North West Water Authority

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 25th April, 1977.

Item Type monograph

Publisher North West Water Authority

Download date 26/09/2021 21:47:16

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/26978 North W est Water Authority

Dawson House, Great Si Warrington WA5 3LW Telephone Penketh 432

18th April, 1977

To: Members of the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee (Messrs. J. R. S. Watson (Chairman)j T. A. Blackledge; F. Burgess; J. M, Croft; E. P. Ecroyd; T. M. Farrer; J. H. Fell; W. F. Hobson? R. D. Houghton; P. W. Jennings; Wm. McKenna; R. A. Parkin; G. B. Robinson; G. Wilson; and the Chairman of the Authority (P. J. Liddell); and the Vice Chairman of the Authority (J. A. Foster)(ex officio)).

Dear Sit,

A meeting of the REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE will be held at 2.30 p.m. on MONDAY, 25TH APRIL, 1977, in the BOARD ROOM, at DAWSON HOUSE, GREAT SANKEY, for consideration of the following business.

Yours faithfully,

G, W. SHAW, Director of Administration

AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence.

2. Minutes of the last meeting (previously circulated).

3. Proceedings of Local Fisheries Advisory Committees.

A. South and West Cumberland - 28th March, 1977. [Recommendations in Minute No. 20:- Water Resources Development in West Cumbria]

B. Eden and District - 29th March, 1977.

C. South Lancashire - 30th March, 1977 [Recommendation in Minute No. 21:- Radioactive Discharges and Fishery Interests]

D. Lune, Wyre and Furness - 4th April, 1977.

E. Mersey and Weaver - 7th April, 1977. [Recommendations in the following Minutes:- 21. Angling leases on Authority waters. 22. Fisheries income and expenditure. (To be considered under Item 4 of the Agenda)] 4. Fisheries Income and Expenditure.

5. Distribution of Licences.

6. National Water Council Consultation Paper, Review of Discharge Consent Conditions.

7. Fishery Byelaws.

8. River Lune - Byelaws and Net Limitation Order.

9* Netting on the Solway Firth.

10. Importation of Coho Salmon Eggs.

11. Calendar of Meetings for 1977-78.

12. Any Other Business.

NOTE: Lunch w ill be served in the Members' Dining Room at approximately 1.00 p.m. The Menu for the day is enclosed and members attending for lunch are asked to indicate their choice of main course to the officer on duty near the Members' Retiring Room. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

26TH MARCH, 1977

Presents W, F. Hobson, Esq. (Chairman) : ' F. Bunting, Esq, G. B. Sedgewiek, Esq. J. M. Mawson, Esq. R. J. W. Slack, Esq, S. G. Payne, Esq. J. R. S. Watson, Esq. E. Young, Esq. '

In Attendance: 3 .d. Colligan, Esq.

17. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE '

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received from Mr. E.H . Fleming Smith, Mr. P. J. Liddell, and Mr. G. N. P. Wingate

18. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the .Committee held on 10th January, 1977, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

19. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT OF MR. E ,. H. FLEMING SMITH

The Chairman reported that Mr. E. H. Fleming Smith had been appointed to the Committee as successor to Mr. J. C. Wade.

20. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN WEST CUMBRIA

' The recommendations made at the last meeting of the Committee in relation to Water Resources Development in West Cumbria were reported to the February meeting of the Regional Committee (Minute NO. 30 (A )) .

At that meeting at the request of Mr. Hobson the Regional Committee agreed that the recommendations be referred back to this Committee to enable further consideration to be given thereto in the light of river flow information which had not been available previously.

Mr. Bunting provided members with a report, compiled by the Egremont Angling Association, which set but the views of the Association together with their recommendations on the proposals of the Authority for water resources in West Cumbria.

Mr. Bunting thanked Dr. Marshall on behalf of the Association for providing records of River Ehen flows. He then requested the Committee to withdraw support for the development of Ennerdale Lake for further water abstraction given at the last meeting, and further requested an opportunity for representatives of the Egremont and D istrict Angling Association to discuss the report with officers of the Authority. It was felt that in the light of the Associations Report, officers of the Authority should meet with the Association for discussions thereon.

The Committee then gave formal consideration to the proposals contained in the original report, circulated to members at the January meeting and following detailed discussion of the situation and consideration of both reports it was:-

RECOMMENDED:

(1) in the absence of further details of the effect on fisheries, the Committee is unable to support either the Ennerdale/Ehen or Thirlmere/ Derwent scheme but request:

(i) That the Authority ensure that in any scheme of water resource development for West Cumbria all practical steps are taken to protect existing fisheries adequately, that the possibility of improvement to fisheries be taken into , account in the design of works and operation of schemes, and that Associations and Riparian Owners be fully consulted on all such matters;

(ii) That the Authority in connection with the development of water resource schemes for West Cumbria ensure that provision is made for the collection and assessment of V relevant data regarding the movement of migratory fish in order that all neces sary information is made available for the determination of residual river flo w s .

(2) That as a general principle, significant water abstractions likely to effect fisheries be made as near to the sea as practicable;

(3) That in view of the existing heavy industrial and domestic use of the Ennerdale Lake River Ehen system, both for water abstraction and waste disposal, alternative sources be reconsidered before a firm commitment is made to any major alteration of the . Ennerdale Lake weir level, or for further abstractions to be made from the River Derwent; .

(4) That in so far as they can be incorporated into the interim scheme, favourable consideration be given to ensuring that:

(i) The existing 7 mgd compensation water flow from Ennerdale Water to the River . . Ehen is maintained at all times;

(ii) Unless the water quality.in the Ehen estuary is significantly improved, the flow downstream of the proposed new BNFL abstraction point does not fall below 10 mgd; (iii) The BNFL sewer outfall to the River Ehen estuary at Sellafield is extended ' to below low water mark in the sea.

FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

It was reported that at the meeting of the Policy and Resource? Committee held on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 55) discussion had taken place on the financial situation on the Fisheries Account and :that the Committee had made the following recommendations which had subsequently been approved by the Authority on 21st March, 1977s

"(1) That the structure and scales of rod and line licences and the nature and amount of expenditure charged to the Fisheries Account be referred to a working party of officers for further report ih due course.

(2) That in the meantime as interim measures:

(i) An application be made for an'approximate 30% increase on the present scale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since , the last application;

(ii) The Policy and Resources Committee be authorised to approve the details Of iuch1 increases to enable the necessary appli- ' cation to be made to the M inister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;

(iii) The provision in the estimates for 1977-78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of service of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000."

The Committee were informed that it had been considered neces sary to ask for the 30% increase as an interim measure in order to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situation on the Fisheries Account w hilst the overall problems were examined in detail.

A working party of officers was examining the problem in the long term with a view to making further recommendations to the Policy and Resources Committee before the end of the year. The Local Advisory Committees would be consulted prior to any proposals for a new licence structure being agreed by the Authority.

LICENSING OF SALMON DEALERS

The Committee considered a report setting out the current position in relation to the possibility of licensing salmon dealers.

Although in the past the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food had always been against any scheme for the licensing of dealers in England and Wales, they were now prepared to consider, any practical and workable scheme put forward. At a recent symposium attended by the Regional Fisheries Officer, strong support had been given by fishery interests for a licensing scheme, of which the Authority had previously intimated it was in favour......

The Director of Fisheries and Recreation of the South West r . Water Authority was,obtaining the views and comments pf .$11 Water . A uthorities,with a view to making formal representations' through the National Water Council to the Ministry for .a licensing scheme. : Ihie Committee supported the action being taken.

23. SEA PATROL OF ESTUARIES WITHIN THE AUTHORITY AREA

The Committee received a report on the possibility of B ailiffs carrying out sea patrols off estuaries in places where illegal salmon netting was believed to take place.

RESOLVED: ,

... .That the report be received and that the matter of sea patrol, of estuaries be reviewed a n n u a lly .

24. BRANTHWAITE WEIR - PROPOSED FISH PASS

It was. reported that the owner's solicitors had confirmed acceptance of the Authority's proposals to construct and maintain the fish pass at Branthwaite Weir. .

Discussions were s till taking place on the matter of the regulation of the flow of water.

25. REPORT BY AREA FISHERIES OFFICER ON .FISHERIES ACTIVITIES

The Area Fisheries Officer presented his report on fisheries activities and prosecutions undertaken within the area since the last meeting of. the Committee.

26.. IMPORTATION OF COHO SALMON EGGS .

The Chairman informed the Committee that at their last meeting the Regional. Committee had received, a report concerning the intro duction by a commercial enterprise of Coho salmon eggs into Scotland for hatching and rearing purposes (Minute No. 39, 7th February, 1977).

Due to the possible ecological risk involved in the project, the Regional Committee had recommended that the Authority make rep resentations strongly opposing the introduction of these eggs into , waters in or,around the British Isles. .

A letter has now been sent to the Secretary of State for ..Scotland by the Chairman of the Authority. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

MINUTES OE* A MEETING OF THE • EDEN AND DISTRICT - FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

29TH MARCH, 1977

Present: E. P. Ecroyd, Esq. (Chairman) A. E.- I. Bell, Esq. ' A. C. Findlay, Esq. v;>: E. Cave, Esqt L. Heyworth, Esq. ' - ; T, Cousins', Esq. B. Irving, Esq. Wm. McKenna, Esq.

19, APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received from • Dr. Ii '-J;■ Faulkner, Mr. E. H. Fleming Smithy Mr^ P# J, Liddell ^ !aftdi Mr* J* R. S. Watson. r

2 0 * 'MINUTES -OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED: ^ ■- '

- ■ = Th&t the Mintites of the last meeting of the ; ? Committee held on 11th January, 1977, be approved as acorrect record and signed by the Chairman,

21* v ( FISHERIES INCOME 'AND EXPENDITURE r , ; : v

It was reported that at the meeting of the Policy and ; ; v Resources Committee held: on 28th February, 1977, (Minute No. 55) ■? -discussion had taken place on:the Fisheries Account and'that that vCom m ittee had made - the following recommendations which-hadssubse ts queritly been approved by the Authority On 21st March,-1977*

"(1) That the structure and scales of rod and line licences and the nature and amount of expenditure charged to the Fisheries Account be referred to a ■■■•■ working-party of officers for further: report-in - •.r ' -duecourse. v. -■ ; :

(2) That in the meantime as interim measures;"

(i) An application be made for an approximate '30% increase on the present sdale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since the last application;

(ii) The' Policy-and Resources ^Committee b6 .. authorised to approve the dertailS 'o f ■ stich increases to enable the necessary appli*- v; cation to be made-to the: Minister of r Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;, . , ■

(iii) The provision in the estim ates.for 1977?78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of service of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000," The Committee were informed that it had been considered necessary to ask for the 30% increase as an interim measure in order to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situation on the Fisheries Account whilst the overall problems were examined in d etail.'

A working party of officers was examining the problem in the long term with, -a view to. making further \reccomendations to the Policy and Resources Committee before the end of the year. The Local Advisory Committees would be consulted prior: to any proposals for a new licence structure being agreed by the^Authority.

22. NETTING ON THE SOLWAY FIRTH

The Committee considered a report on the current position in the boundary dispute in the Solway Firth.

(vi, On 11th February, 1977, the Annandale and Eskdale D istrict Council applied for an Interim Interdict (Injunction) to restrain the Authority from exercising its fishery powers and functions in the disputed area but the application;was refused on the gounds that the channel of the Border Esk was no longer flowing through the Charter area. No further proceedings had,been instituted and it was anticipated that the position would remain the same as long as the: channel did not revert back to.: the Charter area.

