charlieannear

Free to anyone who wants it- 150m or so of white nylon rope 12mm, 3 strand. This was my old anchor warp. It's gone a bit stiff, and isn't as brilliant white as it once was, but someone might have a use for it- seems a shame to take it to the tip! Let me know, and it's yours... or else to the tip it'll go!

Well last month was very busy in the UK/EU and this month slightly less so. Some may say that this reflects the financial year and people demonstrating their successes at the end of budget... but there’s plenty going on around the rest of the planet to make up for it. Some of this month’s hot topics: Beach clean 2013 PIB- Second ‘spill’ CFP Reform- Risk of further dilution Reallocation of Quotas- Big boats to small boats MCZ’s- Slow, unambitious and unaffordable? Forage fish- Protection for species that are lower down the food pyramid Tuna- Direct action by ports in Africa Chinese fishing vessels- Disproportional catches CITES: - Nothing to report European Fisheries reform: -No updates this month. Reform still to get through the last round(s) of debating before the changes voted for by MEP’s get passed. DEFRA: - Nothing to report Maria Damanaki (EU Commissioner responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries): - At #EU level, gap between seafood consumption and production from wild #fisheries keeps growing #overfishing - Illegal #fishing accounts for >15% of world catches & there is an inherent link w/ drug smuggling, human trafficking & organized crime #IUU - We need to fill gap by adding #security angle to Intgr8d Maritime Policy & effective #maritime dimension to Common Security & Defence Policy Angling Trust: - Help keep environmental education on the National Curriculum http://bit.ly/152OXu4 PDSAA: - Next meeting 23 May 2013. B.A.S.S: - http://www.ukbass.com/let-our-bass-breed-2/ Hugh’s Fishfight: - MP’s call on the Government to be more ambitious with MCZ’s http://www.fishfight.net/blog/mps-call-on-the-government-to-be-more-ambitious-on-marine-conservation-zones/ Dorset Wildlife Trust: - No Marine updates MCS (Marine Conservation Society): - Beachclean 2013. Total of 4,000 bags which is 30 tonnes of rubbish removed by volunteers from beaches around the UK over the course of 10 about days. This was 3 times more than last year http://www.dorsetforyou.com/greatdorsetbeachclean - Something must be done about 1000s of seabirds washing up due to chemicals being dumped in sea. Pls sign petition: http://bit.ly/11g503R - MCS part of @SeasAtRisk today calling on EU States to up ambition & aim to end marine litter problem in a generation. http://bit.ly/10KoOMs - MEPs threaten to block Common Fisheries Policy reform. Agreement must be reached for an ambitious reform: http://bit.ly/15c1NHE #CFPreform -Small scale vs. large scale fishing battle at high court again. Hoping for positive outcome http://bit.ly/13204RK #sustainablefishing MRC (Marine Reserves Coalition): - Scientists call for more large MarineReserves. 6X more fish in Chagos no-take MR than other Indian Ocean MPAs http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Scientists-call-for-large-ocean-wilderness-parks/108582 … - We welcome MPs Marine Science Report. Now Gov must show renewed commitment to #MCZs & marine protection http://www.marinereservescoalition.org/2013/04/12/mps-say-marine-conservation-zones-are-vital/ … - MPs say Marine Conservation Zones are vital http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/science-and-technology-committee/news/marine-science-report/ … Government must stop floundering. #MCZs #MPA - New Research: Marine Reserves can stoke local economies http://on.natgeo.com/11IvXxT via @NatGeoNewsWatch FCF (Fisheries Conservation Foundation): - Massive Marine Protected Area announced in the Southern Indian Ocean | http://bit.ly/12tgP86 . RT @DianeN56 - Some fish species may never bounce back, says study http://cbc.sh/SbfAMpJ - Scientists review #ocean nutrient patterns, availability, and limitations w/ changing climate. http://bit.ly/16XM24n . via @therightblue GOC (Global Ocean Commission): - @GOceanC at Sustainable Ocean Summit listening to industry-interface between regulatory frameworks & industry critical but are often absent - New Caledonia declares #shark sanctuary in national waters http://goo.gl/WbNw4 - Is the #ocean full of plastic? Not full up http://goo.gl/d9T3z - but enough in some parts to cause major problems - Case made for large no-take marine reserves http://goo.gl/iIGk4 #ocean NOAA (USA, but interesting to see what they are doing compared to us): - #DidYouNOAA seagrass can be scarred? Good news is, #NOAA Restoration completed 1st DWH Seagrass Restoration Project: http://1.usa.gov/18kYauY . - Great news—@NFWFnews Fisheries Innovation Fund awarded $1.6 mil to innovative fisheries projects in 2013: http://bit.ly/10fjRHT #fishfund - Sea surface temps during 2012 were highest recorded in 150 years on the Northeast US Shelf. More @ http://1.usa.gov/ZphZAV via @NOAANERfish - How are #NOAA scientists & rec fishermen improving catch & release techniques for thresher #sharks? http://bit.ly/11wklx6 #EarthDayNOAA Pew Charitable Trusts: - Major #tuna company to pay $2mil for illegal fishing off Liberia after African states stand strong. http://ow.ly/kwuWU #IUU - Pacific #bluefin #tuna need protection now. http://ow.ly/ks8nH Depleted species at an all-time low. - New study shows that the grey reef shark may change its diving patterns with the lunar cycle. http://ow.ly/ks8gd (via @HuffPostScience) - Less 1% of the world’s oceans are fully protected. By comparison, more than 20 times as much land area is protected: http://ow.ly/knFAC - MT @interpol_ec: Tuna Vessel Denied Port Landing Because of Evidence of Illegal #Fishing http://shar.es/JEgLa via @pewenvironment @S_I_F - Details emerge on major illegal #tuna fishing enforcement in Indian Ocean #IUU http://ow.ly/keBPn - African partnership making progress to stop illegal fishing. http://ow.ly/jHuWX Vessel denied port access by Seychelles. #IUU - New fact sheet shows why rebuilding fish stocks could produce $66 billion in value per year. http://ow.ly/kbw88 - Pew tells #Gulf fish managers that better data can help prevent #overfishing of important species. http://ow.ly/kcuen - Sea change in #fisheries management: @PacificCouncil approves ecosystem plan, with priority to protect #foragefish. http://ow.ly/k1685 - .@PacificCouncil: Almost 90% of #sardines landed on West Coast exported, typically as bait for Asian longline tuna fleet #foragefish (2/2) - Chinese fishing vessels catch about $11.5 billion worth of fish a year outside the waters of China #IUU http://ow.ly/jNg7t - Fishing vessels from #China catch over $7 billion in fish a year from West Africa http://ow.ly/jNfWs - Chinese foreign fish catch estimated to be 12,500% more than #China reported to @FAOnews . http://ow.ly/jMzdK - Chinese fishing vessels catch an estimated 4.6 million tons of foreign catch a year. Find out where: http://ow.ly/jJVLI - VIDEO: Importance of little fish http://ow.ly/jMyoF @PacificCouncil poised to improve protection of #forage fish through #ecosystem plan BBC News: - MP’s criticize slow progress on MCZ’s http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22083915 - Government admits to being slow on MCZ’s due to cost http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21967189 - Environmental change triggers rapid evolution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22039872 - UK Nature reserves attract new species (this could happen in MCZ's) http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/22064252 - Ice land Volcano ash triggers plankton bloom http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22045941 - Bid for new reef off Portland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-22111854- - Pilot whale put down after stranding http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22154155 Channel 4 News: - Why big fishing fleets are going to court to stop the government giving away some of their fish quota to smaller boats http://www.channel4.com/news/fishermen-in-court-over-battle-for-fairer-quotas Navitus Bay: -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10346344.Navitus_Bay_wind_farm__not_the_time_for_nimbyism__say_Friends_of_the_Earth/ -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10360385.Navitus_Bay_wind_farm_a____threat_to_status_of_Jurassic_Coast___/ - Rampion South Coast Wind Farm reduced http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-22076372 The Guardian: - Initiative to improve sustainable fish labelling unveiled http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/26/consumer-labelling-sustainable-fish - Scientists attack government climbdown on marine protection http://m.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/22/marine-scientists-government-marine-protection Poole and Purbeck Portal: - http://www.pooleandpurbeckportal.co.uk/ Second PIB incident: - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22104261 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22143053 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22184494 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22205061 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22246072 -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10351420.No__it_wasn_t_a_penguin__guillemot_rescued_from_Boscombe_beach_covered_in__sticky_substance_/ -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10368170.UPDATED__Dead_seabirds_found_washed_up_on_beach/ -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10370727.More_dead_birds_found_on_Dorset_coastline/

Bridport's 'first mackerel of the year' caught much later than usual: http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/localnews/10393144.First_mackerel_of_the_season_caught_later_than_ever_at_Lyme_Regis/

As Rob says, yes, we do under the right conditions (he wasn't joking!)

