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As your Chairman I have been closely involved or keeping in touch with the Health and Welfare of our membership. It is no surprise that we are of an average age when health issues become more prevalent, whether it be joints wearing out or more serious issues. The reason for this post is to invite you and encourage you to use your club site or talk directly with your close friends. A friendly ear or a shared experience or just some good wishes and support can be a positive experience. The mental strain of the Health issues can be as serious as the illness or disability, whilst PRIVACY is VERY important and many would rather keep things that way. Someone may want to share and benefit from a kind word or a shared experience and of course you can Private Message a fellow member for Privacy. I want you, our members to feel that this site is full of caring friends and members who may have experienced something very similar and may be able to sympathise or offer some positive words. Greg recently had some work done on his knee and I know he appreciated the get well soon messages when he was bored due to restrictions on his freedom of movement sat on his sofa recuperating and bored. I hope this post has helped or reassured someone or encouraged them to talk to their doctors or seek help for whatever may be concerning you. Generally, Men are the worst at discussing their concerns and bottling up worries inside. Sharing may be the step forward to dealing with your Concerns. I ask you to Please talk to your friends and listen out for signs that they might like to talk. You are not alone with what ever you are going through, I wish you all good health for the New Year and look forward to seeing you at our February meeting on the 3rd.

I had to go to the chiropractor this morning. I told her how a lifetime of hard work and worry on the farm had left me racked with pain. But I think she saw through me🙄

OK some good news the DVT i was told was there, did not show on the scan so fingers crossed, only dry January and shoulder op to negotiate. So no one put there hand up to be Mr Shutter for 12 days i had better go on holiday!!!!! I will try and do lots of photos and video so if anyone would like to hear about it after a meeting i can bore you all senseless!!!!!

Hi Mal, It is always good to chat and share a problem, and yes a lot of men are not good at it, well said. Where one can make light of problems also helps so here goes!!!!!!!!! A visit to hospital last night was good news, a Melanoma i had removed has come back clear, great news. A horse physio had a look at my knee yesterday which i damaged getting out of a tractor 3 weeks ago, and thought i might have a DVT,{ i find vets as good if not better than doctors sometimes!} Rang the Dr, straight in for blood test because i had one before after one of my knee ops. Out picking up today, call from the Dr get in and get some blood thinners straight away, and tomorow 12.00 a CT scan. Great meant to be away in the sun fishing The Spice Isle Billfish Tournament on the 20th, and they wont let me fly with a DVT, I hope and pray i can get it sorted as i have been invited for 28 years to fish this Comp but never could because it was in the shooting season DOH!!!!! I have only shot once this year because of a shoulder injury/problem and having an op 26th February, so ATM i have lost the 25/26 shooting season and now possibly missing the Marlin Comp!!! Hey Ho sometimes you have to laugh, and to make it worse i am doing dry January, all the above is true and you couldn't make it up. PS if anyone thinks they can forge a passport please do so, because the wife will be savage if we don't go!!!! This not meant to take anything away from Mals very serious and well meaning words above, well said Mal

Having spent a fair amount of time pestering and questioning different agencies regards sustainable fishing, I am seeing some seeds of change, even support. Now is the time to make even more inclusive effort between all the fishing community. We will be sending out a few letters and the more signatures or backing we can show the greater the effectiveness, please make the effort to support these seeds of change. I know only too well that we have had years of form filling and Surveys, many believing it will likely end up in more sanctions or bag limits and it often has. Now our stakeholder status is finally being recognised especially with the AT who we thought were not ready to take on the RSA cause, seems they are. They also have a seat at the right table. We are standing up for the future of the fishing area we fish for the following generations, nothing here will be short term, it is a long game at Glacial pace.

While I sit here waiting to get rid of an awfull bug, picked up at New Year. Wendy sent me a montage of January fish that popped up on her phone. I thought I would share it, in case anyone needed encouraging to get out, if weather allows. Not all pictures are from home waters. Lol Happy dangling all.

After our last Meeting with Senior SIFCA, I felt that there were more glimmers of hope and that we are starting to be listened to. The Senior Fisheries also clearly recognised the Angling Trust as a voice for Sea Anglers. Thank you Mal and other Club Members that attended the Meeting which was expected to last an hour or two, but went on for three hours with, at times, frank exchanges. Both sides generally listening to each other and some new channels of communication seem slowly to be opening up. Allan

Thanks Mal. I am sure once the weather settles and the fish start biting we will all feel a little happier. But kind words from friends are always a boost. Sharing great memories over a drink, including banter and taking the P~~~, are also a good remedy for the blues. you are a caring soul

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

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

I used to be the national expert on Madeira when I ran Madeira Holidays. A truly beautiful place with great walking. No beaches, apart from 1 artificial one, A great harbour and marina. The fishing is difficult because, being basically a volcano originally, it soars up from the bottom of the Atlantic very precipitously so incredibly deep very quickly. Try the local espada fish in the restaurants, delicious.

I got out for a few hours yesterday; the conditions were good...sun, relative calm, medium tide... BUT....the fishing was hopeless !! No whiting, no bass ...just a few annoying congers and dogfish. I'll blame the murky water and drop in temp...now around 6C in the bay. Alun.

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

Sunset at St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury on New Year Eve (Credit: Sara Parker) Welcome to DCF eNews Winter 2025/26 DCF News #CoastalInnovation #EnjoyTheCoast #RespectTheCoast #CoastalConnection #CoastalRecovery Grants & Funding News Save the Date - Conferences & Events DCF News DCF Conference 2025 That’s a Wrap! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Dorset Coast Forum Annual Conference on 19th November. This year was extra special as we celebrated 30 years of Dorset Coast Forum – a fantastic milestone for our coastal community! The event was a great success, with 100 members coming together to enjoy 12 inspiring presentations, grouped into three thought-provoking sessions: Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Climate and Ecological Crises The Changing Tides: Fishing and Marine Nature Recovery Shorelines and Stories: Building Coastal Community Connections We’re incredibly grateful to our speakers for their engaging contributions, the information stand exhibitors, our hosts at RNLI College in Poole, and our generous sponsors: Suttle Projects, who sponsored the conference and DCF’s 30-year celebration and Moffatt & Nichol who sponsored their information stand. For more details of the conference, including presentation slides, see our page on link below. DCF Conference 2025 25th Anniversary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site 2026 marks 25 years since the Jurassic Coast was inscribed as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional and globally valuable geology, palaeontology and coastal geomorphology. In celebration of this milestone, many stakeholders along the World Heritage Site are running special events and exhibitions. We will be helping to promote these events and have created a 25 year logo to help mark celebrations that are associated with the anniversary. Please keep your eyes peeled for events lists in your area. Here are some tasters of what we already know stakeholders have planned: On Sunday 15th February Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre are running a Beach Clean Championships in partnership with Clean Jurassic Coast. Help keep our World Heritage Site clean and safe for all marine life! You do not have to be a seasoned beach cleaner and everyone is welcome to join in. There are even prizes to be won! Find out more here Charmouth Beach Cleaning Championships The West Bay Discovery Centre is planning a seasonal exhibition on Changing Landscapes. Running from March to October 2026, the exhibition will explore the role of geology in shaping the world around us and will be accompanied by walks and talks. More details to come but you can keep up to date with the Discovery Centre at their website West Bay Discovery Centre Later in the year, Bridport Museum is planning to launch an exhibition of what could be a brand new species of ichthyosaur, recovered from the coast near Freshwater and currently being expertly prepared before a journey to Bristol University for study. Do you have any events you would like to use to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the WHS? Contact us to let us know! For advice about the World Heritage Site you can contact Sam at sam.scriven@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and 01305 224739 Outdoor Classroom Day - 21 May 2026 Schools across Poole and Purbeck are invited to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day on 21 May 2026 with DCF and partner organisations including South West Flood & Coastal, Andrew Simpson Centres and Litter Free Dorset. Co‑hosted this year by the National Trust, the event will take place at Shell Bay, Studland. Following a successful 2025 event engaging 7 schools and over 160 pupils, this free day of outdoor STEM activities (suitable for Years 5–9) promises even more fun and learning. Find out more and register your school’s interest via Save the Date! Outdoor Classroom Day 2026 is 21 May! Data from the 2025 boating season shows strong positive outcomes for the SBMP Eco‑Mooring Project, which protects Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow. All 87 eco‑moorings were well used, alongside continued scientific research led by the University of Southampton. SBMP volunteers analysed over 45,900 time‑lapse images monitoring compliance with the Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ). Results show excellent behaviour by boaters: 73% used a mooring 14% anchored outside the VNAZ Just 8% anchored within seagrass meadows — a significant reduction from previous years Encouraging signs of seagrass recovery were recorded in former anchor scars, alongside the highest number of seahorse sightings to date during monitoring dives. While compliance remains high, paid mooring use reached 45%, an improvement on 2024 but still below the level needed to sustain the project long‑term. Continued support is vital to ensure eco‑moorings remain available in future seasons. To find out how to support the project, pay to moor for the 2026 season, or attend engagement talks and events, visit the SBMP project page. Visit SBMP project page Swanage Neighbourhood Plan The Swanage Neighbourhood Plan survey is now closed, and the engagement report will be available on our project page shortly. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey or joined us at one of our engagement events. Results have been shared with those developing the draft neighbourhood plan. Once prepared, the Draft Plan will be shared for a formal public consultation. Visit project page Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation & Shore Road Enhancement Scheme The Green Seafront Report is now live and can be found here. Swanage Town Council are working on further feasibility studies and monitoring of the site, as part of next steps for the project. A report on the engagement for Shore Road will be available soon and will give insight into the responses to the four proposed options. Visit project page Preston Beach Recycling Scheme Last November a recycling scheme was delivered by the Environment Agency on Preston Beach in Weymouth. Over 11,000 cubic metres of beach material was moved from the Furzy Cliff section of beach, back towards the Greenhill rock groyne. A similar sized recycling scheme should not need to be repeated for 5-10 years, depending on weather conditions and the rate of material loss through longshore drift. An engagement summary for the scheme is available on the project page. Visit project page Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Scheme Engagement Event at the Jubilee Pavilion, November 2025 (photo credit Lyme Regis Town Council) A well-attended engagement event was held in late November to raise awareness and provide updates on the ongoing Cobb stabilisation scheme. The event explained why the Cobb required stabilisation, the proposed technical option to achieve this and the complexities and key players involved in taking the scheme forward. All of information presented is available on the project page and an event engagement summary will be released at the end of the month. Temporary repairs to a significant void in the outer wall of the Cobb were carried out in early November. However, adverse weather during the required spring low tides prevented full repairs from being completed. These works are now scheduled to take place during the next suitable spring tide window in the coming months. Visit project page Future Coast Dorset Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) Engaging Young People in Dorset’s Coastal Future The Future Coast Dorset team recently invited GCSE and A Level students to apply for a new Coastal Adaptation Pathways Student Panel, launching in February 2026. The panel will build students’ understanding of coastal adaptation while ensuring Future Coast programmes at Charmouth and Swanage reflect the voices of future generations. Future Coast North Swanage Not only has Winter 2025/26 been storm busy but the Future Coast North Swanage team have been busy offering plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved. This includes a new citizen science initiative Future Coast Click, a series of on-site Coastal Walks & Talks based on the cliff characteristics and patterns of erosion or instability which will continue into February, and our upcoming Adaptation Plan Community Conversation drop-in. Check out our Events for full details. Future Coast North Swanage project page Future Coast Charmouth Work is also underway on an Adaptation Plan for Charmouth to help communities adapt to long-term coastal change. An assessment has been completed of erosion trends and future scenarios, identifying risks to key assets and infrastructure. This evidence will inform the Adaptation Plan, alongside community input, to ensure practical and sustainable options are developed. The goal is for the Adaptation Plan to be embedded within Dorset Council’s Local Plan and other strategic frameworks. A community workshop is being held on 5th February, which will focus on potential triggers for coastal change and the actions needed to respond. The workshop will also provide updates on project progression, including new beach access design, drainage improvements and asset rollback. Future Coast Charmouth project page BCP Cliff Management Guide The BCP Cliff Management Guide initial engagement phase closed in July and the report can be found here. DCF have spent early January meeting with clifftop residents through a combination of door knocking and letter posting. The aim of our approach is to gather answers to three key areas: Property responsibilities – What questions arise when buying, selling or renting? Spotting erosion – Would you know what to look for and how to report it? Building works & gardens – Have you had to consider the cliffs when planning works? Responses are welcomed from cliff top residents until Friday 30th January by emailing Elaine Snow at elaine.snow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk More information can be found on the project page. Visit project page Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy DCF led two drop-in events at the Masonic Hall and Beehive Cafe in early December as well as an online presentation. You can watch the online presentation here This engagement round asked for views on the short list of proposed measures for managing long term coastal flood and erosion risk across the strategy area. The response from the events and accompanying survey are currently being analysed and an engagement report will be available at the end of the month. Visit project page Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Scheme DEFRA have released new funding reforms to be implemented from April 2026. The Weymouth FCERM Scheme will be subject to new funding rules meaning the delivery of the Outline Business Case (OBC) will be delayed as it will be required to comply with the new guidance. Technical works on the OBC continue to progress, including surface water investigation in collaboration with relevant Risk Management Authorities. Visit project page #CoastalInnovation Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy BCP Council and New Forest District Council have formally adopted a new joint strategy which outlines how coastal flood and erosion risk will be managed over the next 100 years, from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, encompassing Christchurch Harbour. The Strategy highlights that ageing existing coastal defences and the changing climate (including rising sea levels) put over 3,500 properties at risk from coastal flooding and or being lost to coastal erosion. See summary document and website. Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster A green growth revolution is underway which positions Dorset as a new UK destination for international investment in clean energy. Bringing together private sector organisations, the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC) is on a mission to unlock investment and align processes to ensure the UK Industrial Strategy can be delivered in Dorset and the English Channel. Read Energising Dorset’s Economy Weymouth Peninsula harbour walls repair and replace work continues Work to replace the harbour walls at Weymouth's Peninsula resumed in January with huge sheets of metal being installed in front of the old crumbling walls. New walls will ensure the peninsula is structurally sound and will provide homes and businesses with better protection against predicted sea level rises for the next 70 years. The long-term aim for this area is to eventually develop the Peninsula with a mix of attractive residential, commercial and community led spaces. For more details see Peninsula Harbour Walls repair and replacement scheme - Dorset Council South West Flood & Coastal launch website South West Flood & Coastal has launched a website reflecting the shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council. The site provides information on coastal projects of all scales and is designed for residents, students, and coastal management teams alike. Take a moment to explore the content >> South West Flood and Coastal £1.4million allocated to strengthen cliff stability management Essential work to help bolster the stability of cliffs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s coastline is set to take place after BCP’s Cabinet recommended allocating £1.4million of funding. Updates will be made on South West Flood and Coastal Long Groyne project wins Civil Engineering Award The Hengistbury Head Long Groyne project team were delighted to be announced winners of the Resilience Award at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2025 ceremony. The award acknowledges “one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious coast protection schemes, combining innovative engineering with large-scale marine biodiversity enhancements”. Crown Estate supports feasibility study for offshore wind port at Portland The Crown Estate has announced in December that it will support clean energy company, Morwind, to produce a feasibility study to further their proposals for Channel Gateway, a deep-water offshore wind port at Portland. The proposed wind port facility would bring thousands of jobs to Portland, Weymouth, Dorset and the South West, creating up to £2.7 billion of economic benefit. Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Funding Policy Read about the government response to the consultation on reforming our approach to floods funding. Sign up to the mailing list to receive updates. #EnjoyTheCoast The Winter Walking Challenge is back for 2026! Join the Birds of BARI team on their winter walking challenge to: · To get outside every day in January - it could be for a brisk 15 minute walk at lunchtime or a full hike · To walk a little further every week - upping your steps and adding some hills · To join them for group walks throughout January - explore new places and meet like-minded people. Check their Facebook group for more details: Entries open for 2025 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Now in its 14th year, the competition celebrates the extraordinary beauty, diversity and stories found along the 630-mile Trail, from its dramatic headlands and golden beaches to its wildlife, heritage and the people who call the Coast Path home. Entries close at midnight on 31 January 2026 #RespectTheCoast Litter Free Dorset campaigns for Weymouth Water Quality In 2025, Litter Free Dorset worked to keep Weymouth’s waters clean through its Water Quality project. With murals, events, and campaigns including Love Weymouth Harbour, Only Rain Down the Drain, Don’t Feed the Locals, and What Not To Flush, the team reached 11,000 households, 80+ hospitality businesses, and 20 boating groups with practical water‑care guidance. More water quality campaigns are on the way this year - watch this space! Poole Harbour Paddle Power Map Over 1500 copies of the Paddle Power Map were handed out to paddlers using Poole Harbour last year – the digital version is also hosted on the DCF website. Alongside this the BARI (Bird and Recreation Initiative) team has delivered wildlife friendly water sports sessions to over 140 instructors at 6 of the largest water sports operators working in the area. Bathing Water Classifications 2025 The Environment Agency has published the 2025 bathing water classifications for 449 designated bathing sites in England. 