Yesterdayy, the agency gave notice of their final public consultation using the Environmental Permitting Process. They couldn’t even get that right!

 https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/east-anglia-c-e/hoveton-great-broad-minded-to/

Whilst we and the Broads Angling community are staggered with the Agency’s recommendations. Their action has damaged an effective partnership that has been built over recent years and will destroy any trust that anglers have in the Agency’s support of fish, fisheries and anglers. In addition it opens up the very real risk that the Broads famous bream stocks will be severely damaged for decades to come, together with its resulting potential impact on the Broads tourist sector and the local economy.

We are left wondering on the specific details of the monitoring and mitigation of the impact these barriers will have on the Bure Catchment. If this scheme is to go ahead at the very least there should be safeguards in place to protect the Broads Fishery over the next 10 years.

This is something we will be progressing in the weeks to come, starting with their ability to even provide any form of meaningful fisheries service within the Broads.  Whilst both AT and FL look at potential wider legal options.

The Angling Trust issued the following statement today.

Environment Agency to allow Norfolk Broads fish barriers to go ahead despite warnings from experts