The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network [SSACN] and the Sustinable Inshore Fisheries Trusty [SIFT] are hosting a series of meetings for anglers in Noveber discuss the ‘Revive The Clyde’ Campaign, which is being run by SIFT to highlight the state of the Clyde fishery. [Downloadable leaflet. belpow.]
The programme for the Meetings is:
- 12th November – Lochgilphead
- 19th November – Helensburgh
- 26th November – Ayr
These meetings are for anglers and other groups, including politicians, who support sea angling and the recovery of the marine environment.
SIFT will be holding separate meetings for those involved and allied to the commercial exploitation of shellfish and fish stocks in the Clyde.
The ‘Revive The Clyde’ team are not trying to stop commercial fishing, they are trying to save it; but tough decisions, ignored in the past have to be made.
To that end, SIFT are in the process of formulating a Shellfish Regulating Order which which will be submitted to the government.
The Order will promote the sustainable management of Scotland’s inshore waters and provide the maximum long term benefits to ALL coastal communities. An update on their progress will be given and those attending will have a chance to contribute to the discussion.
As anglers and others are probably aware, the Clyde used to be one of the premier sea angling destinations in Europe but following several studies and reports, even the Scottish Government have recognised it is now dominated by small, under-sized fish – 90% of which are below the minimum landing size.
Not only have stocks suffered but million’s of pounds have been lost to the local economy, as have hundreds of angling related jobs; whilst many low cost, local opportunities have disappeared, badly impacting those who cannot travel to enjoy their sport.
As anglers and as an organisation, SSACN feel very strongly about the importance of this.
Everyone would love to see the Firth Of Clyde back to the former world class fishery that it once was – and although it may well never be that good again, SSACN believe that there is a genuine desire from many of the stakeholders to see change which will allow a sustainable recovery of the Clyde Ecosystem.
Anyone interested or concerned and who is not able to make any of the meetings is asked to support a petition for a Clyde Charter being run by SIFT. Visit their website here, read their articles and have a listen to their video – then, if you agree with them, sign their petition here.
Note: Here is the SSACN-SIFT leaflet about the anglers meetings: SSACN – SIFT Revive the Clyde.