Get well soon Tony!

But I wonder what the insurance company would have been like if you hadn't had one fitted at all? This one is an 'insurance approved' lock too Agreed though, it's getting to the stage where you need one on every bolt, not just one bolt, and have a titanium plate sandwiched between the layers of GRP in the transom...

Same idea as suggested by Jim, but even more 'slippery' in design: http://www.falmouthyachtbrokers.co.uk/Volcano-outboard-bolt-lock.aspx

Happy Birthday!

If any of you fancy helping to clean up the oceans, (well, a little bit, but it's the thought that counts! ) then next Sunday is the Great Dorset Beach Clean. At many of our local beaches there will be the opportunity to get some fresh air and do a spot of beachcombing: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/greatdorsetbeachclean

A roundup of the main issues of the last 12 months, and looking forward to the coming year. Common Fisheries Policy. 2012 may be the year when Marine Conservation finally became mainstream. In the last year we have seen a Celebrity TV Chef (Hugh F-W) take up arms against the issue of discards and successfully run a publicity campaign with the aim of having this practice banned. This has been arguably the most influential campaign to affect the reform of the CFP, and within the next couple of months we should see this largely halted. He has begun to build on this success by having the Fishfight group focus on other unsustainable fishing practices internationally, aiming to raise the awareness of the general public and thereby put pressure on restaurants and supermarkets who purchase the fish sourced by these unsustainable practices. Protection. There have been groundbreaking decisions taken at the recent international conference of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regarding Sharks and Rays, resulting in wide-ranging protection for Manta Rays and Oceanic Whitetip, Porbeagle and Hammerhead sharks. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a new era in wildlife protection with many more of our most endangered marine species gaining the protection they require for their stocks to recover. Marine Conservation Zones. The creation of MCZ’s in UK waters has been a hot topic, and will continue to be over the coming years. Following the investment of a significant amount of time and money, it was envisaged that there would initially be 127 sites designated, but it now looks like there will only be 31 sites in the first instance, hopefully with more to follow. Internationally, many countries are creating their own Marine Reserves. Some have been created by countries this year which are millions of square miles in size, making current UK efforts look a little pathetic. It will also make it very difficult for the UK to encourage responsible behaviour by other countries if we do not lead by example. In order to have a network of protected areas in UK seas, (as there are on land, with the obvious and unarguable benefits to wildlife) a lot of work will be required. Bass Minimum Landing Size. This National campaign is supported by many groups and high-profile individuals (including MP’s), with the aim of encouraging the authorities to raise the Minimum Landing Size of Bass. This is to ensure that Bass have at least one breeding season (and preferably 2) before ending up on someone’s plate. Microplastics. We have seen images and video of Midway Island as an example of the effects of plastic pollution on an island thousands of miles away from major human habitation, and ongoing opposition to balloon and lantern releases by a number of environmental bodies as a way of highlighting the problem. This form of pollution has a wide range of effects arising from ingestion and biological concentration including starvation. Ingestion by fish species has been seen to cause chemical changes within fish, with effects such as reduction in fertility, reduction in growth rates, reduction in sense of smell, affected sense of direction, etc. This issue of plastic pollution is likely to be a hot topic in the coming year, and in the coming decades, as it is a hidden, widespread and devastating form of pollution. Navitus Bay. The Poole Bay Windfarm, although now reduced in size after first round of consultations, is still failing to gain popular support. This is in part due to the potential visual impact of the site (especially as the developers propose larger turbines on the smaller site) and also due to the effect on sailors and shipping. Watch this space- personally I think we are more likely to see wave/tidal power harnessed at this site than wind. Eelgrass/Seagrass. This issue has been widely publicised as a local issue in Studland Bay, however, many organisations are campaigning internationally as this is an example of a critically important habitat which many species rely on and has even been referred to as the rainforest of the sea. In recent times locally, Seahorses have been seized upon as a good way of raising the profile of this habitat to the general public, however, there has been some backlash to this, and the approach may even have been detrimental to the campaign. Future publicity is likely to highlight how this habitat is crucial to a lot more than just seahorses. GOC (Global Ocean Commission). This new international body aims to save the nearly-lawless high seas from over-fishing. Illegal fishing takes $10-23 Billion per year. The huge range in this estimation demonstrates how in reality no-one really knows the extent of the problem. Illegal fishing accounts for a significant percentage of the overall annual catch, and is tied to other marine crime such as piracy and the trafficking of drugs and people. Project SCALE is the international police operation which aims to address this, and the coming year should demonstrate some gains in this arena. Fish stocks. Even though there have been high-profile campaigns this year, pressure on fish stocks has not noticeably reduced, and is unlikely to in the short term due to ongoing global population increase, and some of what we would consider to be the most abundant fish are under increasing pressure. This year has even seen the downgrading of Mackerel. Overall, scientific discoveries are demonstrating that the oceans are very complex and barely understood systems, which human activity is undoubtedly altering. The recent announcement that the deepest parts of the oceans teem with microbes where only a few years ago it was believed that life in these areas was impossible highlights the fact that we don’t know much about the oceans. So those people involved in industries in the world’s oceans who say that they know what effects their particular activity will have, are unlikely to be correct.

