Chairman's Message

June-July 2007

 
We thank all the existing members for their continued support, and to the new members who have recently joined the MFA, and special thanks to CombiTrans Group AB of Malmo for their substantial contribution as sponsor to the MFA. All of which shows, that many believe as we do. That we are an important function and tool, for the continued improvement of the river Mörrumsån.
 
Please Note: important information regarding membership and membership payments link here: Updated membership details pdf

"Its easy from a distance, to have all the questions. But hard for those who are there, to have all the answers"
 
When the MFA was first formed in September 2005, it was decided that the primary concern, would be; what was happening to the river, and all that would be required to prevent it happening again in the future……………….That is the easy part and some would say, the MFA have all the answers, believe me, we wish we did have all the answers. The only answer we have in respect of our policies, is the issue with the estuary netting operations. As we feel it is the primary key to begin solving the issue of increasing the numbers of salmon and sea trout entering the river system.
 
For the moment, it would seem that the number of salmon and sea trout entering the river this year have increased. This is important when compared to the previous five years from 2002 to 2006. However, we hope that by the end of this season the increases in the numbers of salmon have been confirmed. The primary reason for the present increase in numbers of both salmon and sea trout this year, is most probably due to the decrease of the offshore drift netting operations. If the numbers of salmon continue to increase and the breeding habitats can support a healthy native breed stock, the MFA see no reason to restock the river with salmon smolts in the future.
 
However, we must all remember, there are no quick remedies or solutions to what has been happening with the Mörrumsån in the past, and we must view the end of season 2008 results before all can say that there is a start to an improvement. In the meantime, we must all give the fishing office time to make the improvements that are necessary. The MFA will continue to support the efforts of the fishing office, and always be there to help and assist them at all times.
 
Further, we should all not lose sight of the fact, that the potential increase of numbers of fish this year do not assure us that "all is well with the river" and next year and thereafter, everything will be fine. The key to that potential is the estuary nets, and once they stop, once and for all. It is only then, we will be able to see real and substantial increases in the numbers of salmon and sea trout entering the river system.
 
 
Nigel E.J. Griffiths 
Chairman
MFA