to prevent a repeat of the damage to the crayfish traps on the Lark. The Agency is funding 15 new traps for use on the river. The weed growth on the Old Bedford is to be discussed with the local club. A summary of Enforcement in the Anglian Central Regionbetween April 1st 09 and September 30th 09. Number of waters visited 763 Number of Anglers checked who produced a valid licence 5091 Number of Offences detected 119 Cases convicted between these dates 113 defendants convicted Total Fines £10,383.40 Total Costs awarded £7,778.12 Food for thought for those that moan! Should you or your club wish to join the LOFCA Consultative then contact secretary Richard Hiom on 07731 990783. Find out what’s going on and get some help and funding for your club to enhance your fishery.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 November 2009 11:30 )