Another month has passed with a lot of activity in the Marine Conservation field. Some of it has been highlighting potentially devastating activity which is being proposed at various locations in the oceans. Every time I hear about something like this, I am amazed (horrified?) that these kind of things are still being suggested. Of course, we need to have some human activity in the marine environment- people need to make a living, but as my 8 year old son pointed out following two consecutive articles on the news which were looking at proposals to undertake deep water mining to extract mineral rich rocks from the ocean floor, and another to sift mining waste from the sea floor off Cornwall: “If you don’t know what the effect will be, then you shouldn’t do it”. What is known is that the ‘food chain’ is actually a ‘food pyramid’. Any kind of damaging activity can upset the small stuff which makes up the foundation of the pyramid, which means there is less food for the slightly larger stuff, and so on towards the top of the pyramid. If you mess with the stuff at the bottom, the biggest effect is felt by the stuff at the top. New proposals for industry must consider the potential for detrimental effects to this bottom layer. Similarly, activity which hits the top level can be just as disastrous. Removal of predators such as large fish, sharks and whales is very likely to have given rise to the observed increase in squid (Humboldt) and jellyfish which are beginning to plague large areas of the oceans. This is also the case when considering pollution, with the effects of biological concentration meaning that the inhabitants at the top of the pyramid can suffer the effects of high levels of pollutants in their systems, even if the seas which they inhabit are relatively clean. This is why the issue of microplastics is likely to be a hot topic over the next couple of years. This kind of pollution doesn’t break up in the same way that chemical pollution does, instead the particles just get smaller and smaller. The seabirds of Midway Island are likely to have mistakenly swallowed pieces of plastic thinking that they were fish, however, they are also likely to have eaten fish that already contained plastic inside. As we've seen, the overall effect is that the creatures all the way up through the pyramid are being altered by the plastic in their systems (i.e. reduced fertility, growth rate and sensory acuity) and the creatures at the top of the pyramid starve to death because they are packed full of plastic. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Sharks and Rays: -Groundbreaking protection for Oceanic Whitetip, Porbeagle & Hammerhead sharks and Manta Rays: http://www.cites.org/eng/news/pr/2013/20130314_cop16.php European Fisheries reform: -No updates this month. Reform still to get through the last round(s) of debating before the changes voted for by MEP’s get passed. DEFRA: -Nothing to report Maria Damanaki (EU Commissioner responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries): -No notable quotes this month Angling Trust: -No new Sea Angling topics this month PDSAA: -Next meeting 23 May 2013. -Setting up “Wessex AT Dorset Conservation Group” (there is also to be a Hampshire Group) I’m to be on this as the Chair. Please let me know if you hear about anything local which we should be aware about. Mainly a ‘virtual’ group, perhaps meeting twice a year. Aim is to collate local issues and ensure Wessex AT is aware of them in order that AT can lend any support where possible/necessary. B.A.S.S: -Column in ‘Sea Angler’ magazine: http://ukbass.com/2013/04/01/latest-bass-column-in-sea-angler-3/ Hugh’s Fishfight: -No updates this month Dorset Wildlife Trust: -No Marine updates MCS (Marine Conservation Society): -Main effort last month was to encourage support for MCZ’s. Consultation closed on 31 March. -Good Beach Guide for the year is published. Water quality suffered at many locations due to wet weather overloading sewer systems: http://www.goodbeachguide.co.uk/ -Alternatives to balloon and lantern releases: http://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Clean+seas+an +beaches/Campaigns+and+policy/Don't+let+go+-+balloons+and+sky+lanterns MRC (Marine Reserves Coalition): -Bali urged to ban shark fishing: http://www.thejakartapost.com/bali-daily/2013-03-22/bali-urged-ban-shark-fishing-build-sanctuary.html#.UUxDVxRw2ME.twitter -Lyme Bay: http://www.marinereservescoalition.org/2013/03/19/lyme-bay-a-fishing-conservation-alliance/ -European ‘trawler barons’ abuse UK quota: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3713962.ece -The year of the shark: http://www.marinereservescoalition.org/2013/03/14/the-year-of-the-shark/ -Zoological Society supports MCZ’s: http://www.zsl.org/conservation/news/show-your-support-for-marine-conservation-zones,1053,NS.