Government petition against the poor marking of Lobster pots PLEASE SIGN

[ollyp]

Hi all

If you haven't signed it already..... here is your chance!

Government petition against the poor marking of Lobster pots:

Link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/193254

Please spread the word with social media and get all your family/friends to sign it!

Many thanks

Olly




Lobster Pots and Small Craft Safety – time to change the rules!

We, the undersigned, urge the Minister of State (DEFRA) to improve the way static fishing gear is marked for the safety of all small craft at sea.

The current, voluntary, guidance is not adequate.

We ask that DEFRA seeks views regarding enforceable regulation among other options.


This petition is sponsored by the Cruising Association (CA). We believe that the current, voluntary, arrangements and guidance have not been adequate and that the number of call-outs, by the RNLI and coastguard, to small craft disabled by fouled propellers and rudders shows the significance of the problem.

We hope that all stakeholders will work together, with DEFRA, to find a solution, particularly one that is cheap and practical for our fishermen.

4,238 signatures

 

[AllanG]

All done!

 

[snowbird30ds]

Signed.

 

[rafiki_]

Done

 

[MapisM]

Don't get me wrong folks, I fully agree that poor marking of fishing gear is a problem - indeed it is also here in the Med, in places.

But can you explain me this:
In some occasions in the past I said that a regulation allowing anyone and their dog to buy 28m worth of Sunseeker Predators, and then go out there at the helm of such massive things with no license whatsoever, imho could use some amendments. But I was crucified in the name of freedom at sea and so forth.

Now, why is it that everyone seems in favour of putting (one way or another) some additional burden/costs on fishermen, which aren't exactly at the top of HNWI lists worldwide, when the potential damage caused by their gear is nowhere near what anyone with more money than sense can make at the helm of his brand new gin palace...?
Mind, I'm aware that a mandatory license is no guarantee of getting rid of stupidity, but still... :ambivalence: