Chairman’s Message – Year-end 2007
The MFA are pleased to finish off the 2007 season with positive comments, especially after a number of years of bad news and bad results. Things are improving, and there are definite signs for being positive for the 2008 season.
The month of October represented a "milestone" for the MFA, as it is now over two years since the organization was formed, and we can thank the continued support of the members and sponsors for that. The numbers of Salmon and Sea Trout that came into the river have given us hope for the future. It also gives the MFA the incentive to achieve better results regarding our number one priority, stopping the estuary netting operations. In addition, with more special interest groups focusing on the river and its resources, and with the fishing office and staff that are doing everything in their power to make the changes. There is no doubt that the renewed interest will secure the future for all that fish the river. To reflect our continual commitment to what has to be done to bring back the river to its former prominence. The MFA have increased its numbers of board members which reflect a cross section of services and expertise, which will enable us to manage effectively the organization into the future, on behalf of its members, sponsors and all who fish the Mörrumsån.
I only fished for four days this year; however, I did spend many days at the river with people who were new to the river and others who have come back to fish after an absence of many years. One such person is a German friend of mine, Hans. We used to fish the river together back in the late 70's and early 80's. Then Hans stopped fishing the river for many reasons, one being, negative reports in Germany about the Mörrumsån. We spent a few days together this season fishing, and his positive comments are as follows: "A different attitude now exist on the river, more fisherman are more conscientious, polite and more considerate of other fishermen fishing. And that there is a genuine feeling that positive changes are taking place". Hans further went on to say; "that his experience of the river was measurable and very pleasant, thanks to the fishing office and to all those fishermen who helped him make his stay at the river a memorable one, one that will make him come back next year and repeat into the future".
Many questions are asked about our stance on catch and release, and we can only suggest that you release your fish, as it is at the moment, purely a personal choice and is voluntary, or at least "limit your kill rate" However, there are positive benefits to C&R and they are as follows:
By releasing a female salmon or sea trout, you contribute with approximately 1000 eggs per kg of fish to the river. The spawning result of this is uncertain, but if we assume that 5% reach the stage that they can leave the Mörrumsån as smolts, and 2% of these smolts will return to the river as adult fish. If we calculate this through, 1 kg of female will result in one adult fish returning to the Mörrum. In 2007, 211 female salmon were returned to the river (C & R) and the average weight of the caught salmon females was 8,19 kg. This will say that 1.728.090 eggs are returned and we as anglers have contributed with 1.728 new salmon that will return to the river over the coming years. In 2007, 246 female sea trout were returned to the river (C & R) and the average weight of the caught sea trout females was 3,78 kg. This will say that 929.880 eggs were returned, and we as anglers have contributed with 930 new sea trout that will return to the river over the coming years.
Estuary Nets
So we can see what the results are when the sports fishermen practice C&R. However, what are the results when the estuary nets are operating. We can only assume at the numbers that are taken by the estuary nets, and we presume from the calculations, that conservatively, as many as twelve hundred salmon and sea trout are taken and as much as fifteen hundred or more this year alone.
If we assume that twelve hundred have been taken, half salmon and the balance sea trout. Approximately six hundred of these fish will be females who go on to breed in the headwaters of the river. When we add the total number of fish that reached the headwaters with the numbers of fish that have been taken in the estuary nets we have an approximate 3000 of salmon and sea trout. This would help to guarantee the future of the fish stocks for the future.
The MFA feel that the Mörrumsån with its international reputation, the fine quality of the fishing and resources. Should not allow such a primitive practice as the river estuary netting to continue. These estuary-netting operations only benefit the owners of the nets. The sport fishermen fishing the Mörrumsån and the revenues that they generate benefit the whole local community.
Olle Sjögren Fund and Program
A few years ago a local sport fisherman who was also a great friend to the river, died while doing what he liked doing best, fly fishing for salmon in Norway. To me he was quite remarkable, a really nice person with lots of charisma. I am sure many of you will remember him with affection as I still do today. There was something about Olle Sjögren, because he had time for everyone, young and old, that is what made him so special. When pool fifteen was not so good to fish, many of us would still go there just so we could talk to Olle about the river, its ups and downs and how much of a hold it at on us. I remember well the day he caught his largest salmon in pool fifteen, Olle fishing off the Parkinson platform, and I was fishing at the bottom of fifteen. All of a sudden, I heard Olle shout out over the water………. Nigel help me, and bring that huge net of yours as I am into a big one. I netted the salmon for him, all of 16+ kg. A beautiful bright and fresh salmon. I miss you Olle, when you were there you always brightened my day, and thank you for those memories.
One of the things I noticed about Olle Sjögren, was how much time he spent teaching the young fisher's about the river, and in remembrance of his interest in the young anglers. I shall propose that the MFA set up a fund and program in his name, for the purpose of teaching young people "how to fish program". A program for all young people of all backgrounds.
All of you have a good 2008-fishing season, perhaps we will meet on the riverbank, and if so, I will look forward to that.
Nigel E.J. Griffiths
Chairman
MFA