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ZSL+-+London+Zoo&utm_campaign=2234558_Conservation+focus+March+2013&utm_content=marineconservation&dm_i=7U7,1BW72,VG9IR,4I7MO,1 FCF (Fisheries Conservation Foundation): -Campaigns to save seagrass/eelgrass habitats. This isn’t just a local issue, they are critical habitats. -Film looking at the issue of plastics in the oceans: GOC (Global Ocean Commission): -New group aims to save nearly-lawless seas from over-fishing: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/environment-oceans-idUSL5N0B8BRU20130211 -Illegal fishing takes $10-23 Billion per year. Project SCALE aims to address this: http://www.globaloceancommission.org/news/focus-on-illegal-fishing-commission-welcomes-project-scale/ NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Fisheries (USA). “Stewardship of living marine resources through science-based conservation and management and the promotion of healthy ecosystems”: -American organisation, but interesting to see how they are tackling the issues which we also suffer from. -Angling has an $82 Billion impact on the US economy and supports 0.5 million jobs. -#NOAA Fisheries researchers work with fishermen to reduce bycatch in groundfish trawling: http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/headlines/newport-researchers-working-with-fishermen-to-reduce-bycatch-in-groundfish/article_ba0b75e0-90ba-11e2-92c6-0019bb2963f4.html -Protection of Eelgrass habitats as they are important to numerous species -Status of US fisheries: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm Pew Charitable Trusts: -African partnership to fight illegal fishing: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/another-fish-i-africa-success-as-seychelles-denies-port-access-to-suspected-illegal-fishing-vessel-85899465019?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&q=cafo&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=iuu -Highlighting the need to protect ecosystems as part of fisheries management, not just manage catch. -US moves to ban shark fin trade: http://dcist.com/2013/03/maryland_house_votes_to_ban_shark_f.php -Campaign to protect Bluefin Tuna: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/opinions/the-bottom-line-coming-together-for-bluefin-tuna-85899461366?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=gll -Protection of sharks and rays at CITES conference was the most significant day for the oceans in the 40-year history of #CITES BBC News: -The deepest parts of the oceans teem with microbes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21806406 This highlights the fact that we don’t know much about the oceans. So those people who say that they know what effects their particular activity will have, are not likely to be correct. -Landmark protection for sharks and rays: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21781949 -Scottish project to tag Basking Sharks to be extended: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-21768556 -Catching big fish means smaller fish in future catches: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21813736 The Express: -Historic day for shark protection: http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/384223/Historic-day-for-shark-preservation Navitus Bay: - The latest round of presentations have not been going down too well: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10293971.Navitus_Bay_wind_farm_given_thumbs_down_at_meeting/ -and http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10311303.400_pack_Challenge_Navitus_anti_turbines_meeting/

