14th December 2006

MP WELCOMES NEW LAWS TO BOOST FISHING STOCKS

Clwyd South MP, MARTYN JONES has welcomed new Government plans that will benefit millions of anglers across Wales and England.

DEFRA have announced plans to introduce new powers designed to improve freshwater fishing.

The new measures, aimed at boosting stocks of salmon and other fish, will put in place better controls to prevent the introduction of alien fish species.

The plans will also remove obstacles stopping fish reaching breeding and feeding grounds and help to address the growing problem of fish theft.

New laws would be brought in as soon as possible, now that a Government review had been completed.

Commenting Martyn Jones MP said:

"There is a perception in some quarters - and wrongly - that somehow this Government is anti-angling. This announcement shatters that myth once and for all.

"Angling is the most popular leisure pursuit in the UK. It brings great social, health and environmental benefits to those who participate.

"Our existing laws are way out of date and not effective. Also, the law as it stands does not recognise the very important role that anglers - including those here in Clwyd South - play in conservation and looking after the environment on behalf of all of us.

"The new laws that have been promised, will provide improved conservation and regulation, and will ensure a much brighter future for anglers everywhere."

The government intends to use secondary legislation under the Regulatory Reform Act, the Water Framework Directive and other recent European measures to achieve the improvements.