Becky M Newsletter

Monday 19th September, 2005

Well the Light line competition is now past, and I have been busy getting the entry forms ready for the British Cod Championships in November. This has proved to be a bit of a pain in the butt, as I have changed the format of the entry form this year hopefully for the better, and a bit more professional looking, but it seems as though I have had to drag every single entry from the printers it has taken that long, still it is all done now and they are on their way.

I received a paper from Dr. Roger Herbert the other day, Dr. Herbert is conducting a survey on Mantis Shrimps, and he is asking if we can help.

The survey is mainly focussed on the Solent and South Coast of England as this is the area where most of these Mantis Shrimps are caught, most often in oyster dredges during the autumn, and winter.

There have also been reports by sea anglers who have found them in the gut and stomachs of a variety of fish such as Cod, Pout, Tope and Rays, most of which have been caught from the locations of sand banks and gravel banks. Anyway if you come across a Shrimp when you are gutting please let them know, they have even mentioned a “Bounty”.

Dr. Herbert can be reached on roger@medinavalleycentre.org.uk or more information on the Mantis Shrimp can be found at www.medinavalleycentre.org.uk/mantis_shrimp.htm

I noticed at the bottom of the hand out that this project is “supported” through the Defra Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund administered through English Nature and the Wildlife Trusts SE Marine Programme.

Now I wonder why that last bit bought a wry smile to my face especially as they seem determined to suck out every last bit of gravel in the area, and it is known to be spawning areas for all sorts of marine life.

I suppose that because it has a Defra Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund attachment to it that makes it alright.

It would be a great idea if this same Sustainability Fund were to create some artificial reefs in the areas that they are decimating with their continuous dredging.

Now that would help with conservation and the sustainability of stocks, and marine life.

That’s enough from me, but it could be food for thought!! Bend an ear in the right place and all that!!

Tight lines,

Dave