100,000 signatures and an otter debate will go to Parliament

I AM now over 60, and having been encouraged by a friend I decided to take up barbel fishing.

I went out full of enthusiasm and bought new fishing gear and enough books on barbel to fill the toilet walls, joined four clubs and began my own quest. Imagine my dismay when despite my best efforts, no large barbel graced my net. Sadly, having spoken to others on the bank, it appears that otters seem to have damaged and in some case obliterated the once plentiful ‘prince of the river’.

I am aware that rivers like the Marden near my home and the Bristol Avon have been affected.

There is strong evidence, but politicians will not risk losing votes fighting against a cuddly creature which is in fact a killer apex predator that has been allowed to breed unchecked.

I am making a plea to all members to sign the Barbel Society’s petition. At the moment there are only 11,000 signatures.

If we can get it up to 100,000 it must be debated in Parliament and then a means to control (not cull) otters can be found. This is every angler’s business. Please do something about it now. Tony Hughes, Calne