Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:33 pm on 20 September 2017.
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?