Application had been made on behalf of the Authority to the M inister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for a determination of the extent of the A uthority's area in the Solway Firth for,fishery purposes and a reply was still awaited.

C oncern w as expressed at,the failure of the Scottish -stake netters to remove their stakes from the channel at the;, end of the salmon: fishing season. Members felt that the retention, of ;the stakes, would tend to perpetuate the channel in the Scottish area and prove a hazard to navigation. The Regional Fisheries Officer undertook to investigate.

On behalf of the Solway haaf-netsmen, Mr. Wm. McKenna thanked the Authority for their help, in protecting the interests of the haaf-netsmen in the dispute with the Scottish authorities.

23. FULL TIME AND: HONORARY WATER BAILIFFS - RIVER EDEN

The Regional Fisheries Officer submitted a report detailing the current bailiffing arrangements for the waters of the upper Eden, the River Irthing and the Solway.

He explained that in the absence of factual contrary evidence, the present bailiffing arrangements for the areas in question were considered to be adequate.

D ifficulties had been experienced With part-tim e honorary b ailiff appointments in the past, but Area Fisheries Officers were prepared to consider any applicants willing to accept in full the responsibilities of the appointment. The Committee were of the opinion that there had been an increase in poaching activities in the area in recent years which might be the result of the opening of the M6.

After further discussion, it was:

RESOLVED:

That in an attempt to reduce poaching activities in the area full publicity be given to all poaching convictions.

24. REPORT BY AREA FISHERIES OFFICER ON FISHERIES ACTIVITIES

The Area Fisheries Officer presented his report on Fisheries A ctivities within the area since the last meeting of the Committee.

The Manager of the Rivers Division informed members that the secondary borehole at Holmwrangle hatchery had now been cleared of obstruction and that the stand-by pump had been installed. Arrange ments were in hand for the installation to be tested and once this had been done and proved satisfactory, the pump would become operational*

25. IMPORTATION OF COHO SALMON EGGS

The Regional Fisheries Officer informed the Committee that at their last meeting the Regional Committee had received a report concerning the introduction by a commercial concern of Coho salmon eggs into Scotland for hatching and rearing purposes (Minute No. 39, 7th February, 1977).

Due to the possible ecological risk involved in the project, the Regional Committee had recommended that the Authority make representations strongly opposing the introduction of these eggs into waters in or around the British Isles.

A letter has now been sent to the Secretary of State for Scotland by the Chairman of the Authority. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOUTH LANCASHIRE FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

3QTH MARCH, 1977

Presents R. D. Houghton, Esq. (Chairman) T. A. F. Barnes, Esq. Dr. R. B. Broughton T. A. Blackledge, Esq. Professor W. E. Kershaw R. H. W iseman, E sq.

18. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received from Mr. P. J. Liddell and Mr. J. R. S. Watson.

19. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 12th January, 1977, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

20. FISHERIES IN THE OWNERSHIP OF THE AUTHORITY (MITTON FISHERY - MATCH FISHING)

The Committee considered a report on the working of the experimental arrangements which had permitted coarse fish match angling to take place on the Authority's Mitton Fishery during the period 1st November, 1976, to 31st January, 1977 (both dates inclusive).

The Area Fisheries Officer explained that during this period five matches had been fished in which a total of 144 anglers had been involved and that approximately 30 fish had been caught.

Despite the rather poor conditions for fishing, there had been no complaints from anglers; also the owner of the land adjacent to the length of river fished had commented favourably on the experiment.

After general discussion, the Committee felt that there should be no relaxation of the rules relating to ground baiting and loose feeding by individual anglers fishing on Mondays to Saturdays, until further information on the effect of the experimental arrange ments was available.

RESOLVED:

That the experiment be continued for a further year on the same conditions as in 1976-77, that the experiment be reviewed in March 1978 and that it then be considered whether or not the experiment be con tinued for a third year. 2 1 . RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES AND FISHERY INTERESTS

The Committee considered a report previously submitted to the Water Quality Panel on 17th February, 1977, on the subject of 'Radioactive Discharges and Contamination1, in relation to fishery i n t e r e s t s .

It was explained that the Authority had no control over s,uch discharges as that power was reserved for Central Government under the provisions of the Radioactive Substances Act of 1960.

Concern was expressed at the possible effects that permitted levels of radioactivity in the sea in west coast regions might have on migratory fish entering estuaries in the Authority Area.

The officers explained that the Fisheries Radiobiological laboratory carried out regular surveys of radioactivity in, and the effects on, surface and coastal waters of the British Isles and that their reports were published annually. The lim its set by the authorising bodies had never been exceeded in respect of white, sea fish. Although there was no specific information available on the effect that radioactive substances in the sea might have on migratory fish, (salmon and sea trout) it was unlikely that the levels contained in these fish would exceed levels found to be present in sea fish. Before information could be obtained on the effects of radioactivity in the sea upon migratory fish a long period of research work would have to be undertaken.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the situation be kept under review and the Director of Scientific Services enquire about the monitoring proceedures if any, in other Water Authorities for ascertaining radioactivity in the sea and its possible effect upon migratory fish. * 2 2 . FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

It was reported that at their meeting held on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 55), the Policy and Resources Committee had . considered the Fisheries Account and had made the following recom mendations which had subsequently been approved by the Authority on 21st March, 1977:-

(2) That in the meantime as interim measures:

(i) An application be made for an approximate 30% increase on the present scale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since the last application;

(ii) The Policy and Resources Committee be authorised to approve the details of such increases to enable the necessary application to be made to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; (iii) The provision in the estimates for 1977-78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of service of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000."

The Committee were informed that the 30% increase had been approved as an interim measure only, to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situation on the Fisheries Account whilst the overall problems were examined in detail.