Have you tried these guys? http://www.normanboats.co.uk/

Well, it's a trick I'm missing then! Please tell us more!

Called 'Sea Fish Sizes' and available in the iPhone/iPad app store. Haven't got an iPhone myself, but looks like it could be useful for anyone starting out, kids or those who are app addicts... Let us know if you give it a go!

Good work Steve, but I think the weight is a bit intricate and likely to catch a lot of weed.. Can fish read? If so, maybe the word 'lunch' might be more effective than 'Love'?

Welcome!

Sorry for this next rant. I got a bit annoyed watching that... The Brixham scallopers were incredible (quotes paraphrased). "It's been going on for generations, it's OK"- Not the way that you do it it hasn't, and it really isn't OK. "Where we do it it's only sand and stones, there's nothing else there to damage, no corals or anything"- Exactly! There isn't anything else because scalloping using towed gear has smashed everything else to bits, and it is done so often that nothing on the seabed gets the chance to re-establish. If it was stopped, within a few years there would be all sorts of stuff on this ground which at the moment is only sand and stones. It would be a richer fishery. "If they make the area an MCZ, we'd have to go to someone else's ground"- Or how about trying something sustainable? Do these people think the images from underwater in Lyme Bay are fabricated? I imagine that this is the kind of argument that some people had in the last century when the National Trust, National Parks, Nature Reserves, SSSI's, AOONB's, etc started to be established. I wonder what our countryside would be like now without them. I expect this is the kind of arguments which some farmers had when they were told to stop using DDT and defoliant, and stop ripping out hedges, and stop filling the rivers with nitrate run off. I wonder what our countryside would be like now if these practices hadn't been stopped. Sorry, I feel better now.

It's on right now on BBC1, so it will be available on iPlayer later. I'll add a link to it when it's available...

