Welsh Dee Nets Buy Out
Catch Returns for 2006
- Nets - Lowest Ever Declared Returns Total of 476 Salmon
- Rods - Total of over 600 Salmon
How is the buyout progressing so far?
As at 24th January 2007, the following nets have been bought-off:-
- 2 trammel nets paid off, 2 to go from 4
- 7 draft nets paid off, 5 to go from 12
- Total 9 paid off out of 16
- Monies needed to fund nets buyout - £354,000
- Monies raised to date (as at 24th January 2007) - £198,000
Frequently Asked Questions
To help understand what the Welsh Dee Nets Buy Out is about we have compiled the following frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries you may have.
- What are the Dee Nets?
- Why buy out the nets?
- How can the nets be bought out?
- How important will the cessation of netting be to the River Dee?
- Is it worth buying out the nets when there are so many other factors such as global warming and high seas netting endangering migratory fish?
- Will the net buy out only benefit angling?
- How much money has to be raised?
- Who is being asked to contribute?
- How can I help?
- How is the Buy Out progressing so far?
What are the Dee Nets?
They are 16 draft nets which are operated from the bank in the tidal reaches of the river bank and 4 trammel nets operated from boats within the Dee estuary.
They are operated under licenses issued by the Environment Agency and give the licence holders (netsmen) a right to fish in accordance with the licence regulations. In the buy out the netsmen are surrendering their licenses in return for a payment of compensation.
Why buy out the nets?
Dee salmon are endangered because too few fish are returning to the river to spawn. Rod anglers rarely catch more than 10% of a returning population and many of those fish are returned following the successful promotion of "catch and release". Netting effort makes a major impact on the number of fish returning to spawn. In the low summer water which we have experienced recently the nets can take virtually the whole of a return school of young grilse and salmon which destroys the gene pool of the stock.
How can the nets be bought out?
The 'value' of each netsman's licence has been agreed with him. Upon payment of this sum the licence lapses. To underwrite the buyout the Welsh Assembly has passed an Act ending all net licenses in July 2008. The buy out will be by staged payments from 2005 to 2008.
How important will the cessation of netting be to the River Dee?
Very - spawning in the River Dee does no maintain a level adequate to maintain a balanced salmon population. The number of salmon and sea trout returning to the river to spawn is too low for their numbers to be self sustaining.
Is it worth buying out the nets when there are so many other factors such as global warming and high seas netting endangering migratory fish?
Yes - the "one-off" opportunity to bring the complete end to estuary netting is crucial to the survival of Dee salmon and sea trout in both environmental and recreational terms. In environmental terms the fish that return to spawn in the Dee are the fish which have actually survived their migration to sea and overcome the hazards of costal and high seas nets, global warming, declining food supply and natural predators. If we can ensure the successful spawning of these fish we will have laid the foundation for the exponential development of the Dee stock year on year.
In recreational terms a healthy and sustainable stock of Salmon and Sea Trout will underpin the promotion of the river for the wide range of fishing which it previously enjoyed.
Will the net buy out only benefit angling?
No - there will be significant benefits for the Dee Valley tourist industry directly from the increased fishing activity.
The national and international perception of Wales and Welsh angling will be enhanced, and the status of the River Dee within the angling community will be raised considerably at a time of increased awareness of outdoor leisure pursuits. There will therefore be an immediate benefit in conservation and commercial terms to a very wide section of the community.
How much money has to be raised?
The total compensation payable to the netsmen is £354,000.
Who is being asked to contribute?
Owners of fishing rights, Clubs and Associations (many of whom own their own water), angling syndicates and individual anglers. Industry, commerce and government departments are being approached for assistance together with charities who have already assisted in a number of other net buyouts in England and Wales.
How can I help?
By contributing - please visit our Donations page.