23. RIVER RIBBLE - FISH MORTALITY AT HENTHORN

At their last meeting, (Minute No. 10, 12th January, 1977) the Committee requested a further report on the outcome of negotiations with the firm concerned in the fish m ortality at Henthorn which f took place in July, 1976.

The firm had now agreed in writing to substitute a standard Authority Consent for their existing Trade Effluent agreement as soon as the alterations to their trade effluent treatment plant had taken place. It was expected that the alterations would be completed in about twelve to eighteen months.

In the interim period, a constant check would be made at the treatment works on the pH value of the effluent discharged by the firm .

24. REPORT BY AREA FISHERIES OFFICER ON FISHERIES ACTIVITIES

The Area Fisheries Officer presented his report on fisheries activities within the area since the last meeting of the Committee.

In response to questions, the Committee were informed that it was hoped to produce a detailed analysis of the movements of migra tory fish (throughout the day and night) and the relation such movements bore to the water conditions prevalent at that time, for the season 1976-77. it was felt that such research would assist in a better comparison being made of the figures of the number of fish passing through the various counting stations during this p e r io d .

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and approved.

25. IMPORTATION OF COHO SALMON EGGS

The Chairman informed the Committee that at their last meeting, the Regional Committee had considered a report concerning the introduction by a commercial enterprise of Coho salmon eggs into Scotland for hatching and rearing purposes (Minute No. 39, 7th February, 1977). Because of the possible ecological risk involved in the project, the Regional Committee had recommended that the Authority make recommendations- strongly opposing the introduction of these eggs into waters in or around the British Isles.

A letter has now been sent to the Secretary of State for Scotland by the Chairman of the Authority.

26. FERAL MINK

Concern was expressed at the apparent increase of the feral mink population within the area.

Members were informed that in the view of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the complete eradication of the pest was not practicable. The Ministry would, however lend traps and give advice on control measures to interested parties upon request. Likewise the Authority was always ready, through the Regional Fisheries Officer and within the lim its of the resources and manpower available at any given time, to take appropriate measures against these pests whenever and wherever they occurred. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE LUNE, WYRE AND FURNESS FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

4TH APRIL, 1977

Present: J. M. Croft, Esq.:(Chairman) W. Bailey, Esq. J. H. Fell, Esq. R. Barratt, Esq. J. Taylor, Esq. Dr. J. V. Dyer, Esq. G. Wilson, Esq.

23. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence from the meeting were .received from Mr. R. A. Challenor, Major N. J. Clarkson Webb, Mr. A, L. Harris, Mr. L. H ill, Mr. P. J. Liddell and Mr. J. R. S. Watson,•

24. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 17th January, 1977, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairmans . .

25. RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES AND FISHERY INTERESTS

The Manager of the Rivers Division reported that at the meeting held on 30th March, 1977, the South Lancashire Committee had considered a report previously submitted to the Water Quality Panel on 17th February, 1977, on the subject of Radioactive Discharges and Contamination in relation to fishery interests.

Concern had been expressed at the meeting of the South Lancashire Committee at the possible effects that permitted levels . of radioactivity in the sea in west coast regions might have on . migratory fish entering estuaries within the Authority Area. It was explained that whilst there was no specific information avail able on this it was unlikely that the levels contained, in salmon and migratory trout would exceed the levels found to be present in sea fish, which were regularly monitored and in which the lim its in relation to radioactivity as set by the authorising bodies had never been exceeded.

The situation was, however, to be kept under review, and the Authority would be making enquiries about monitoring proceedures if any, used by other Water Authorities for ascertaining radio activity in the sea and its possible effect upon migratory fish.

26. RIVER LUNE, BYELAWS AND NET LIMITATION ORDER

At the meeting held on 7th February, 1977, the Regional Committee discussed the recommendations ofthis Committee in relation to the proposed Byelaws and Net Limitation Order, and after full discussion made the following recommendations which were approved by the Water Management Committee on 21st February, 1977. "(1) That the proposed Byelaws be approved subject to the substitution of '1981' for '1980' where this date appears in each Byelaw.

(2) That the proposed Net Limitation Order be approved. -

(3) That the Director of Administration submit the Byelaws and Net Limitation Order to the M inister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for approval on being satisfied with the detailed- evidence in sup port thereof, and take all necessary steps for their implementation, including representation at any public inquiry."

In response to enquiries, the Regional Fisheries Officer informed members that the evidence to support the application had now been collected and was being analysed and tabulated as quickly as possible.

RESOLVED:

That as a matter of urgency, the necessary steps be taken to implement both the Byelaws and the Net Limitation Order.

27, GOOSANDERS AND MERGANSERS

As requested at the last meeting of the Committee the Regional Fisheries Officer submitted a report on the present state of scientific knowledge in relation to the feeding habits of goosanders and mergansers and the consequent effect on fisheries.

Commenting on the report, the Regional Fisheries Officer stated that these birds could be destroyed legally notwithstanding the protection they were afforded under the provisions of the Protection of Birds Act, 1954, provided that the action was necessary to prevent serious damage to a fishery. The onus of proving this was on the person destroying the birds. Provision was also made under the Act for licences to be issued to interested parties to k ill these birds provided that this was done for either scientific or educational purposes. It might be possible therefore for an Angling Association to obtain such a licence with a view to providing evidence of the feeding habits of these birds.

The Regional Fisheries Officer was asked to make enquiries from the Ministry regarding this possibility.

28. FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

It was reported that at the meeting held on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 55) the Policy and Resources Committee had discussed the Fisheries Account and had made the following recommendations which had subsequently been approved by the Authority at the meeting held on 21st March, 1977.

' •• (i) art application be made for an approximate 30% increase on the present scale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since the last application,^ ;

^ (ii) The Policy and Resources Committee be authorised to approve the details of such increases to enable the necessary appli cation to be made to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods,

(iii) The provision in the estimates for 1977-78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of"service' of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000.”

in the ensuing discussion, the Committee were informed that it had been considered necessary to ask for the 30% increase as an interim measure to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situation on the Fisheries Account whilst the overall problems were examined in detail.

working party of officers was examining the problem in .the long term with a view to making further recommendations to the Policy and Resources committee before the end of the year, file Local Advisory Committees would be consulted prior to any proposals for a new licence structure being agreed by the Authority*

REPORT BY AREA, FISHERIES OFFICER ON FISHERIES ACTIVITIES

The Area Fisheries officer presented his report on Fisheries A ctivities within the area since the last meeting of the Committee*

Discussion took place on the following m atters;-

1. Middleton Hatchery.

2. Spawning Season.

3. Fishing Conditions.

4. Manchester Water Order, 1966 - Fisheries Improvement work on the River Leven.

The Area Fisheries Officer informed the Committee that the agreement between the Authority and Mr, While, the owner of the turbines at Low Wood, had been re-implemented for the year 1977.

5. F is h e r i e s L ia is on .

6. A590 Road Improvements.

It was reported that further consultations had taken place between officers of the Authority and the fioad Construction Unit and their Consulting Engineers on tM # project. Because the proposed arrangements at the con- fluence of the Rivers Crake and Leven had been unac ceptable to fishery interests, a more acceptable estuary shape had been agreed and detailed drawings of the area were being prepared. These drawings would be shown to a future meeting of the Committee.

7. Ansafone Service - Halton Office.

. RESOLVED:

(1) That the report be received and approved.

(2) That a progress report concerning the A590 Road Improvement Scheme be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

30. SKERTON WEIR

Concern was expressed that the construction work at present taking place at Skerton Weir would not be completed by July, 1977, when the main run of fish would arrive. It was felt that in these circumstances poachers might concentrate their activities at the weir and that a concentrated bailiffing effort should be undertaken at the weir to prevent this happening.

The Area Fisheries Office?: was of the opinion that poaching would not pose a problem at the weir during the forthcoming season , as several islands which had previously afforded hides for poachers downstream of the weir were being removed..

It would not be possible to concentrate all bailiffing effort at the weir, as to do so would allow poaching activities to: take place unhindered above the weir. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MERSEY AND WEAVER FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

7TH APRIL, 1977

Present: P. W. Jennings, Esq. (Chairman) J. S. Bailey, Esq. A. Jones, Esq. F. Burgess, Esq. A. Ross, Esq. F. EgertOn, Esq. J. R. S. Watson, Esq.

18. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received from Dr. J. W. Jones, Mr. P. J. Liddell, Mr. T. N, McLoughlin and Mr. R. Newton.

19. RESIGNATION OF DR. J. W. JONES

It was reported that Dr. J. W. Jones had intimated to the Chairman that it was his wish to resign from the Committee due to his finding it increasingly difficult to attend the meeting.

Mr. Watson undertook to write to Dr. Jones regarding a successor.

20. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 19th January, 1977, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

21. ANGLING LEASES ON AUTHORITY WATERS

The Committee considered a report on the subject of ’Angling Leases on Authority Waters1.

It was explained that the Authority had now adopted a policy for reconciling responsibilities for water supply and recreation and it was hoped to be able to apply this policy when consideration was given to leases which were due to expire in the Autumn of this current year.

In the ensuing discussion members expressed the opinion that leases granted by the Authority to Angling Associations should be no less favourable than those granted to Clubs or Associations representative of other recreational pursuits involving water.

Instances having been given of exceptionally long leases granted to boating clubs, the officers informed the Committee that the leases referred to had been granted by the Authority's pre decessors. Since the formation of the Authority it had been practice to grant extensions of existing leases for periods of twelve months only, pending the formulation of the newly adopted policy. Although it was too early at present to say whether longer leases than five years were likely to be practicable within the policy as a general rule, it was recognised that the existing year by year extension did not provide sufficient security of tenure for an Association to utilise its waters to their fullest extent.

After further discussion, it was:

RECOMMENDED:

That as a matter of policy, the tenure offered by the Authority to Angling Associations on all Authority owned waters should be no less favourable than that offered to Associations rep resenting other recreational pursuits involving w a te r.

FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

It was reported that at the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 55) discussion had taken place on the Fisheries Account and that the Committee had made the following recommendations which had subsequently been approved by the Authority on 21st March,.1977.

"(1) That the structure and scales of rod and line licences and the nature and amount of expenditure charged to the Fisheries Account be referred to aS working party of officers for further report In fc due course. , I

(2) That in the meantime as interim measures

(i) an application be made for an approximate 30% increase on the present ..scale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since the last application;

(ii) The Policy and Resources Committee be authorised to approve the details of such increases to enable the necessary appli cation to be made to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

(iii) The provision in the estimates for 1977-78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of service of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000."

The Committee were informed that it had been considered necessary to ask for the 30% increase an an interim measure in order to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situ ation on the Fisheries Account w hilst.the overall problems were examined in detail. - 3 -

In the discussion which followed members stated that they believed that when the part area licence for freshwater fish and eels had been introduced into the area of the former Mersey and Weaver Authority on 1st January, 1976, it had been on the under standing that the original price (of 50p) for that licence would not be altered until after a period of three years from its introduction.

It was pointed out however that as reported to the Committee on 22nd October, 1975, the Authority had reserved the right to review the part area (Mersey and Weaver) licence,according to the circumstances prevailing at the time,in the event of a review of licences before the end of the three year period.

After further discussion it was:

RECOMMENDED:

That whilst agreeing in principle with the recommendations of the Policy and Resources Committee as approved by the Authority on 21st March, 1977, there should be no increase in the present cost of the Mersey and Weaver area rodand line licence for freshwater fish and eels.

23. REPORT BY AREA FISHERIES OFFICER ON FISHERIES ACTIVITIES

The Area Fisheries Officer presented his report on Fisheries Activities within the area since the last meeting of the Committee.

Discussion took place on the following items incorporated in the report.

