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[Mal Thomas]

Following our visit to meet the The SIFCA Team last night headed by the CEO Pia Bateman, we have received a letter today from The SIFCA Team signed by all which is a nice touch. I will let other attendees give their verdict on the meeting.

I am going to say it was the most positive experience I have had with the SIFCA and just hope that converts into some investigations into sustainable fishing within the Bay's. As stakeholders we have not had any representation at the Top Table where decisions are made, may be that is changing.

I am also going to post separately an Angling Trust published letter again from the CEO Jamie Cook December 2025 which was a real surprise to me, it suggests the AT are also moving more into supporting the RSA and they claim they do have a seat at the right table. From being pretty disappointed with any progress to date, I now feel a little more up beat. 

I seem to be on a role at the moment, I have had a reply from Hannah Rudd following several chases, more to follow when I get time to digest that.   

 

Letter - SIFCA.pdf

[boyscott]

Hi Mal

 

Thank you for the invite to this event. I agree it did feel more constructive than some of the other events.

My main observation which I wanted to share is that I think it will take time for this process to bear fruit. As you pointed out the level of RSA engagement has dwindled for a number of reasons and for that to reverse one of the main things which has to change is for the sector to start to see the benefits of continued/increased engagement. So we must be patient while not being fobbed of by platitudes  - perhaps we need to agree some tangible actions  with SIFCA (and other bodies) which are aimed at promoting our interests?

Is it worth having an agenda item at the next meeting to feed back and discuss the approach with a view to getting some more members actively involved in the dialogue?

 

Thanks again and regards

Max

[Mal Thomas]

51 minutes ago, boyscott said:

Hi Mal

 

Thank you for the invite to this event. I agree it did feel more constructive than some of the other events.

My main observation which I wanted to share is that I think it will take time for this process to bear fruit. As you pointed out the level of RSA engagement has dwindled for a number of reasons and for that to reverse one of the main things which has to change is for the sector to start to see the benefits of continued/increased engagement. So we must be patient while not being fobbed of by platitudes  - perhaps we need to agree some tangible actions  with SIFCA (and other bodies) which are aimed at promoting our interests?

Is it worth having an agenda item at the next meeting to feed back and discuss the approach with a view to getting some more members actively involved in the dialogue?

 

Thanks again and regards

Max

Max, I totally agree and as I mentioned I have had a reply from the AT Hannah Rudd and she has invited me to have a chat with her with regards to the points raised in my letter to her and also Peter Morgan her rep who visited us at the Club. I am also going to write to the CEO at the AT who released a letter that had our interests covered.

[Maverick Martin]

I agree the meeting seemed fairly positive and it certainly looked as though they were listening. 

I think what Pia was hearing really woke her up, lets hope she stays awake.

 

Although nothing will ever be decided at one of these meetings but what will happen is seeds will be planted and time will tell whether they take root.  The best we can do is keep attending them and plugging our end