Chairman’s Message – April 2007
Posted by Nigel Griffiths (nigel) on Apr 08 2007
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Yesterday is un-recoverable, but today and tomorrow is a win or lose day.

For the second time in over thirty years of fishing the river, I went to the Mörrumåsn premier day. Last year was very cold with snow still on the ground. What a difference this year, bright sunshine, and what a beautiful day. Although the numbers of people going to this occasion are declining by the year, this year was a little special. The people at the premier day had more smiles on their faces, the fishing office staff had a “spring in their step” meaning they had accepted the circumstances and they were going to do something about it, even I said to myself (and one cannot get more cynical than I) we are going overcome this situation and make it a win-win situation for all.

Oh, lest I forget, the fishing for most was good and both the kelts and the fresh fish looked in excellent condition, but what I did notice this year, was the increased numbers of sea trout being returned back to the river. So it would seem that “catch & release is now becoming very much a part of fishing the Mörrumsån.

Many of you will now know, that Sodra Cell AB will stop their commercial net fishing activities as of now and for the next three years (see news items). Yes, the MFA have done it and it’s a good start. But you should all know that even though the MFA was instrumental in helping Sodra Cell reach the right decision, to stop using their nets. The MFA could not have done it alone, without the help of others. So I will take this opportunity to publically thank those who helped the MFA in this matter. Mr Magnus Olsson, Platschef of Sodra Cell AB, Mr. Percy Assarsson, Platschef of Mörrums Kronlaxfiske and Mr. Mikael Linnander, VD of Sveaskog. However, there are few out there, who also played a big part in the background in helping us all to achieve this “milestone” in our progress to get the commercial netting activities to cease, so a big “thank you” to those others who were doing their part behind the scenes

Many have asked, “why the big deal” about these commercial netting activities. Well for one, that is nothing anyone can do regarding the salmon stocks or its future, or even plan for anything. Until we know precisely, how many more salmon can come into the river unimpeded by these nets. Once we know, and only then can anyone plan for the future. There is in the local community, a difference of opinion, and from the phone calls and the email that I get. Some irrespective of age are proactive as to what has to be done. Like the little old woman who called me and said; some of us in Mörrum really believe in what the MFA are doing.

I for one as for the rest of us feel at times, very frustrated. You would think that after the “Economic Impact Study” that clearly indicated a loss of 50 % to the local business community and the fishery. That the other commercial nets men would exercise their “social conscience” and follow the example that Sodra Cell AB. If nothing else, as a “goodwill gesture” to the local community. It even seems that the MFA money is not good enough for these nets men, and all they have to do, is stop for three years and get paid for it.

Up to 60 % of salmon and sea trout are taken in the commercial netting operations at the mouth of the Mörrumsån

Now as a part of our campaign, we will on this web site address the issues regarding these nets, and once a month delve into the details of these nets men. The MFA are not at that stage………………..yet. So for the moment we won’t mention the names of the nets men, although the Danish press has began to do so (see press details)

One family owner of 21 commercial nets, rents out their nets to a local fisherman at the cost of sek 28.500/per year, or so their estate manager tells me. This family are the largest owners of fishing nets. But what puzzles me is, they are rich really rich, they have slots, Swedish for castles and they live in Switzerland……………….nice for some. They are also well respected in the community and have had in the past, a rich tradition in shipping. Now trying to come to terms with their attitude, I have to put myself in their position………………..we all still have to walk the streets and be able to hold our head up with pride, well I do. And would think as well respected leaders in the local community, would do also. I’ll give credit were credit is due, they have through a very indirect route made contact with us, and quote; we are thinking about stopping our nets, however, we are mourning a loss of a very special member of our family at the moment, unquote

Last year, I met this very special member of the family they refer to, and I can tell you. That after talking to this woman, and had she been the one making the decisions, their nets would have stopped by now. This old lady was a “real sweetheart” and I for one enjoyed talking to her…………………….lets hope for the future of the Mörrumsån, that her relatives are as intelligent enough to realize that they can play a big part in the positive future of the river and the local community. My one fear though is, I hope we are not dealing with blind arrogance here, and then we really do have a problem, as the man who rents their nets has started to “over fish” the area. Which I expect the other nets men will do this year, Knowing that its only a matter of time before they have no choice other than give up their nets. But perhaps at a cost that is far lower than the money the MFA is prepared to pay them.

Lastly, some of you have asked if I will fish the river this year as they did not see me last year, and they have noticed that many of “the faces” don’t fish the river anymore. Well I did fish last year and will fish this year also. If nothing else, I and the rest of the MFA will not stop in our efforts and will continue to help you “at the river” comes to terms with what we are trying to do. So see you all at the river and………………….good luck and great fishing.

Economic Impact Survey here

Nigel E.J. Griffiths

Chairman

MFA

Please note: Until the site is completed by the of this month, most of which is written here, will be in English except for the newspaper articles. After May 1st, all will be posted in Swedish, German and English

Last changed: Apr 21 2007 at 09:57

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