Fishermen's future is safe

The fishermen feared new Environment Agency rules to protect falling salmon stocks would put further restrictions on them.

But the new rules are not as harsh as was feared, and the fishermen say their cultural importance has finally been recognised.

Martin Morgan, secretary of the Black Rock Lave Net Association, said: "We've spent the last two years fighting to save lave net fishing.

"We even took a 2,500 name petition to protest at the Assembly.

"Lave nets on the Severn can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It's unique and we are the last in Wales.

"We are pleased the Environment Agency now acknowledge our cultural, heritage and tourism value. It's the first time they have done so and helps secure our future."

The action plan, announced earlier this month, restricts fishing on the Wye to help salmon stocks recover.

The number of lave net licences has not been cut and is frozen at seven, matching the number of members of the Black Rock Lave Net Association.

The fishermen place large, triangular nets in the estuary at low tide to try to catch the migratory salmon.

Last year their methods took only four fish.

Mr Morgan, of Magor, added: "The battle is not over but this recognition by the Environment Agency is an important step.

"We would like to thank The Argus for running the first story back in October 2001. It produced a great amount of interest and support.

"Our MPs, AMs and councillors all recognised the heritage and tourism value of the tradition of lave net fishing.

"We also thank the people of Sudbrook, Portskewett and Caldicot."

An Environment Agency spokesman said it was important to ensure that the cultural heritage of fisheries and the lave methods were retained, but the practice should not be allowed to expand.

On May Day bank holiday the group will exhibit a display of nets and photos at The Welsh Folk Museum, St Fagan's.

The lave net season opens on June 1.