Same old myths from Martin Salter MP!
Martin Salter MP has again put up an amendment to John Grogan’s EDM 1331 - RIVER ACCESS FOR NON-POWERED CRAFT . He is once more putting out misinformation about what we (and members of the public are campaigning for) and continues to view the issue as a canoeing v angling which is far from the truth.
We have in fact met with Martin Salter MP who did offer to form a joint working party to look at an access code. Nothing has come of this so we have drafted our own up (in consultation with others and related to English Law) to support a Public Access to Inland Waters Bill which ran out of Parliamentary time last year but the Bill will go back in again in the next session of Parliament. Clarity of access is needed so that an access code can be developed and adhered to.
We are not asking for any thing unreasonable as it happens in Scotland and works extremely well. Scotland is now benefiting from increased tourism etc because of it. It is not un-fetted access as Mr Salter states it is access for all .. rights with responsibilities. It is not about trespassing across private land is it about all of us all accessing water and using the rivers and inland waters appropriately.
We are aware that there is a perceived conflict between the different users, particularly with fishing. We understand that in reality as access is increased and therefore intense use of a few sites removed, any conflicts will be few and far between. Very few of anglers would be affected by the proposed legislation. Many anglers pursue their sport either; in specially provided still water fisheries on private purpose built lakes or on the sea or on large rivers which are often existing navigations where fishing and boating interests have had shared use for many years, an example being the River Thames. Many of our angling friends now fish from kayaks so access to the inland waters would support this rapidly growing part of the sport too.
The Rivers Access Campaign regularly receives support from anglers who feel that they want more opportunities for fishing and now as the sport of kayak/fishing is growing extremely rapidly they too need more places to go. (Anglers themselves in their own publications are saying Keep rivers for ALL – not just the select few - Anglers Mail 5/6/07)
Does canoeing disturb fish/fish stocks?
Effects of Canoeing on Fish Stocks and Angling – Research and Development Technical Report W266
The research undertaken by the Environment Agency on behalf of the Angling and Canoeing liaison Group – a group established to encourage communication between angling and canoeing communities – involved consultation with both canoeist and anglers along with independent opinion from a panel of 10 experts.
The research found that there is no empirical evidence linking canoeing with damage of spawning grounds and stocks.
Canoeing and the economy
The philosophical viewpoint that canoeists and other users should have free access to rivers in England and Wales (in the same way that walkers have free access to footpaths) has led to an unfounded and incorrect assumption that canoeists are unwilling and do not contribute to the economy. This is far from the reality. In fact, the British Canoe Union spends over £100,000 on annual licences on behalf of members, With over 1.5 million UK paddlers in total (RYA survey), many of whom purchase licences directly, it is fair to conclude that the contribution to the economy is significantly substantial.
In addition canoeists regularly pay for access to facilities for recreation and competition.
Furthermore, aside from the direct contribution canoeists make, there is also the indirect contribution in terms of expenditure on fuel, accommodation in rural areas.
The Environment –
Canoeists (as are the vast majority of people) are environmentally aware and we wish to enjoy and support the natural environment. Canoeists pick up rubbish and many clubs and individuals often take part (and organise) river clear ups.
It is time that the debate was moved on in the media and Mr Salter MP away from angling v canoeing and looked at the real issues surrounding the problems.
With 2012 around the corner one of the best legacies that could be left to all members of the public is a legacy of access of access to water.