87% meet standards for ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ classification, an improvement on 2024. Includes ‘Excellent’ classifications for Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth beaches. A practical guide for local communities and local authorities to recognise your local rivers’ rights The Rights of Rivers toolkit - produced by Hogan Lovells and the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is an excellent resource for any community looking to recognize and protect the rights of their local river. The resource offers practical advice and legal steps which local communities can take to protect their rivers, from council motions to river representation. You can find it here. #CoastalConnection Southern IFCA's Community Drop-In Surgeries - Poole, Thursday 22nd January 2026 Southern IFCA are hosting Community Drop-in Surgeries at two locations in Poole on Thursday 22nd January 2026. Join them for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team. Coasts in Mind offering training opportunities for young people In February 2026, the team will host a fully funded workshop with Dorset History Centre, giving 16–25‑year‑olds the chance to explore archive material relating to Poole. Youth groups from across the harbour area are welcome. The session will appeal to those interested in geography, history, heritage, museums, or the environment, and is ideal for young people looking to gain new skills, boost their CV, or connect with others. To find out more or book places, contact Hazel hcrabb@MOLA.org.uk or Oliver ohutchinson@MOLA.org.uk. Consultation: Significant water management issues The Environment Agency is seeking views on the significant water management issues which present challenges to the health of our water environment. Deadline 20 May 2026 Take Part in the Great Big Nature Survey! The Wildlife Trusts want to hear your opinions on some of the biggest questions surrounding nature and our collective role in caring for it. MMO Update: New and improved marine licensing service Marine licensing users can now use an improved Marine Management Organisation’s marine licensing service. This requires either a Government Gateway ID or a Gov UK one login ID. If you have already used the new service you can sign up to give the MMO feedback by filling in this short form. Seafood report shows UK import and export levels on the rise Seafish have published the UK’s only annual report which offers an analysis of seafood data across the entire supply chain, from catch to plate. Link to report here #CoastalRecovery Bivalve Washout at Studland Bay A major washout of bivalves occurred on Knoll Beach, Studland, on Boxing Day, noticed by beachgoers and reported by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Species included otter shells, rayed trough shells, red-nosed cockles, slipper limpets and whelks and large numbers of razor shells, along with sand mason worm tubes. Middle Beach also saw deep piles of dead seagrass and uprooted plants. Similar events in March 2018 and November 2024 suggest a possible emerging pattern. While the seagrass and seahorses get all the attention, sandy seabed is also a protected habitat in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone. The sand might look uninhabited but this washout shows that it is full of life – it’s just all buried beneath the surface! Bivalve washout Knoll Beach, Studland, 26 Dec 2025 (credit: Peter Tinsley, Dorset Wildlife Trust) New plan to restore and protect Dorset’s environment A new local nature recovery strategy has been adopted to help restore and protect Dorset’s natural environment over the next decade. It was developed by Dorset Council in partnership with BCP Council and Natural England and reflects the views of local farmers, communities and environmental experts. You can view the strategy here The Wildlife Trusts’ 2025 marine review A year of disasters, discoveries and determination around UK shores. The Wildlife Trusts’ annual Marine Review highlights the work of over 100 Living Seas marine ecologists around our shores, supported by thousands of volunteers. Building clean energy while our seas flourish: introducing the Marine Recovery Fund Defra have launched the new Marine Recovery Fund, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between clean energy development and environmental protection. Offshore wind development does not have to come at the expense of nature. Study Records Zooplankton Transporting Microplastics to the Deep Sea A new study has, for the first time, recorded and measured how fast microplastics move through the gut of a key zooplankton species in and used those measurements to estimate how much plastic these tiny animals might be transporting—and sinking down—through the ocean each day. Grants & Funding News Naturesave Trust Grant open: Theme Marine conservation Naturesave Trust is inviting grant applications from charities, community groups and organisations working to protect and restore marine environments, including projects focused on marine conservation. Closing date: 26 February Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026 The Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026 is now open for applications. The fund is open to applicants who want to install a water bottle refill station in a busy or environmentally important coastal location. Since the fund began we have enabled nearly 50 fountains to be installed around the coasts of the British Isles and we can’t wait to see more popping up later this year. Closing date: 28 February Water Efficiency Fund Ofwat has funding available for designed to drive sustained and measurable reductions in water demand through collaborative and innovative approaches. Closing date: 10 March UK Community Tree Planting Grant International Tree Foundation are offering funding, free trees, and expert advice for community-led planting projects such as orchards, hedgerows, and woodlands on publicly accessible land. Includes maintenance support for two years. Closing date: 31 March Save the Date - Conferences & Events Coastal Futures 2026, London & Online, 28-29 January 2026 This conference is an opportunity to challenge conventions, spark new ideas, and shape the future of our oceans. They'll be exploring key themes like balancing blue growth, coastal resilience, and innovating for a healthy ocean. 2nd Ocean Advocate Summit, 21 February 2026, Bristol With passionate ocean speakers from all walks of life, workshops to help you consolidate your desire to do more for the ocean, and exhibitors, artists, musicians and storytellers to weave reflection and inspiration into the day, you will leave ready to take action. If you have information to share, or wish to unsubscribe, please email dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Find links to our projects at @dorsetcoastforum | Linktree Copyright © 2026 Dorset Coast Forum, All rights reserved. Dorset Coast Forum mailing list

I'm sure it's not predators or 'toxic mud' ...[those chemical discharges stopped decades ago ] I think it is about recruitment...something to do with the spawning areas [in Lyme Bay ?]..baby flounders are not making it make into the harbours . Years ago, I would always see lots of postage stamp size flounder[lings] whizzing away from by your feet as I launched at Mudeford...not any more! The bass may have had some, as would cormorants [but there aren't many in Christchurch] but not enough to explain the virtual disappearance. Alun.

Thanks Mal for a very thoughtful , caring, and reassuring post, the kindness I have received via text and phone conversations with members has been a great comfort to me. My wife was diagnosed with a myeloma cancer 17 months ago , iam going through a “ well man , m o t clinic thing at the moment 🤞 on that one but so far they say it’s not cancer. I think I will put a post up soon that may help other members, but if any one wants a chat or text in confidence iam more than happy to listen and help in any way I can male or female. You can p m me on here or tel me on 07730249907. Google hope and cancer is probably worth doing. NEVER GIVE UP Jerry, that”s fantastic news on you update , when we were out on 11/8/25. Two of us had a theoretical £1000. Day out , bass and bonito fishing ,😀 fun and frolics , what you spoke of then was a worry for a while but seems to have turned out the right way. That’s your £1000 day😀 Not sure I can easily forgive you about the knee thing, never mind about the s p jigging lessons, may be I should do a talk after a meeting , entitled how to disembark safely from a tractor 😂 Sorry Jerry shouldn’t make fun it probably still hurts ☹️. Colin.

Emails have been sent to initiate more discussions with eminent University Scientists re the Bottom Trawling Activity in the bay. I am hopeful of a good dialogue. Those of you who have been out can you recall seeing any activity by the Trawlers?

Max, as always we raise the same issues and discuss what they want to deploy. Our issues are always fish stock related and whether commercials are sustainably fishing or depleting stocks until they crash before SIFCA or the MMO decide to act due to crisis. We are sending our agenda items for inclusion in the meeting.

Nothing like picking your hubby up with some old great pictures[emoji1] Very caring and thoughtful wife [emoji106][emoji1] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hadn't Jim, but I believe there will soon be a big shortage!

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.

I think it's every man/woman for him/herself, no quarter given. I know I didn't cover all the bases but, life is too short. Terry.

After reading that Jerry I feel like a teenager, many thanks. Get well soon mate. All joking apart what c--p luck that is, hopefully some good news will come your way. 🤞

December's worthy winner is Chris with his photo's of Kingfisher's engine undergoing rebuild in his garage. Hope all goes well Chris and no parts are missed, oilway's blocked or bolts not tightened.

3000 piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle to put back together. 🫣

They tried to sell me C map being just as good as Garmin Navionics, I was told by third parties it was not as good🤷‍♂️ I think you will find majority of club members use Navionics. Incredibly simple and you can sit at home spying new marks.

Hi Kam, I was just thinking of you the other day as I was making these. Remember the top of your old fireplace? I transformed it into four carvings of my brother's family. Produced from a photo. 👍🙂 Thanks for that. Hope all's well. Jim

I hope to attend the Harbour one around 5pm. Could do with support if any one available

You are supposed to take this thread seriously you know Martin !!!! 😀

Hi Rob, There was a Flounder Shore Comp a couple of days before our Species Comp in Dec with 50 Anglers, no flounders caught. I was talking to a guy who organises comps for a club last year was the first year their top angler never caught a flounder in 30yrs of being a club member, they are blaming the number of seals now in the harbour.

I went in October Charlie, lovely place. The weather didn’t play ball for a fishing trip. If you go down to the waterfront in Funchal there are loads of kiosks selling fishing trips and you can see most of the boats docked there. Pictures looked good, but they always do!?! If it’s too windy try a 4x4 trip or hire a car, some beautiful scenery.

We've been twice on Canary islands cruises. Last time a couple of years ago we negotiated a discount and went for a minivan taxi ride of the sights. I was so impressed that I gave the guy the full price. 👍Beautiful place. We followed a toboggan down the hill in the taxi. That was fun. 😃 Didn't go fishing though. Didn't need to. Plenty of food on the ship. 😁

Have been, did not fish. A beautiful steep sided island, inland is well worth a visit, not sure about the basket ride down hill. Timing all important for the flowers. You will enjoy the visit. Btw the fishing is meant to be excellent.

Hi 28th/29th approx maybe saw them 3 days on the trot

Will be going to the evening one. Hope to be there about 5 pm. Will try and raise at least the following. Trawler(s), Inshore netting, lack of Mackeral, maps and coordinates of MCZ'S, lack of size limit and quotas for Guiltheads. Please add others below as we also have an on line Zoom with Fisheries at the end of Jan/ start of February. Allan

Allan, it is in my diary to attend. Are we expecting new staff?

There are some yellow markers. Last time out they were ok ..use as if they were red channel markers. Obviously, when swell is running , it gets hairy !

Merry Christmas All! Rob

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all from Bobi and Colin

Merry Christmas to everyone and a happy new year with settled weather

Happy Christmas to you all 🎅🏻and a happy new year tight lines 🍺🍺🍷🍷

It will be fine, I hear Blake is good at Lego! R

Happy to attend. Which one are you going to? And do WE have a specific agenda ? i.e. Not theirs but ours 🙂 Cheers Max

Was out on Sunday 4th January on the Sadler Banks, no trawler seen.

I was out on the 31st, no trawler seen in the region of Dolphin sands I was also out about 1 week previous to that south of the needles saw Obsession trawling away out there.

Allan I would like to come along but will be getting ready for a holiday however, if I get spare time I'll join you

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Thanks for that. I've been looking last few days at low water so I've got the gist.

Farmer looking Epic

Chris with a Bass on the species comp.