(1) General Fisheries Management.

(2) Stocking.

(3) Fish Mortalities.

(4) Fishing: General Comments on Sport.

(5) Staffing.

The Area Fisheries Officer reported the current staffing situation in the area.

On 1st February, 1977, the following staff had taken up their posts:- - 4 -

One Principal Fisheries Assistant based at Warrington. One Fisheries Assistant based at Warrington. One Inspector based at Tintwistle. One Inspector based at Northwich.

In addition four bailiffs were now based at Blackburn, Crewe, Skelmersdale and Warrington respectively.

The bailiff based at Crewe was due to terminate his appointment with the Authority on 15th April, at which time it was hoped to appoint a new bailiff for the Macclesfield area.

In response to questions from members the Area Fisheries Officer stated tha the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all active bailiffs would be included in a -future report to be presented to the Committee once full particulars became available.

(6) Bailiffing.

The Area Fisheries Officer commented that the Increased bailiffing activity in the area appeared to be having a favourable effect on licence sales.

The Committee felt that more publicity should be given to cases where anglers were convicted for fishing without a licence.

(7) Netting Operations.

(8) Stock Pools.

(9) Worthington Reservoirs.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and approved. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

1. At the last meeting of the Committee (Minute No. 35) details were given verbally of sales of licences for the 1976 season, and of estimated income and expenditure up to 31st. March, 1977. This resulted in a request for the Local Advisory Committees to be circulated with details of the actual sales of licences together with details of the expenditure charged to Fisheries. These details are attached hereto in the form of Appendices, I and II.

2. Appendix I lists details of the actual sales of fishing licences for 1976, whilst Appendix II shows the actual expenditure for 1975-76, the original estimate for 1976-77, the probable out turn for 1976-77 and the estimated cost of the Fisheries Service for 1977-78. The expenditure on Appendix II is analysed over objective headings in an attempt to indicate how much of the total budget is incurred on Enforcement and Protection, Fish Culture and Conservation, etc.

3. Following the meeting of the Regional Committee, the Corporate Management Team reviewed the financial situation on the Fisheries Account and considered it necessary to report to the Policy and Resources Committee as a matter of policy.

4. The Policy and Resources Committee discussed the matter on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 55) and considered it necessary to take action to prevent any further deterioration in the financial situation on the Fisheries account whilst the overall problems were examined in detail.

5. Accordingly that Committee have recommended as follows:-

(1) That the structure and scales of rod and line licences and the nature and amount of expenditure charged to the Fisheries Account be referred to a working party of officers for further report in due course.

(2) That in the meantime, as interim measures:

(i) an application be made for an approximate 30% increase on the present scale of rod and line licences to be effective from 1st January, 1978, to cover inflation since the last application;

(ii) the Policy and Resources Committee be authorised to approve the details of such increases to enable the necessary application to be made to the M inister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;

(iii) the provision in the estimates for 1977-78 to take account of the additional cost arising from the new conditions of service of the bailiffs be reduced by £16,000. 6. These recommendations were approved by the Authority on 21st March, 1977.

7. Local Advisory Committees have now been circulated with the details referred to in paragraph 1 of this report and with the exception of the Mersey & Weaver Committee whose recommenda tion is set out in Minute No. 22 of that Committee, the recom mendations contained in paragraph 5 of this report were accepted by the other Local Committees. APPENDIX I

NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

FISHING LICENCES 1976 SEASON ROD AND LINE APPENDIX II

NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

FISHERIES - ESTIMATES 1977-78

ACTUAL ESTIMATE PROBABLE ESTIMATE 1975-76 HEAD 1976-77 OUTTURN 1977-78 1976-77 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) E'OOO £ 'OOO £ 'OOO £ 'OOO EXPENDITURE 175 1. ENFORCEMENT AND PROTECTION 207 270 287 48 2. FISH CULTURE AND CONSERVATION 88 76 79 40 3. TECHNICAL SERVICES CONTROL 56 85 109 102 4. POLICY, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINI 142 142 140 STRATION - 5. INFLATION - UPDATE PROVISION 53 8 43

365 6. TOTAL WORKING EXPENSES 546 581 658 4 7.DEPRECIATION 5 3 7 4 8. INTEREST 17 7 11 9. CENTRAL ALLOCATIONS 8 (a) Regional Common Services 12 15 23 3 (b) Contributions NWC & WRC 3 2 4 5 (c) Head Office Costs 5 6 7

389 10. TOTAL EXPENDITURE 588 614 710 Deduct (81) 11. SUNDRY INCOME (240) (158) (158)

307 12. NET EXPENDITURE (transferred to 348 456 552 Sewerage and Environmental Services Summary Page 8) NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

; REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

V DISTRIBUTION OF LICENCES ■ ' ■

At their last meeting the Regional Committee resolved (Minute No. 34) that officers, should investigate the present arrangements for licence distribution.

Prior to,the 1976 fishing season, the issue, of licences and [ .appointment of distributors was. carried out independently by the farmer Cumberland River Unit and the former Lancashire River Unit. Licences were not required in the area of the former Mersey and Weaver River Unit. This was a continuation of the situation as i t existed with the former . River Authorities.

Following on the reorganisation of the Rivers Division, the control and issue of licences and the appointment of .distributors was centralised at Divisional Headquarters during September/ - October,. 1976. The number of existing outlets at that time was: Lancashire River Unit 154? Cumberland. River Unit, 71. :

During the 1976 season, the number of outlets was increased., with particular attention being paid to the Mersey and Weaver Area and at the end of the season the number of distribution out lets was 300, of which 5 were angling clubs (inherited from the Cumberland list). The number of outlets added in the Mersey and Weaver area being 58.

In most cases, the process of appointment of a distributor commences with an application by the prospective agent, although in some instances the approach is made by staff of the Rivers Division.

