There are no rules about how they mark there nets or pots as long as they have there identification number on .Only boats fully licensed can fish legally and there are no rules on how close they can come with the nets during the winter months north of the tyne
I have to agree that the rules regarding marking nets are very vague, but in theory are very strict.
This may sound like a contradiction but there are two types of fishermen out their ...."Hobby/part time" fishermen and licensed commercials...the rules differ for both, but I think there is also a third "agreed standard" where the fisheries protection guys deal with the same commercials day in and day out. They recognise individual sets of pots and nets so move on to those they dont.
The rules covering licensed pots and nets are quite strict and clearly defined..but they are flaunted which was brought up at the SFC meeting in July by a commercial fisherman sitting on the committee. The response of the Fisheries protection guys was to have a clamp down over the following three months which resulted in 100+ pots being lifted and confiscated. Most were subsequently reclaimed by their owners and obviously they got the standard verbal warning.
Hobby anglers are different. In theory I can take out my boat and drop 5 pots. As long as I have an empty milk carton on the end with my mobile number on it this would all be legal. In practice I would probably be commiting some breach of law regarding hazards to shipping but I haven't got that far into maritime law. I believe I could do the same with a net not exceeding 100 metres long ( I wouldn't by the way)
I have invited the SFC protection officers to give a presentation and answer questions at the meeting on 4th march for exactly this reason. How do we identify a pot or a net, legal or not. They are the guys who should be answering the questions. For example ...somewhere there is a list of boats/registration numbers thare are allowed to trawl within the 6 mile limit...so where is it?...cos I sure as hell dont know...so basically the average angler on the beach spotting what he believes to be something illegal has no chance of proving jack short.
This subject is touching on what has made me very disillutioned with the entire working of the inshore management of our shores. The people running it in that way have been doing so for the last 120 years but the proposed changes give us as anglers at least some chance of breaking up this old boys network that has been happily working hand in hand for over a century. Perhaps in the near future the inshore management will take into account the needs of all users of the sea and not just the commercial fishermen.
This was why I commented a few nights ago about resigning because I saw the current system as so set in stone and unchangeable that I was wasting my time. Since then I have had a rethink and realised it was a bad decision and a large part of that was the messages of support I have recieved from members of this forum. Thanks for that.
I occasionally ask stupid questions here...may set you thinking WTF is he smoking...but there is usually a valid reason for the question that may not be immediately obvious. Bear with me on these because trying to change something that has had 120 years to become a happy little club will not be quick and it wont be easy.
Cheers
Dave.
PS. I could add to that I am unlikely to be able to do it alone.
