Chairman’s Chat Nov-2021
We have finally reached a position with the Hoveton saga, following a legal exchange between the respective groups. We have concluded that our legal challenge is no longer needed, as in the agency’s own words, the fish do have enforceable protection within the permit conditions, if it’s then proved the barriers do cause environmental harm to fish stocks. Not the outcome we wanted, but the only legal option giving the fish the best chance.
For whatever reason the revised planning application on outstanding conditions and the illegal installation of the two barriers at Gravel Dyke and Hudsons Marsh was withdrawn at the last moment. No sure why this happened however.
So broads anglers are now reliant the conditions within the permit and a yet to be agreed monitoring system to assess what impact these barriers will have on successful recruitment and sustainability of the Broads Fishery. Needless to say BASG, the Angling Trust and Fish Legal will be watching this issue with a laser like intensity, as it’s governance is moved into a working advisory group chaired by the EA, which BASG will be representing angling interests.
It’s been quite a journey and my thanks must go to both Martin Salter and Justin Neal for their efforts on this.
We have some continuing discussions with the Broads Society on how our two respective groups can build on each other’s strengths going forward. I fully endorse the motion declaring a climate emergency for the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads which their members passed at their recent AGM. The motion reaffirms members commitment to securing a sustainable future to the Broads. Look out from my next feature in the Christmas Hansar magazine.
On the Wensum, some interesting developments within the national debate on pollution discharges and the way apportionment of this is defined by the statutory authorities, let alone he water industry. Yet again it’s another national policy impacted harm on our local environment and without a change in national policy, nothing much will change.
Finally, I’m pleased we have secured a position for our friend Steve Lane, who’s passion for the Broads remains, despite his despair with his former employer over Hoveton. Steve will be working on the creation of a monitoring plan across the Wensum Catchment for the next 6 months.
That’s all for now.
Kelvin
Chairman BASG
