2. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the proposals from Natural Resources Wales to introduce new controls on fishing for salmon and sea trout? (OAQ51045)

Diolch. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter while Natural Resources Wales is consulting on proposals to introduce new controls on salmon and sea trout fishing. Their consultation closes on 14 November, after which I will consider their recommendations.

I understand why the Cabinet Secretary doesn’t want to set out clearly her views at this point in time. But I think it’s important to note that a number of fishing clubs—in my constituency, and across Wales—have expressed concerns about these proposals, particularly the proposal to have a complete ban on bait fishing, and the 100 per cent catch-and-return policy, and the impact that that will have on fishing.

Of course, it’s important to bear in mind that this isn’t just a hobby, but it is an important part of our tourism industry in large parts of Wales. Fishermen do have concerns in terms of the decline in salmon and trout numbers, and so on.

But there are far more complex factors at play than simply looking at fishing. So, can I ask that the Cabinet Secretary at least ensures that Natural Resources Wales does listen and take seriously the concerns expressed by the fishermen and their clubs?

Yes, it’s absolutely imperative that they do that. As I say, I don’t want to pre-empt anything, but I’ve certainly had discussions around this in my regular meetings with the chair and chief executive of NRW. Of course, we recognise that salmon and sea trout are very important, iconic species in Welsh rivers, and they of course benefit the Welsh economy. For instance, I think it’s about £100 million per year. So, it is absolutely vital that all views are taken into consideration.

Cabinet Secretary, as you’ve just said, angling is worth around—you took the words out of my mouth—£100 million per year to the Welsh economy. As Adam Price, the Member for Carmarthenshire has said, it’s a very important segment of all parts of Wales, particularly the rural economy. I appreciate that you’re limited in what you can say at the moment, but would you agree that the vast majority of anglers are members of clubs? They pay in the region of a couple of hundred pounds for fishing rights each year depending on the extent of the rights that they have. And whilst I understand NRW’s responsibility to manage fish stocks sustainably—of course you recognise that—would you agree with me that it’s important that the organisation does fully consult with fishing clubs, and doesn’t just consult but also listens to those clubs, because those clubs also have a key interest in the sustainability of fishing stocks themselves, which I think is often overlooked and forgotten? So, will you give me an assurance that NRW will, at the end of this consultation, put in place controls that are right, that do sustain stocks, but that are also fair to anglers and to the Welsh economy?

You’re absolutely right. In my view, any consultation needs to be meaningful, so it’s very important that NRW listen to all viewpoints. And I know they do accept that this is a very serious issue and that they need to make sure that they work very hard to get the best possible outcome going forward.