Smart

Conservation Officer Report- March 2013 I'm not sure if there has been a sudden increase in Marine Conservation effort, or if it's because I am becoming aware of more and more sources of information regarding Marine Conservation activity worldwide, or if the topic is suddenly fashionable and is therefore getting a lot more media attention than in recent years, but either way, there is a lot going on out there! This can only be a good thing. The more that the wider public is aware about the state of the oceans, the more pressure they will put on politicians to build on the protection and restoration of the Marine Environment through sustainable fishing practices, reduction in polution and restriction on damaging activities. This past month has seen voting by European Politicians on considerable reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the creation of an international organisation which has the aim of legislating and promoting sustainable fishing in international waters, and groundbreaking protection for some of the most threatened species of sharks and rays by a renowned international body. Even though some of these schemes are dealing with exotic species, thousands of miles away, the worlds oceans are all linked, and the effects of these schemes ripple outwards. The ripples and strategies which cause them will eventually reach Poole Bay... and hopefully there will still be fish in our club waters when they get here. Big news, European Fisheries reform: -Fisheries reform has now been debated by the next group of people at the EU. The result of this has been that some of the points voted on by the European Parliament have been diluted, however, progress is still being made. Angling Trust: -Reccommend the voluntary code for Bait Digging: http://www.anglingtrust.net/page.asp?section=814&sectionTitle=Angling+Trust+Recommended+Voluntary+Code+Of+Conduct+For+Personal+Bait+Digging -Deliver their ‘Cormorant Dossier of Destruction. Not sure how I feel about this. Probably would have a slightly different attitude if I was a freshwater angler (which I’m not really) but the reason which Cormorants are plundering freshwater fisheries is that there aren’t enough fish in the sea. AT should make this a key point in their strategy, to add further weight in support of the arguments to increase marine fishery protection and conservation measures. More fish in the = less Cormorants inland. -David Mitchell’s blog, commenting on funding of Sea Angling projects: http://tidelines.anglingtrust.net/2013/03/01/cash-on-the-barrelhead/ MCS (Marine Conservation Society): -Successfully persuaded a number of organisations to change their plans and arrange alternatives to planned ‘Balloon Releases’, and will continue to do so. -Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy to be published in the coming months. This will be the first in the UK. Hopefully other areas will follow. MRC (Marine Reserves Coalition): -Research in the worlds richest marine area (in terms of species) shows that the size of MPA’s (Marine Protected Areas) does matter: http://news.sudanvisiondaily.com/details.html?rsnpid=219898 There are several new organisations that I’ve become aware of via Twitter. This one is based in the USA. They are prolific tweeters! FCF (Fisheries Conservation Foundation) “...promotes the principles of sustainability and sound science in our use of freshwater and marine ecosystems.”: -Microscopic larval stage (glochidia) of a particular species of mussels extracts nitrogen from the gills of the Largemouth Bass. This demonstrates how seemingly unrelated species interact, and how detrimental impact on one could have an negative effect on another. The larval mussels need the fish for that stage of their development, and the fish benefit from the activity of the larval mussels. It is likely that our native/local fish and shellfish also rely on each other in similar ways. Freshwater Mussels need 1. Suitable habitat. 2. Presence of host fish for glochidia 3. Good water quality: they are sensitive to changes. Out of 300 species, 77 are imperiled, 108 at risk. -Promoting CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)and fighting for increased protection of Sharks and Rays internationally (as are all of the other organisations in this report). -Raising awareness of the threats associated with plastics in the oceans -Economic effect of RSA: http://trap.it/nEFzXd DEFRA: -Consultation on MCZ’s ends 31 March 2013: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/12/13/marine-conservation-zones-1212/ Launched this month by David Miliband GOC (Global Ocean Commission): -90% of many large fish stocks have disappeared: http://www.globaloceancommission.org/ -Fisheries remove 80m tons of marine life from the oceans each year. Sustainable?: http://www.globaloceancommission.org/news/outstanding-opportunity/ Dorset Wildlife Trust: -This month is the last chance of have your say on MCZ’s -The substance which affected a number of seabirds has been identified as ‘Polyisobutylene’, and the rescued birds have now recovered and been released back into the wild. It is currently unknown how many birds died at sea, or whether this substance was released in a large enough volume to have an effect on the food chain i.e. will it have had any effect on fish. B.A.S.S: -Recreational Sea Angling specifically mentioned in the CFP for the first time: http://ukbass.com/2013/02/08/recreational-fishing-included-for-the-first-time/ Hugh’s Fishfight: -After success in assisting in raising awareness of discards, focus now widening to include other irresponsible and unsustainable practices, and supporting the creation of MPA’s internationally. -New series has been on Thursdays on Channel 4. The last 3 episodes are still available on 4OD: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hughs-fish-fight/4od -Last episode highlighted the incredible practices used to catch food for farmed King Prawns. Basically the fishermen are catching everything, and it gets minced up and dried and used to feed farmed prawns. I can only imagine that before much longer these fisheries will be completely wiped out, and then the fishermen will move further out. They are even fishing what are supposed to be protected areas. It might be on the other side of the planet, but marine systems are linked. 