European Union Consultation – Including ban on use of projectiles .

[Pastor]

I'm curious to know what or if the BSA are doing? Any feedback from anyone in the know?

[SurfnSpear]

Also think outside the box, ie. I have contacted BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) as I am a member and spearfishing is technically a cousin of the land based/casting sports. They also swing a lot of weight in political circles....anyone a member of the CLA? etc. etc...you get the idea, just write your email in terms that remove the rights of one hunting sport and you weaken them all.

[KWM]

Yes good point. So that people are aware, I was informed last week, (informally) and have had various discussions since then. CMAS have been contacted, and an e-mail of the proposed legislation copied to them. I have been informed that I as the secretary of the BSA have been 'added' to a list of those due to be consulted, as off yet I have received nothing. I am hoping to speak to someone at DEFRA tommorow to seek some clarification as to how and why this has come about, and there views on the matter. I will post as and when I have more information. Sorry I cannot add any more at this time I only know what everyone else here on deeperblue does. I should say that we will be infoming French, Spanish and Portuguse contacts and federations.

Kev (secretary BSA)

[SurfnSpear]

Kev, how about a Facebook group? It spreads like wildfire...
Create a 'BSA' account, add the details etc. and you get instant worldwide exposure.

[KWM]

Does anyone else have any suggestions? ideas?

As said I will contact DEFRA tommorow and see what they have to say, I will post as soon as I have some news.

Kev

[Pastor]

Thanks Kev, I'm sure this is just an ill thought out attempt to tidy up some "bit" of paperwork and justify somebodies job. Please keep us informed as you can, obviously we appreciate you sometimes need to keep some things under your hat as it were.

If it is an attempt to ban spearfishing then perhaps it would be an idea to get the manufactures on board too so DEFRA could get an idea of the possible financial affect this could have if it became a Europe wide issue

[SurfnSpear]

Hi Kev/All, Welcome to Facebook! | Facebook group has been created...

Look for....
Say NO to Europe wide Consultation BANNING use of 'projectiles'SPEARFISHING
then join it and invite your facebook friends so it spreads like wildfire.

Regards

[Spaniard]

Good ideas lads! Anyone posted on Medfish? I'm too t*t faced......

[apneaboy]

E-mail sent

[apneaboy]

Good idea SnS.

Say NO to Europe wide Consultation BANNING use of 'projectiles'SPEARFISHING

Just joined the facebook group, catchy name.

[dave]

Here is the document on the EU website;
European Commission - Fisheries - Conservation
If you are emailing MPs, MEPS etc it would be worth including the link

cheers
dave
Spearguns by Spearo uk ltd finest supplier of speargun, monofins, speargun and freediving equipment

[Marwan]

guys, im no expert or lawyer obviously, but the way i read the article, i dont see it addressing spearfishing...it seems to be addressing the mass depletion methods like explosives, poison etc... i think the use of projectiles here is intended for whaling and the like the use of the big commercial harpoons.. a speargun is certainly not a projectile..
i think if you ask for clarity on that matter as you have been doing so, i doubt that the response you will receive is that spearfishing will be banned,...at least i hope so

[island_sands]

Originally Posted by Spaniard

Good ideas lads! Anyone posted on Medfish? I'm too t*t faced......

Again????

[KWM]

Hi all, i have just spoken to DEFRA and the MFA ( Marine fisheries Agency) they have both informed me that as it stands if after the consultation this were to become law, spearfishing would be banned in the north Atlantic, thus banning spearfishing in the UK, Ireland, and effecting Spain, Portugal and France. Both agencies explained that this process was part of 'tidying up regulations' and linked in with greater control of all recreational fishing activities. It seems that this process could take between 18months and 2 years and that during this time it is 'up to us' to put our points across and try and have this proposed legislation altered. I was informed by Mr Benin at DEFRA that proposals such as these were based on 'scientific evidence and advice from industry' and advised to look at the EU webpages (Fisheries), but not that the evidence would be there.

I asked the MFA if they had a view at this time with regard to the banning of spearfishing, I was informed that the MFA did not.

No more at this time have got to go to work.

Kev

[Mr. X]

Originally Posted by SurfnSpear

Also think outside the box, ie. I have contacted BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) as I am a member and spearfishing is technically a cousin of the land based/casting sports. They also swing a lot of weight in political circles....anyone a member of the CLA? etc. etc...you get the idea, just write your email in terms that remove the rights of one hunting sport and you weaken them all.

[Perhaps BSA should include "Conservation" in their title, to reflect the selective nature of the activity?]

The Countryside Alliance would likely be supportive - fishing is just a form of hunting/country pursuit. If we support them, no doubt they will support us. Like the CLA, they seem to be well connected (getting special trains put on for their protests, etc). A good day out I'm told (out of the country at the time) - time for another one perhaps (we'll have plenty of time for them when they ban spearing)? I will try contacting the Countryside Alliance (ironically run by a Labour MP I believe - might be worth contacting the political party of your choosing too, esp. if they are currently in power). Perhaps one of our Scottish members could contact the Scottish Countryside Alliance (Scottish Countryside Alliance - Home)?

As an angler as well as a spear fisher, I don't like the sound of "greater control of all recreational fishing activities". Clearly these people are power hungry & have a lot of time on their hands. Must have way too much budget.