Date posted: 20/12/2005

Source: DEFRA

Subject: ENGLAND CATCHMENT SENSITIVE FARMING DELIVERY INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED

Content of News Release:

Dedicated advisers will soon be on hand to help farmers tackle the causes of harmful water pollution, Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today.
Forty catchments across England, identified as priority areas for action, will be targeted under a range of measures aimed at improving farm practices and reducing water pollution from agriculture. Newly appointed advisers will work on a one to one basis with farmers, as well as leading a series of initiatives including workshops and farm demonstrations to encourage best practice.

Pollution caused by agriculture can have serious effects on local rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. An overloading of nutrients lost from fields can boost the growth of algae, which in turn squeezes out plants like stoneworts and water buttercups. Oxygen levels can also become depleted, suffocating fish.

River plants like the brook water crowfoot are at risk from soil-loss from fields which leads to the siltation of rivers – also hampering the breeding of trout and salmon as well as a range of insects.

Read more and download associated documentsat the following address:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/051219a.htm#map


Related Document: DEFRA-catcment-map12-05.pdf

Date posted: 15/12/2005

Source: Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT)

Subject: PRESS RELEASE - River Access

Content of News Release:

The Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT) is calling upon MPs to support the principle of Voluntary Access Agreements to address the recent demand by canoeists for free access to English and Welsh waterways for all water users.

FACT is working closely with Martin Salter MP (Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling) who has tabled an amendment to the original Early Day Motion (EDM 957), which urges Government to extend legislation on access to the countryside to allow canoeists and users of other non-powered craft the same access rights as those provided for walkers.

Whilst anglers are perfectly willing to seek voluntary joint access agreements with other water users, sustainable protection of the aquatic environment must be paramount, together with the proper regulation of all craft, whether or not they are powered, on inland waters.

Anglers and fisheries managers etc can lobby their MP's on this issue by contributing to the debate by editing and submitting a copy of the draft letter prepared for the purpose and available below:

Details of how to contact your MP use this link: http://www.writetothem.com/

Sample draft letter to send to your MP regarding this issue can be downloaded below:

http://www.nafac.co.uk/news/Letter-to-MP.doc


Related Document: FACT-AccessPR-Dec-05.pdf

Date posted: 14/12/2005

Source: DEFRA

Subject: Water framework directive - consultation on river basin planning guidance

Content of News Release:

The main purpose of this consultation is to invite views on draft guidance to the Environment Agency on river basin planning in England and Wales. The guidance sets out principles and key steps for the river basin planning process. It is being published for consultation for transparency and to seek advice and assistance from key stakeholders in developing its content.

The deadline for consultation responses is 7 March 2006.

We would prefer responses to this consultation to be sent by email. For England, responses should be sent to wfdconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

WFD Team
Water Quality Division
Room 209,
55 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2HH
Email: wfdconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7082 8032

www.defra.gov.uk

13 December 2005

Full details of Consultation papers at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wfd/index.htm

Download ducument (1.2m pdf) http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wfd/consultation.pdf


Related Document:

Date posted: 6/12/2005

Source: British Waterways

Subject: BW Press Release

Content of News Release:

British Waterways cares for a 2,000 mile network of canals and rivers in the UK and has commenced on an extensive winter engineering programme. The works will help secure the future integrity of the 200 year old network, ensuring the waterways continue to be enjoyed by the millions of people who visit them each year.


Related Document: BW-Press-release12-05.pdf

Date posted: 1/12/2005

Source: NAFAC

Subject: Avian Influenza

Content of News Release:

Public information and open release of NAFAC Bulletin 1905 Avian Influenza.

Free download of the listed PDF below (200k file)

This Information Sheet is designed to give members a basic awareness of the current situation regarding Avian ‘Flu and the possible implications for fisheries and anglers. It is not intended to deal with a human flu pandemic, which will possibly have many more serious implications for us all.

Full access to all NAFAC Bulletins and Information Sheets etc are available to Members of NAFAC. Membership is open to all!

Find out more and download a membership Application today.


Related Document: 1905-Avian-Flu.pdf

Date posted: 21/11/05

Source: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm

Subject: Bass Landing Sizes

Content of News Release:

Defra have launched a consultation about raising the mesh sizes of nets used in catching bass. Further details of this consultation and NAFAC's view can be found in our November newsletter to be distributed to members very shortly.
All members are urged to support the plans submitted by the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society (BASS).

Visit the dedicated page at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm


Related Document:

Date posted: 17/10/2005

Source: NAFAC Member Services Officer

Subject: FACT Press Release: Angling excluded from Animal Welfare Bill..Oct 2005

Content of News Release:

Details of the Animal Welfare Bill can be found on the Defra web site - http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/

Download copy of the FACT document now from NAFAC below.


Related Document: welfare-bill-FACT.pdf

Date posted: 15/10/2005

Source: Energy Networks Association

Subject: Energy Networks Anglers Safety Guidance Document ..Oct 2005

Content of News Release:

The new Energy Networks Anglers Safety Guidance Document upon which NAFAC played an important part is now out on the Energy Networks website http://www.energynetworks.org

Download copy of the document now from NAFAC (PDF 1.09Mb)below.


Related Document: Angling_guide.pdf

Date posted: 8/9/2005

Source: DEFRA

Subject: DEFRA Vacancies for Members on National Parks Authorities and Broads Authority

Content of News Release:

Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, today announced her intention to appoint new members to the following authorities:

*Lake District National Park Authority
*Northumberland National Park Authority
*Peak District National Park Authority
*Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
*Broads Authority

National Park Authorities were established to recognise the national and international importance of the landscape within the Park boundary. They work both to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of their area, and to help improve public understanding and enjoyment of their area.

The Broads Authority is a member of the National Parks family but was established under different legislation, not least because of the importance of navigation on the Broads. It works to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, to promote public enjoyment of the area and to protect the interests of navigation.

Visit the page linked below for more detailed information about these vacancies!

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/050831a.htm


Related Document: