Birmingham Angling Association update their policies

• Mar. 29 by Rachel Trinder (0)

The BAA, Birmingham Angling Association, have banned the use of live bait and issued a ‘catch and release’ policy on all fish caught by their members.

The association’s introduction of a catch and release policy on all fish found in the rivers and canals covered by them means the fish can be caught again and again, while a high percentage of fish sustainability is maintained.

Waters covered by the association include the rivers Severn and Trent and the canals from Staffordshire and Worcester to the Trent and Mersey.

The policy has been introduced to coincide with national fish removal bye-laws that are being introduced by the Environment Agency as of April.

The ban on live baiting means members can’t use live bait, like worms or maggots, and to fish with meaning members will have to favour alternative baiting methods instead.

John Williams, General Secretary for the BAA commented:

‘Live baiting is outdated and we hope other fishing associations and clubs will follow our lead as well as reviewing their own policies’.

When asked about what the association hopes to achieve in the long run with the introduction of the catch and release policy, the ban on live baiting and the exact reasons behind these decisions, Mr. Williams wasn’t willing to comment.

The ban on live baiting has however stirred up angry feelings from keen fishers on one fishing forum.

Mundi wrote:

‘I would strongly urge all members to write or email BAA to show our disgust with this latest hypocrisy – angling has more than enough external issues to contend with – perhaps we should campaign for a keep net ban as well! That would certainly strike a blow right to the hearts of most BAA members!’

While tjnorton added:

‘More policies?! Why can’t they leave things be? If you don’t like live baiting it’s simple don’t use the method. There is no need for a ban!!!!’

The big question is are bans made by organizations like this one simply put in place in a bid to combat negative images given by the press?

While Mr. Williams wasn’t willing to comment; Simon Clarke of The British Association for Shooting and Conservation was.

Mr. Clarke shed some light on why organizations like these two introduce policies and bans with conservation in mind and that it’s not just about combating negativity.

‘It’s not all about a negative image. It’s about actually doing some good. Anglers and shooters both appreciate the countryside and know that what we do depends on a healthy eco-system’.

For more information on The British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s policies and ethics about conservation and the maintaining of a healthy eco-system, visit their websites conservation section.