Cymdeithas Pysgota Llandeilo Angling Association Cyf

To whom it may concern,

As Vice Chairman of Llandeilo Angling Association and an avid fisherman, I am responding to your recent request for stakeholders and the public to help inform the NRW 2015 scrutiny session.

In light of the recent creation of Natural Resources Wales, I personally find it difficult to effectively and constructively comment on the effectiveness of the performance to date within Wales. This is simply due to the fact that, I am unclear with regards to the level of resource and funding that is dedicated to the area that is of greatest interest and concern to the angling club and it’s members. And that’s the fish.

What is the resources allocation? Are they being efficiently utilised? And is money/funding being well spent? Going forward, perhaps some clarity on these areas for angling clubs and anglers alike would provide a better starting point from which to make a more informed evaluation of NRW to date.

From both a club and personal perspective, what I can say is that:

1. Angling clubs may be under threat

a) Clubs are seeing declines in membership uptake

b) Junior members (the future) are at an all time low.

c) It is increasingly evident form catch returns and river reports that Salmon and Seatrout stocks have declined from what they once were. This is the primary reason why angling clubs are under threat and why points (a) and (b) above are an issue.

2. Netting is a big concern

a) This topic continues to be an area of great concern for clubs and anglers alike. Many clubs, including our own are now practicing voluntary catch and release and imposing catch limits far stricter than those imposed by NRW. This just exemplifies our commitment and dedication to helping our valuable stocks of Salmon and Seatrout thrive, without jeopardising the livelihood of the everyday angler that fishes for passion and not for profit. However, it has become very much apparent, that the same level of restraint is by no means practiced or regulated when it comes to the net fishery, which operates for profit. This doesn’t seem right?

3. No more stocking is a concern

a) The decision to continue to support the hatchery scheme on the Towy, despite the support of many anglers and clubs doesn't instil confidence in the anglers that NRW is committed to supporting, sustaining and improving the fishery.

As a club we predominantly manage approximately 7 miles of fishing on the river Towy, and we are dedicated to conserving and supporting the growth of fish stocks within the river, in the hope that one day in the future, or at least for next generation (who I hope are far smarter than we are), we will see Salmon and Seatrout returning to Welsh rivers in a manner reminiscent of many years gone by.

It would be a great travesty to see these majestic fish decline any further. As a species they are symbolic of Wales and they deserve far more respect.

I see opportunities for NRW to make some real positive changes, so I urge you to heed the advice of the many anglers and clubs that have responded, highlighting similar issues.

No one cares for these fish like we do and we see the demise with our own eyes from where it matters most...At the river.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute.

Yours Sincerely

Anthony Peynado

Vice Chairman - Llandeilo Angling Association.