|
Dee Cleats are known to have been in place on sections of the Dee for the past 20 years or so. These are sharp hooks which are intended to prevent nets being used to poach fish. They could also serious damage boats. Their locations are not know (as otherwise the poachers would be able to avoid them). The SCA has met with Aberdeenshire council to discuss the matter with a view to getting them removed. In the mean time watch out! The study entitled River Dee Access and Fishing Study commissioned by Dee Salmon Fishing Improvement Association, Aberdeenshire Council, & Scottish Natural Heritage has now been published. One of the main findings was that paddlers have little impact on anglers. An interesting finding was that one problem for anglers is that beat owners may over-sell the "privacy" of a beat promising more seclusion to clients than this actually the case. Clients then become disappointed that they do not get what they expect. The report did not see paddlers as responsible for this situation, rather that beat owners needed to be more realistic in selling the fishing. The SCA would appreciated any comments on this report. It will be of special interest to anyone who uses the River Dee but gives examples of ideas that will arise on other major paddling rivers. So worth a read. If you don't have time to read the full report a summary is also available. The Dee is a candidate to become a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive which should afford it increased protection e.g from river engineering work. This is something that the SCA welcome. Contributed
by SCA Office and J Picken |
