Chairman's Report 2017
From the 2017 AGM Minutes -
The season started reasonably well, spring salmon and some
large sea trout being caught but it never really got going due
to low water conditions during the year and fishing was, once
again, challenging.
When rain did come, intermittent runs of
small grilse and sea trout occurred on both main rivers but the
back end of the year did not bring a winter run of large fish.
Fowey counter numbers were down on the 10-year average but large sea trout still arrived in the upper reaches of the system in good numbers and a large number of redds were evident from mid-November onwards.
No heavy winter spates
occurred so hopefully the eggs will have developed well and
will not be as vulnerable to attrition as they develop and hatch
this year.
Predation at sea, lack of food sources, global warming are all
taking their toll on our fish stocks – but what is critical is the
survival of smolts and their return to the sea. Without these
there will be no run. If we do not send smolts back to sea they
cannot come back.
This brings me to some good news. We
are now lucky to have two hatcheries operating in our area –
the Lynher and Fowey Hatchery. I will let others update you
on their excellent progress later in the meeting.
It was obvious upon walking the banks up in the spawning
sanctuary of the upper Fowey that the majority of the sea
trout redds appeared in those areas where volunteers had
been working – testament to the effectiveness of these
efforts.
The work of Chris Janes and his small band of
volunteers is gratefully recognised.
There is also excellent news in that the FRA has now
managed to purchase the Draynes sanctuary – so we will
have these sanctuaries in perpetuity. It will now be important
to keep them in good condition.
We must also maintain our excellent efforts in catch and
return – this can only benefit the overall spawning success
and ensure the viability of future stocks. It also demonstrates
to our riparian owners and Regulatory Authorities we care
about our fishing and are committed to its conservation.
I
must also stress to all the importance of careful handling of
fish as you return them. Much can be done to ensure their
survival after the enjoyment and privilege of catching them.
The Chair took to opportunity to thank, on behalf of the Club members
- The Secretary for once again producing an excellent
annual newsletter and for his efforts on behalf of the
club.
- The Treasurer and his auditors for all their hard work
during the year
- The Club Wardens.……..noting that if anyone
wishes to step forward to look after any of our stretches
they should approach the Chairman later.
Finally, the Chairman thanked the Committee Members for their continued support and hard work in the last year.
In closing he wished members a successful 2017 season.