Screaming Reels - coming your way soon.....

Apologies for the delay in the distribution of this years copy of "Screaming Reels". Due to unavoidable delays the club magazine won't be posted out until 16th March but rest assured, the publication will as usual be accompanied by membership renewal forms.

March 9th 2010

A bit of good news

CYPERMETHRIN SHEEP DIPS NOW PERMANENTLY BANNED

Salmon & Trout Association & Fish Legal   4 March 2010

Salmon & Trout Association and Fish Legal hail notable victory against one of our waterways’ most lethal toxic killers

 The Environment Agency (EA) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) issued a statement yesterday confirming a permanent ban of cypermethrin sheep dips.  

The sale of cypermethrin sheep dip products had been temporarily banned by Defra since 21 February 2006, and the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA), Atlantic Salmon Trust, Anglers’ Conservation Association (now re-named Fish Legal), Buglife – the Invertebrate Conservation Trust, and other fisheries environmental groups, have been seeking a permanent ban ever since.

The Sheep Dip Stakeholder Steering Group involved representatives from all sides of the argument and developed an Action Plan for the Pollution Reduction Programme for sheep dip, including the “Stop-Every-Drop” message and associated industry led campaign.  However, continual lobbying, backed up by the threat of legal action and freedom of information requests, from the fisheries and environmental sector has led to the only sustainable decision possible from this action.

The pressure has resulted in an unexpected development.  In recent weeks, the three manufacturers of cypermethrin sheep dip products have voluntarily written to instruct the VMD to expire the Marketing Authorisations for their cypermethrin sheep dip products, which had duly been actioned.  That means there are now no cypermethrin sheep dip products with a UK Marketing Authorisation.  Defra Ministers have been informed of this situation.

Paul Knight, CEO of the S&TA, said, “this day has been long in coming, but marks a significant step in the improvement of UK rivers.  It brings to a conclusion fifteen years of work by S&TA and other organisations to get these lethal chemicals banned from entering our waterways.  Miniscule amounts of cypermethrin have proved incredibly damaging to aquatic insects, fish eggs and the fish themselves, causing widespread damage in Wales, SW and NW England and many other areas.  Achieving this permanent ban proves that the concerted, coordinated lobbying and influence of fisheries organisations can bring about real benefits for the aquatic environment and its dependent species.”

Mark Lloyd, CEO of Fish Legal and the Angling Trust, said: “we are delighted that the manufacturers have finally thrown in the towel and given up trying to sell these chemicals which have done so much harm to UK rivers.  The recent decision by the Information Commissioner to force the manufacturers to reveal their previously-secret environmental risk assessments was very significant, not just for the fate of cypermethrin, but for other polluting chemicals.  Fish Legal will fight the manufacturers’ attempt to appeal this important decision.”

DEFRA press release -

This really is good news and not before time. Edgar George, our vice president and past chairman, has been at the forefront of the lobby from anglers to get this product withdrawn, now it seems that a well deserved victory has been acheived and we should be grateful for the hard work that he's undertaken with and on behalf of Welsh anglers - well done Edgar.

Problems remain with cypermethrin based insecticides used in forestry to contol the pine weevil on juvenile conifers. The Teifi catchment has recently suffered from this pollution when the Afon Brefi, once a very important breeding stream for migratory fish and brown trout, was poisoned following spraying operations on a new plantation that spilled into the water course.

This group of chemicals is far too dangerous to aquatic habitats to be used no matter what guidelines are issued for their use, they should be withdrawn from the market.

Rod licences -

All anglers fishing TTA waters are required to have a fishing licence and it's never been easier to buy one - except for the price, of course, £72.00 for a full game licence this season, ouch. Remember to get yours in readiness for the 2010 season which begins on 1st April either from the Post Office, by telephone or on-line.

Buy online / info

Llys Y Fran Reservoir

Our nearest reservoir opens on 27th February this year, a chance to blow the close season cobwebs away with an Arctic breeze.

2010 prices

Opening/Closing

Membership

Andrew Thomas aka Twm Twm, who's been the membership secretary for the last five years or so has finally decided to retire from the position after putting many hours of hard work into what is probably the most unenviable job on the committee. Many thanks for all your time and effort which gave TTA members such good service Twm Twm. Thanks also to Gino who has helped out with the admin.

Bob Montgomery,a glutton for punishment, has taken up the reins as membership secretary this year and his details are given on the Contacts page - well done Bob and good luck!

Invertebrate Monitoring

The Teifi Rivers Invertebrate Monitors (TRIM) continue with their good work and have now completed a year of collecting aquatic invertebrates along the Teifi Valley. The data shows a marked difference in the quality between the Teifi tributaries but we now have good data on which to compare future samples and make assumptions on whether water quality is improving or not. The figures will also be instrumental should a pollution incident occur on the river as we have proof of it's health, recorded scientifically by trained personnel. Many thanks to all from the TTA for their financial support and to the club members who have helped in creating this vitally important and easily accessible information.

The Environment Agency have responded to concerns raised about poor sampling results from the lower Cych with an intensive survey which can be viewed alongside data collected by TRIM and other West Wales invertebrate monitoring groups.

For the latest report compiled by the EA on West Wales rivers click here

Interested in joining TRIM?

Contact Colin Chapman via email if you'd like to receive training to enable you to participate in the project.

New Secretary

Wayne Bishop is also moving on after many years of service to the club as its secretary. Thanks for your hard work Wayne, we're all very grateful.

Jez Moore will now take over as club secretary.