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Dear Sir / Madam,
LLandovery Angling Association dominates the upper Towy in terms of river ownership and rental leases from local farmers. Therefore we have had a front row seat in witnessing the decline of this once great fishery, largely due to the pathetic management of the river by the powers that be in their numerous different guises.
Both the creation and performance of NRW have been unmitigated disasters. This is especially true of the fisheries section. However in defence of NRW, the slashing of its budget and staff has seriously compromised the effectiveness of the organisation. In its present state it is not fit for purpose. The situation here in Wales has been further aggravated by blatant mistakes in policy making. These decisions have threatened the future of game angling in the Principality which in turn will have a serious knock on effect for the Welsh economy as a whole.
The joining of The Forestry Commission with the fisheries section of NRW beggars belief. Coniferous forests in our upland valleys exacerbate the problems of acidification, yet the regulating body responsible for protecting the health of our streams is the remnant of the old Environment Agency within NRW. There is an obvious conflict of interest.
The upper Towy in particular is not protected and NRW lacks the necessary teeth as a policing agent to ensure the health of this once great river. On the same lines NRW lacks the necessary staff to properly protect fish stocks from poaching gangs and pollution incidents. On the Towy we have serious concerns about illegal netting that appears to be taking place in the estuary and in Carmarthen Bay and yet the authorities neither have the will nor the resources to protect our valuable salmon and sea trout stocks.
At a time when fish stocks are falling NRW has taken the baffling step of closing hatcheries in Wales. The consultation process that preceded this decision was farcical with over 80% of participants urging NRW to change tack on this policy. The arrogance on this matter was breath taking. We have the makings of a real catastrophe that could lead angling clubs and local businesses that rely on tourism into bankruptcy.
Finally here on the Towy we have the problem of the Brianne dam and the cold water that emanates from its base. A mitigation package agreed originally by Act of Parliament now seems to be at risk. NRW as the regulating authority has a duty to protect the river from the potential harmful activities of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. So far NRW has singularly failed to do this. The position is probably illegal.
We have no objection to the publication of this letter.
Yours faithfully,
Clive Davies.