Petition to save trout fishermen hits 16,000
Campaigners hoping to reach 25,000 to put pressure on the Government
the netting season in Filey next year by two months, with a new closure date at the end of June.
The agency hopes this will lower the number of “vulnerable” salmon getting caught up in the nets, which are predominantly used to catch trout.
In Filey, the fishery is down to just seven small-scale, artisanal boats. Fishermen have inherited their licenses from their fathers, and want to pass them on to their children and grandchildren. But all of this is at risk due to new proposed regulations from the Environment Agency (EA).
The issue is that some salm- on are caught in the trout nets, though not as many as are caught by anglers.
According to recent communications from the Environment Agency, which issues the licences, it’s unclear whether after 2019, the Filey netsmen and their colleagues from neighbouring Bridlington and Scarborough will be able to continue with their low-impact and artisan way of life.
“If we’re forced out of business, then a light will be extinguished, never to be relit, ” warned lifelong fisherman Rex Harrison. “The netsmen of Filey have been the lifeblood of the community here for successive generations and even though we only number six now compared with the 14 that used to exist, our importance to the incomes of countless local businesses, through just being a tourist attraction, is unquestionable.” It is hoped the petition can get to 25,000. To sign it visit www.change.org/p/ george-eustice-mp-protect-filey-s-fishing-heritage + WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHANGES?