2^nd December 2020

STATEMENT OF OBJECTION TO PROPOSED NET LICENCE DUTIES 2021-2023

Dear Ministers and Officials,

I write to you in relation to the proposed fee increases by NRW for the Salmon and Sewin fisheries as per the public notice published by NRW dated 28^th October 2020.

I have been made aware of the proposals to dramatically increase the fees for those fishing by coracle and seine nets within our rivers. As an organisation with a mandate to protect the interests of those who live and work in rural Wales, its environment, culture and heritage, there is great concern that a prime rural asset will be lost by these actions.

These heritage fisheries are a jewel in the cultural crown of West Wales and are many hundreds of years old. They support the livelihoods of individuals making up part of their income that will become unviable should the proposed fee option be implemented.

We are blessed with heritage fisheries in other parts of Wales that are also under pressure and restriction, such as the Black Rock Lave Net Fishery in Gwent. Every effort should be put in place to protect these fisheries and to promote their unique status. I note that Welsh Government is content to use these fisheries within its Wales.com platform as part of its global brand pitch, yet is now willing to erode and pressure such fisheries through regulation and cost recovery.

While I am sympathetic to the pressures Welsh Government is under financially through this ongoing COVID crisis, throwing the baby out with the bath water in relation to this matter will have a multiplier effect, not only impacting on the livelihoods of a number of fishers, but also within our tourism and food offer, culture and heritage. This is the wrong time to implement such measures given the policies and restriction in place at Wales level for COVID that have had a profound impact on incomes.

I would ask that you step in as Minister and consider the long term damage this move will cause to rural communities and ask NRW to work with stakeholders to develop more appropriate initiatives that will sustainably support these fisheries and communities. 

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Colchester

Chairman, CPRW