| 17/11/2001 -
Trouble on the river - FISSTA oppose privatising our waters
FISSTA are currently in the middle of an intensive campaign to halt the Catchment Manangement Programme as interpreted by many of the Regional Fishery Boards under six pilot schemes that seem to have no conclusion. The pilot scheme in Kerry has taken a vindictive and stupid direction not seen in Ireland since the days of the Land League as eviction notices have been issued to Kerry Clubs to get off state waters they have leased for generations. This has been a particular time consumiing and diffcult campaign to mount as many politicians and fair minded people found the disposal of voluntary clubs in this way seemed incredible. However, to matters even worse and more incredible, FISSTA have learned this week of the new plans by the LAUNE CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY to launch Phase 2 of an even more damaging and penal scheme in which anglers are no longer a part of the Kerry fishery plan. The use of terms such as sustainability, conservation and quota in the Phase 2 plan attempt to present this plan as a credible approach to salmon management, but the reader should not be fooled. This pilot shceme by Mr Barry and the SW RFB should be stopped in its tracks before any further damage is done to the Irish angling product. The anglers of Kerry are now vidicated for withdrawing from such a crazy scheme last year and will be supported on the banks of the river Laune and Flesk when the time comes to fish in the new season. The FISSTA AGM will decide on the future of angling this coming weekend and the Kerry Catchment Management debacle will feature prominently judging from the many motions to be discussed. FISSTA view this CM initiative in the Kerry form as an attempt to privatise our rivers and other Regional Fishery Boards contemplating the taking of Duchas or CFB waters from any FISSTA affilliated club will be opposed vehemently by whatever actions are necessary. |
