Hello my name is Matthew Bird

 I thank you for giving me the chance to voice my concerns over the appalling state of the Welsh migratory fish stocks. Firstly I am not a citizen of Wales I am a traveling angler who brings his family into Wales to enjoy the local foods ,customs entertainment ect. I spend around 6 weeks every season in Wales chasing sewin and salmon and entertaining my family in every corner of Gods country, we love Wales and every aspect of it represents culture and diversity  Unfortunately the fish I chase in your rivers are decreasing at such a rate you will loose the tourism involved around the rivers , also the local clubs that depend on the visiting angler and the income we spend in the local 'cottage industries ' within the valleys .

 There is no structure to safeguard the rivers and their stock , there is no funding to police the rivers and stamp out poaching , there has been no enforcement in the estuaries to monitor the illegal practices of unscrupulous boats , the salmon and sewin were one of the biggest assets that Wales had , it was worth millions per annum and brought in tourists from all over the world . The tywi was the Welsh jewel in the crown it was totally unrivalled by any other river in Europe due to its incredible run of migratory fish , the tywi is not alone ,most if not all the Welsh rivers are coming into a level of being unsustainable and this is totally unacceptable. I cannot understand why there are licences issued for the net men and the coracles as the rivers are unsustainable, you may call it 'tradition' and there given out on grandfather rights, we had a tradition here in the  UK it was called bear baiting and it so popular we killed every last bear in the country.... Does this not sound too dissimilar to you migratory stocks at present .

 The total collapse of the management overseeing the rural affairs including forestry, flora and fauna the whole spectrum of wildlife in Wales was presented in a hard hitting speech by Iolo Williams , since that speech was presented what has actually changed ? Iolo was word perfect he identified many concerns and it is a pity there is no management at present running Wales who has either the understanding or the passion to protect your children's homeland and heritage.

 I have spoke to many locals regarding the rivers and many don't bother to fish anymore , the rivers that gave pleasure and food to so many now only hold memories not fish  As you are present as a scrutiny committee you have the powers and resources to make a positive change your decisions will directly effect the future of Wales please take time and consideration in implementing changes to secure your children's land and pleasures

 Regards Matthew Bird