Changes to Fisheries legislation

The Queens Speech in November 2008 included the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which includes a number of proposed changes to fisheries legislation developed from the report of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group in 2000. However, there are a number of changes proposed in other areas. The Environment Agency has called the whole set of proposals 'Fish for the Future'.

Fish for the Future Newsletter Winter 2009.

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has completed its consideration in the House of Lords with the third reading on Monday 8th June:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/index/090608.html#contents

The Bill was formally introduced to the Commons on Tuesday 9th June and has completed second reading and Committee stages. Further progress will occur when Parliament resumes in October.

Further information from DEFRA website here 

Environment Agency consultations.

The Agency is currently consulting on the following:

Proposals to reform the laws regulating the removal of coarse fish by rod and line. Further details here.

Proposals to increase protection for eels and elvers. Further details here.

Proposals to remove the close season for brown trout and salmon in stillwaters. Further details here.

Closing date for all the consultations is 14th September. The Institute will make a formal response to these proposals -if any members wish to contribute to the response please contact Robin Welcomme (r.welcomme@ifm.org.uk ).