38,00 messages were sent to UK Supermarkets following this episode and this campaign is likely to be one of the big ones of 2013. -Held a protest march in London from the London Aquarium to the Houses of Parliament on 25 February in support of the creation of 127 MCZ’s. PDSAA: Next meeting 21 March 2013. Maria Damanaki (EU Commissioner responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries): -It's important to move to #CFPrefrom, for a real #discard ban, w/ clear & binding timetable - #CFPreform: flexibility to find solutions to make the #discard ban workable: yes! But undermining the very heart of the discard policy: no! -We want an effective #discard ban, we want to stop high levels of discarding of all important species #CFPreform -World #Ocean Review 2: illegal #fishing is a major issue. Between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish caught illegally a year http://worldoceanreview.com/bestellen/ -World Ocean Review2 is out: Maximum sustainable yield can prevent #overfishing. Alaska, NewZealand & Australia examples to follow #CFPreform - #USA & #EU tackle illegal #fishing - From a Shared Vision to Action' Op-ed w/ #JaneLubchenco #IUU @NOAAFisheries Pew Charitable Trusts: -Maintaining a review of a wide range of environmental issues, primarily CITES over the last month and ‘Project Scale’: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/remarks-from-pew-executive-vice-president-josh-reichert-on-the-launch-of-interpols-project-scale-85899454460?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=iuu -More on launch of Project Scale: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/press-releases/interpol-launches-major-global-initative-to-fight-illegal-fishing-85899453604?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=iuu -and: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/press-releases/interpol-launches-major-global-initative-to-fight-illegal-fishing-85899453604?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=iuu -Can The Southern Ocean gain protection before it is threatened?: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/antarctic-marine-protection-film-wins-international-film-honors-85899453170?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Ocean&utm_campaign=sos -Impact of removing one species on the others: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/pew-encourages-timely-adoption-of-west-coast-ocean-ecosystem-plan-85899449551 -Australia making finishing touches on Coral Sea Reserve. Set to be the World’s largest MPA: http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/protecting-our-coral-sea-85899451217?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gol -Protect Sharks and Rays (Video): ! BBC: -Bang Goes the Theory. Good overview of the Environmental impact of plastics: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01r6yqt/Bang_Goes_the_Theory_Series_7_Episode_1/ BBC News: -Research suggests that 100 million sharks are killed annually: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21629173 -Endangered sharks return to natural home in Bahamas MPA: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21497049 -Can commercial fishery technology save fish?: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21500701 -Progress on CFP reform: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21598367 -and: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21584863 The Independant: -Example of the effects of human medication can have once they’ve been passed from the human body: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/something-fishy-going-on-antidepressants-contaminating-rivers-make-perch-antisocial-8495075.html The Observer: -Highlighting the creation of the GOC (Global Ocean Commission) and involvement of David Miliband: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/09/lawless-high-seas-threaten-the-planet?CMP=twt_gu The Guardian: -Reporting that industries fishing the high seas can’t be trusted to act responsibly, and supporting the creation of the GOC: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/10/stop-plunder-of-the-high-seas -In support of Fishfight: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/15/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall-fish-fight-necessary?CMP=twt_gu -Shark killings exceed 100 million every year: http://m.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/02/shark-killings-humans-become-predators -Manta Ray worth $1m in a lifetime through tourism, or $40 as a catch: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2013/mar/05/manta-rays-cites-illegal-wildlife-trade?CMP=twt_gu New York Times: -Trying to explain how CFP reform is happening: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/europes-rift-over-overfishing-and-subsidies/?src=recg -Making places MPA’s doesn’t mean they are safe forever: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/14/bracing-for-a-new-england-trawling-decision/ Daily Monitor: -Cost of illegal fishing in Uganda. Showing that illegal fishing does not make money, it has a cost. Everywhere.: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Govt-loses-billions-in-illegal-fishing-annually/-/688334/1700982/-/2yxm4o/-/index.html Honolulu Weekly: -Report on the success of the world’s first oceanic no-fishing area: http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2013/02/grand-food-banks-2/ Sun Sentinel: -The issue of 'Ghost Nets' (abandoned commercial fishing gear): http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-ghost-net-20130228,0,350687.story Science Direct: -A Greenhouse, including hose fittings and flowerpots has been found inside a dead sperm whale. We have seen the considerable effect of plastics on seabirds when they mistakenly eat plastic in the sea. Fish must also be consuming plastics. Fish stocks are in decline everywhere and this is an additional pressure: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X13000489 Stuff NZ: -Battle for MPA’s in New Zealand (showing that the same discussions are taking place all over the world: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/8326373/Kermadec-sanctuary-an-avenue-for-Kiwi-pride Gulf of Mexico: -Strategies in place for the restoration of Red Snapper. Interesting to compare to our own discussions on Bass and other local species: http://gulfcouncil.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/more-fish-less-fishing.html Navitus Bay: -Nothing to report END OF REPORT

Was browsing ebay a minute ago, and look what advert it put up at the side... Kinda scarey, isn't it...

Was just looking for the threads which I did which were the forum version of my monthly Conservation Officer's Report, but they don't seem to have come across from the old site? I'd be very grateful if they could be moved across to this version of the forum as they took me quite a while to do... I wanted to copy the format for consistency, so I'd like to be able to look at last month's so I can do this month's, please.

I use a big plank when I trail the boat. But enough about Rob! It was a tip I was given on a course- a plank (decking plank) laid across the back of the boat, and a ratchet strap at each end to the trailer. Brings any 'bounce' forces straight down onto the hull, and stops any 'squeeze' of the hull sides.

IT Geek FAIL!

Projector and screen not an issue... unless we already have a speaker!