South Coast Pot Problems

[Twister_Ken]

Crustacea

I wondered where those crabs came from. Certainly the doctor's explanation sounded far-fetched.

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[Birdseye]

When Robin Sjoberg of the RYA circulated clubs to collect data for a campaign on this subject, the response was dismal. And the RYA cant make progress unless it can show that these pots really are a problem.

So instead of collectivel complaining on a forum, can I suggest that we write to the RYA giving specific examples of pot problems. They are ready and willing to have a go on our behalf if given the ammo.

Incidentally, a conversation I had with a fishermans representative at Newlyn confirmed that they are just as irritated by unmarked pots as we are, with 3 disabled small fishing boats in the week I was there. Problem seems to be that it is a disorganised bugger-thy-neighbour type activity. Bit like jetski's really.

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[Sybarite]

Surely a simple first step would be to oblige all lobster pot lines to be weighted so the lines hang vertically? No buoys to be attached horizontally unless marked by clear colour-coded flags (doesn't solve the night time problem though).

John

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[aod]

Your message contains very constructive comments and I didn't know of the RYA interest thus for me this forum has generated some info that I was otherwise unaware of.
I also think that subject to approval from Kim that we might be able to generate some specific accounts of lobster pot problems which we can then forward on to the RYA as experiential evidence.
It's my intention to wait for some more responses and then ask Kim if it would be possible for a limited period to have a seperate and specific title covering the issue of lobster pot problems. This in itself could form the basis on which the RYA can make some noise.

I welcome your and indeed anyone elses comments about this.

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[Robin]

Weighted lines all but eliminate the problem, special lead cored rope is available but more expensive = not used. Even that pre-supposes they do not fix a 2nd pick up buoy to the main one via 15m of floating line, common practice round here and this is the real killer. Going north south or vice versa across the channel where east/west tides leave floating lines across your track is hazardous.

The really hateful ones inshore are the old plastic can, often black or blue (what did these contain?) or with so much weed growth that they might as well be black or tiny ball valve floats. Cross Christchurch Ledge area especially around neap tides and you will see a museum full of bad examples.

I still think a large number of the offenders are amateurs with small boats or black economy fishermen, certainly they have no knowledge or conscience because they they lay pots like traps, like right in the entrance to North Channel, West Solent (Black cans) or the Needles Channel, Hurst Narrows. I guess they have their counterparts all round the coast.

I still like the airgun idea, a bit of extra sport on a windless day or some other means of confiscating their gear if it is not clearly visible and marked with their name or reg no.




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[BlueSkyNick]

Why do you need to wait for more responses, and how many? Surely there are hundreds of us who encounter similar hundreds of pots in the Solent alone, on a regular basis. Then there are all the locations as well.

I suggest now is as good a time as any to go ahead with your campaign to collect information which can go to the RYA.

I'm just not sure what they will be able to achieve, but its worth a try, before anybody gets into problems with serious results.

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[Robin]

The RYA invited comments to their website I think last year. I did send my 2 pennyworth, didn't get a response though and since then we have had the Ministry response of too difficult too costly don't bother us again variety.



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[Aeolus_IV]

If I remember a thread on here reciently it is perfectly acceptable for the local authorities to collect pot or net markers which are considered to be a navigational risk (ie in a fairway) or do not meet EU regulations (ie size, colour and appropiate ownership markings). If this was undertaken then those irresponcible fishermen would soon either fish somewhere else, or would out how to lay their equipment without presenting a risk to other water users. The sale of the recovered equipment could be used to finance the effort required to enforce it.

We have a mine field of markers surrounding the safe water mark off the harbour - bit of a joke really.

Just a thought,
Jeff.

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[gonfishing]

why the RYA??

i would have thought that the local fisheries people would be more appropriate because they know the law and who is licensed, they also have quite some considerable power to deal with this, especially if black economy fisherman and amateurs are causing the problem ,i agree the rya may be able to help with the safety aspect but a more powefull legal tack can be taken via the fisheries if they are made aware of the problem.

julian

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[hlb]

Re: why the RYA??

They dont need all those buoys anyway. One big one with a flag and then a load of pots strung out on the end. I've seen it done around Dartmouth. They could even put the flag buoy out of the way some where.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[dickh]

Jimi,
There is a recommendation on how to mark popts - I've seen a leaflet with all the recommendations, but didn't bother to pick it up as I am not interested. I believe it's recommended they are marked with a black flag(apparently easier to see) and of course with owners name. Not too much of a problem around our area except off Old Felixstowe and Bawdsey. About half seem to be well marked, others just a white plastic container.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Peppermint]

Re: We ain\'t going to get rid of them

they represent just about the only bit of the British fishing industry doing any good.

If we're going to campaign fo something realistic it should be that the visabilty of buoys is improved and that they are clearly labled identifying who laid them.

That won't cost a fortune will it.

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[nicho]

Re: Smug B*rstard replies

Oh Ken! You never miss a trick do you??

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[Twister_Ken]

Re: Smug B*rstard replies

Except when playing cards.

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[Sybarite]

If they'd use a flag then they wouldn't need a pick-up buoy. The French fishermen in the main just use a bamboo cane stuck through a block of polystyrene and presumably a counterweight below; and then put a flag on top - dead simple. The cane is sufficiently high to be reached from the boat.

John

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[Robin]

Yes and don't they clatter nicely when they run down the side of the boat! They are better I agree and on a calm day even show clearly on radar. There are still a lot of amateurs laying pots with old plastic cans in France too and they too can lay them in harbour entrances and channels.

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