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MFA comment of the day, August 27th, 2007 |
| Posted by Nigel Griffiths (nigel) on Aug 27 2007 |
| Nyheter >> MFA comment of the day |
With only five weeks left before the end of the fishing season, The MFA feels it would be of interest to all, to answer some questions that have been put to us, regarding the increase in numbers of salmon and sea trout in the Mörrumsån this year.
There is now no doubt, that the numbers of salmon and sea trout throughout the river system have increased considerably when compared to the figures of the previous six years.
However, just because there is an increase compared to last year for example, does not mean that the fishery is going to be great next year, realistically, we still have to be cautious with our expectations of the fishery. With the increase of extreme weather patterns, next year could be hot and dry with ultra low water levels, or even to the other extreme. The estuary nets men and their nets could still be in-place. There are many factors to be considered before we are assured that the fishery is going to improve to the same level that we all experienced in the "good years" This has been a better year regarding the number of fish in the river and being caught, there is no doubt about that. However, this should not be used as the only example of better things to come. Just as important, the fish counter clearly indicates that the numbers of fish passing through the counter have increased from the previous six years. This is a positive sign, as it means more fish to populate the breeding areas.
The three main factors for the increase in fish numbers can be explained as follows:
Increased re-stocking of sea trout smolts
The decline of the offshore "drift-net fishing"
Sodra Cell AB (Mörrumsbruk) stopping their estuary netting operations for three years, as of April this year.
Out of the three offshore drift net fishing boats, only one now is still operating, this we feel is one major factor for the increased numbers of fish entering the Mörrumsån.
Another is, that together with Sveaskog, the MFA were successful in getting Sodra Cell AB, a major estuary netting operation to stop fishing their nets this year. This is another major and important factor contributing to the increase of fish numbers entering the river.
We can only assume, that if the MFA are successful in the future in getting the other three estuary netting operation to stop. The benefits will be clear for all to see, and the fish numbers will without a doubt increase significantly, just as we are all starting to see now, and hopefully, the fishery will once again enjoy the reputation of being a major sport fishery in Sweden.
Lastly, we are seeing more fish being released back to the river unharmed, which clearly indicates, that the sport fishermen fishing the river, are indeed prepared to contribute to the efforts to restore a more even balance to the fish being taken from the river. Therefore, some of you maybe interested to read the following;
For the MFA description of "catch & release" procedure refer to;
I hope you all enjoy the rest of the season.
Nigel E.J. Griffiths
Chairman
MFA
Last changed: Aug 31 2007 at 16:51
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