🎣 Waves of Tradition Lost 🌊
Cornish fisherman, Colin Matthews, finds himself grappling with the end of an era as his beloved traditional fishing in the River Tamar faces heavy restrictions. This age-old practice, passed down through generations, is now heavily limited – and for Colin, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
With decades spent netting salmon, Colin says hundreds of years of tradition seem to have vanished overnight. The Environment Agency claims the clampdown is necessary to protect endangered fish stocks. Yet, Colin insists he’s always managed to meet his fishing quota, questioning how fish can be deemed scarce.
It’s not only Cornwall feeling the pinch. Fishermen in Wales are reporting similar woes with shortened seasons and increasing licence fees looming over them. Colin believes these changes favour recreational anglers, allowing them to still fish freely while traditional net fishing is left in the lurch. The frustration is palpable as he sees a part of his history being sidelined.
The heartache deepens as Colin shares tales of accompanying his father since childhood, camping on riverbanks and soaking in the familial bond intertwined with fishing. Losing his licence after 25 years was akin to losing a piece of himself.
Colin’s concerns stretch beyond regulations. He passionately points to pollution as a bigger threat to salmon populations, sharing his evidence on social media. Despite the debate, the official stance remains: fish numbers are at worrisome lows.
The debate simmers, with local consultations ongoing as fishing communities await the next move. As environmental challenges mount, preserving both traditions and fish stocks seems an uphill battle.
What are your thoughts on balancing tradition and conservation? Share below! 🐟💬
#FishingTraditions #ConservationCrisis #SaveOurStreams