Chairman’s Message – 2009
For those that visit this site regularly, you will have noticed that not much had been said in 2008, and others have said they have missed the progress reports. Well, we have been doing exactly the job you expect us to do, except most of what was done in 2008 was "background work" That, and our day jobs have not given us much time to attend to the site. Furthermore, we believe, that results are more important than "happy happy" comments and rhetoric.
No matter how much we try to complete some of our work in a timely fashion, some key issues take time and are still on-going and we still endeavour to change those negative issues into positive ones. But changes are taking place, because we notice many others are becoming more involved, and it is only a matter of time before we all see the positive results. Many of the anglers have stated that they now feel that positive changes are taking place. The general attitudes have changed, many are far more positive for the future of the river than before. We have seen for example, the increases in catch & release of fish. The stats clearly show that in a few short years, catch and release of fish in the river has taken hold and increases yearly. In May last year while fishing the Mörrumsån, I had the opportunity to talk to a well known Swedish sport fishing writer. And after I levelled some criticism about the lack of response to the MFA, and how it seemed that a certain segment were not interested in what we do. The sport fishing writer was quick to tell me, that there is an increasing ground swell of support for the MFA. I felt quite humble at the thought, that there is more support for what we do than I originally thought.
Two major issues were highlighted in the 2008 season, the issues regarding the estuary netting operations, the other, very low water levels.
In April of last year, the MFA decided to allow another large and important organisation, be given the opportunity to try to get the estuary nets men to stop using their nets. We now know there have been serious discussions throughout 2008 with the largest net owner who lease their nets to a local commercial fisherman, The same nets man who on one particular day was seen with 40 fish he had netted from the Mörrumsån estuary, and later seen with another 20 fish in his boat………. We estimate due to the very low water conditions preventing the fish moving into the river. That in all probability up to 1500 were taken by the estuary nets, maybe more, at least two thirds of these fish taken would have been salmon. The threat to the wild Baltic salmon is very real and the numbers are still declining, the MFA say; No more empty words, regarding these estuary netting operations, this has to stop now!!!
The MFA has also decided that should this other organisation be un-successful in their discussion with the major net owners. The MFA may, subject to research and expert advice, take a more affirmative action against the major net owner(s). An action that will be "taken into consideration" and under advisement, and will not to be taken lightly.
When dealing with the estuary nets men, we will up to a point, deal with the issues, in a sensitive and diplomatic way, However, when it comes to large and powerful multi- National companies that profess through their corporate mission statements that they care for the environment and have a social responsibility to the communities. Then, when reminded of this, they turn their back and ignore their commitments that they so loudly proclaim to all. So now we will address the problems that all are having with e-on. Who are the power generation company responsible for managing the water flows in the Mörrumsån.
e.on
Global warming is here to stay, and latest reports now clearly indicate that it is accelerating far more than the scientists originally anticipated. So we would assume by now, those companies like e.on would be helping to do something about minimizing the effects of severe climatic changes. Not so in the case of the Mörrumsån, and it's not as if the organizations and people have not voiced their concerns to e.on………….they have, but to no avail. The people I have talked to, all say the self same thing. e.on listen, reach for the Government book on water flow(s) mandates and state they are just following the law.
Now, it's not as if e.on are poor, it is not if they lack the technical expertise and will, to manage effectively the water flows to the Mörrumsån. But to continue to deny that there is an alternative, a better way to manage the water flows in the Mörrumsån, and by not taking action, we feel e.on are being irresponsible. Furthermore, the e.on's resistant to change, financially harms the fishery and all the local businesses that rely on the sports fisherman who come from far and wide to fish the river. The MFA are determined to convince E.on through dialog and by giving clear examples of engineering projects that have been successfully complete elsewhere in the World that are similar to the problems that e.on may have with the Mörrumsån
Lastly, the MFA thank our members, sponsors, the board, and the staff at the fishery for supporting and helping the MFA do "The right Thing" for all who fish the river.
This year, and thereafter, we will endeavour to keep the MFA site current, and shortly we will have up and running a completely re-designed web site. Now, it's only a few days before the start of the 2009 fishing season, and I and the MFA board, wish you all…….good fishing we hope you all enjoy what the river has to offer.
Nigel E.J. Griffiths
Chairman
MFA