When considering an application, several factors are taken into account, e.g. the number of distributors already in the area and the level of sales, the proximity or otherwise to an existing agency and the credit-worthiness of the applicant. As far as possible a visit is made to new agents, usually coinciding with the delivery of the licences and the system is explained in detail.

Various matters relating to the issue of licences were high lighted during the 1976 season. Probably the most notable and one which extended nationwide, was the move by the Tackle Dealers * Association to persuade their members to give up the distribution of licences as a protest against the level of commission rates. In the case of this Authority, this meant that in the Liverpool area, four distributors ceased to sell licences, but one has since asked to sell licences during the 1977 season. However, enquiries amongst neighbouring Water Authorities indicates that the level of commission rates agreed by this Authority stand favourable compari son in that they are similar and in some cases more advantageous to distributors. 7. The issuing of licences to angling clubs as distribution outlets was a recurring question during 1976 and following the policy recommended by the Regional Committee at the meeting On 3rd November, 1975 (Minute No. 23 (e)) any such requests were refused. It is considered, however, that it would be advantageous if officers could be given authorisation to appoint Angling Clubs or Associations, or any other acceptable outlets, such as sub-post offices or hotels, as distributors when there is an obviously proven need for this facility. A case in point is the Wirral area where there was only one distribution outlet, at the Southern Division Office of the Authority at Bromborough. (This prompted requests from the Irby Angling Club to be allowed to issue licences to the members, but this request was rejected. Since then two additional distributors have recently been appointed for the Wirral Area but, as yet, it is too early to assess what difference the two new outlets w ill make.

8. An examination of the Appendix attached to this report would appear to indicate that there are certain urban areas where the / sales per thousand head of population are low. Consequently officers are now examining the distribution outlets in these areas to see if an increase in distributors is necessary. For the convenience ■ of Committee members , a, map indicating the points of distribution w ill be available for inspection at the meeting.‘ FISHING LICENCE DISTRIBUTION AND SALES 1976 SEASON .

C u m b r i a

Eden .South Lakeland Allerdale Carlisle Copeland Barrow in Furness

Lancashire

Preston Blackburn Ribble Valley Lancaster South Ribble Chorley W y r e Burnley P e n d l e Hyndburn Blackpool: Rossendale Fylde West LancashireNorth Yorkshire

Craven

Greater Manchester:

Wigan Bolton Salfor d Oldham Tam eside T rafford Rochdale Bury Stockport Manchester

Derbyshire

High Peak

St. Helena Sefton Liverpool K n o w l e y Wirral C h e s h ire

Crewe and Nantwich 6 33 V ale; R oyal 9 18 Macclesfield 7 12 Warrington 6 12 Congleton 3 9 H a lto n 2 2

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands 1 1 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25th APRIL, 1977

NATIONAL WATER COUNCIL CONSULTATION PAPER

REVIEW OF DISCHARGE CONSENT CONDITIONS

1. The attached Paper sets out the background to the need to review discharge consent conditions and proposes a logical method of implementing such a review. It is stressed that the review will not result in an unacceptable adverse effect on rivers and streams now or in the future. In the Authority’s area the proposed! review should be considered against the Authority's Policy for River Water Quality summarised at Appendix A where it w ill be seen that the short term aim is to prevent deterioration.

2. The National Water Council are seeking the observations of Authorities on the Consultation Paper by the end of April and the views of the Advisory Committee are invited. POLICY FOR RIVER WATER QUALITY

Long-Term Aim

The restoration and protection of the river water quality of the region.

Short-Term Aim

First to prevent deterioration of the present situation and second, as far as capital is available and local needs exist, to improve river water quality.

Practical Steps Towards Short-Term Aim

(i) To protect, and as far only as is necessary, to improve the rivers which provide, or are expected to provide in the foreseeable future, the high quality potable water supplies of the region.

(ii) To prevent deterioration of river water quality that would result in an unacceptable change of character of a river, although some local deterioration of water quality in individual river stretches might have to be accepted within this policy.

(iii) To prevent deterioration of river water quality at cer tain specified points in river basins which are of special significance.

(iv) To reduce and, as far as practicable, to eliminate gross pollution of rivers that constitutes a nuisance.

(v) Where there are pressing local needs, to take advantage of any opportunities for improving river quality that might arise.

The relative priorities of the steps should be treated as being generally in accordance with the order in which they appear above. National Water Council Review of Discharge Consent Conditions Consultation Paper

Summary

1. The purpose of this paper (which has been endorsed by the National Water Council for the purposes of consultation) is to outline the system of pollution control inherited by water authorities under the Water Act 1973 and to discuss the problems which could arise in implementing Part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The intention is to seek the views of all water authorities and of other interested par ties including national groups interested in fishing and the environment as well as the Confederation of British Industry and the National Farmers Union and the Country Landowners Association. Their comments are invited on the recom mendations made in this paper for reviewing discharge consent conditions, which will also be discussed further with the Department of the Environment.

2. The main recommendations are:

(i) that water authorities should specify river quality objectives for surface waters, which would be ‘permanent’ or ‘interim’ according to cir cumstances, and (ii) that water authorities should then review existing consent conditions for all discharges in the light of these ‘river quality objectives’.

3. It is important to stress that the review of existing consent conditions will not have any unacceptable adverse effect on rivers and streams now or in future. Progress in controlling water pollution depends on the amount of public and private investment in new treatment plant which people are prepared to afford, and on the skill with which that treatment plant is operated and maintained. The purpose' of the proposed review of consent conditions is to obtain best environmental value from this investment and the skills which can be made available. In this way the National Water Council hope that water authorities will continue the progress made by their predecessors in reducing water pollution in England and Wales. However, the Council must emphasise that this progress is likely to be delayed or even set back by the recent cuts in water authority investment. Introduction

4 . Under the system of control established by the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Ac ts 1951 to 1961, river authorities and their predecessor river boards had to consent to discharges of sewage effluent and trade effluent to all inland waters (and some tidal waters) and to set consent conditions with which individual discharges had to comply. Although in principle these conditions were adapted to individual discharges, in practice river boards and river authorities were much influenced by the so-called Royal Commission standard of 30 mg/litre suspended solids and 20 mg/litre BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand). This was applied to the majority of discharges although the Royal Commission itself (in 1912) had emphasised that what mattered most was the effect on the receiving watercourse.

5. In 1966, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government emphasised that the river authorities which had succeeded river boards should take into account gradient, depth and flows, etc., and also the uses to which the river was put, in deciding what kind of effluents might be discharged. It reminded the river authorities that Section 5 of the 1951 Act, which provided for the setting of ‘general’ standards for limited areas, had been repealed in 1961 as being unworkable and they said: It is clear that individual standards for individual discharges must henceforth be the order of the day. Nevertheless, the Royal Commission standard was still treated as the norm, and the onus was placed on river authorities to justify more stringent conditions where required and on local authorities (in respect of sewage treatment works) to justify less stringent conditions. Further guidance in 1968 re-emphasised the need for flexibility in the determination of discharge consent conditions for industrial ef fluents.

6. Over this period there was an understandable tendency for discharge consent con ditions to be set which were regarded as targets to be achieved over a period of years. Only river authorities could prosecute for failure to comply with discharge consent conditions (except where the Attorney General agreed to proceedings by other people) and they were expected to act reasonably by prosecuting only for flagrant and careless breaches of consent conditions.

Present position

7. As a result of the factors outlined above, the water authorities established under the Water Act 1973 to exercise the former duties of river authorities in respect of pollution control and the former duties of local authorities in respect of sewage disposal have inherited the following situation:

(i) existing consents to discharges of effluent to streams are not always rationally related to environmental quality objectives - some are un necessarily stringent, others not stringent enough, and (ii) a number of existing consents are not consistent with what is currently practicable with existing treatment plant or with the funds available to produce improvement within the immediately foreseeable future.

8. Within these constraints, water authorities are seeking to obtain the best en vironmental value for money by ensuring that their existing treatment plant is well- operated and well-maintained and by concentrating new investment where it is most effective, and they expect other people (e.g. industry and agriculture) discharging effluent to streams to do the same. Their dual responsibilities for the control of river pollution and the operation of sewage treatment plant are being reconciled by in ternal monitoring procedures, which are normally reported to a water quality panel at member level, and by the voluntary disclosure of the performance of water authority treatment plant compared with consent conditions. 9 . For the reasons outlined above, if inherited consent conditions were universally regarded by water authorities as a measure of the performance to be achieved by treatment plant, this could encourage the expenditure of too much money in some places and too little in other places. There is therefore a need to consider the basis of existing consent conditions, which is reinforced by the prospective implementation of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which will require water authorities to maintain a public register showing discharge consent conditions and the results of effluent samples, and will make all dischargers freely open to prosecution for failure to comply with consent conditions.

Basis of consent conditions

10. For the above reasons, the National Water Council invited a working party of water authority scientific officers to consider the basis of existing conditions and how they should be reviewed (if necessary). The following recommendations have been ac cepted for consideration by all water authorities:

(i) Surface waters should be classified by quality in relation to uses of those waters and environmental considerations, based on values of quality parameters which are expected to be achieved by 95 per cent of samples taken (95 percentile values). The suggested classification of river quality which is attached provides both a general description of use and a scien tific description of the corresponding limits on quality. Water authorities will have to relate their monitoring to a sensible and moderate use of manpower and other resources but use of such a classification, more ex tensive in scope and precise in detail than any used hitherto, will permit them to take a firm grip on the management of river water quality for all purposes. However, the use of the suggested classification may need to be adapted to local circumstances and it should not preclude the further development and refinement of a scientific approach to the control of , discharges. (ii) River quality objectives (RQOs) should be specified in terms of such a quality classification based on the present conditions of rivers and reaches thereof. These objectives should be identified as either ‘permanent’, that is the water involved is of adequate quality, or ‘interim’ pending upgrading as and when possible to adequate quality. (iii) The maximum loads of pollutants permissible in effluent discharges should be assessed to achieve the specified RQOs, from which the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in discharges should be assessed as fixed figures to be used in consent conditions. (iv) Where RQOs are interim (as above), the assessment of consent conditions in the manner described will take into account the performance, under proper operation and maintenance, of existing treatment plant.

11. Because there is considerable natural variation in the factors affecting river quality e.g. rainfall, temperature and sunshine, and in the various discharges to rivers, it is more representative of river conditions to assess the average quality of the river, and the variation about those figures, than to attempt to assess a ‘worst condition’ which will very rarely occur. As indicated above, the working party recommend that river quality classification should be based on the quality parameters which are expected to be achieved by 95 per cent of samples taken as part of the normal monitoring process (which are known as 95 percentile values). This is incidentally consistent with recent draft Directives prepared by the European Economic Com munity. It means that 95 per cent of samples of river quality would be as good as or better than the specified values. It does not mean that the water authority would disregard river water quality for the remaining five per cent of the time: they would expect transgressions to be minor in relation to a generally well managed river. 12. Discharge consent conditions would remain as fixed figures which could not legally be exceeded. The working party considered very carefully whether it might be possible to apply a 95 percentile basis to consent conditions, but this has not proved generally acceptable for two reasons. Firstly, a large number of samples and specialised statistical analysis might be required to establish whether a particular discharge was complying with consent conditions for 95 per cent of samples taken. Secondly, this basis might be open to abuse by a discharger who allowed a very bad effluent to be discharged occasionally, far beyond the range of normal variation.

13. Nevertheless, it is envisaged that water authorities would, as they have in the past, have regard to variations of the BOD and other tests, and the natural fluctuations in treatment plant performance. It is not expected that water authorities would prosecute if occasional samples exceeded the consent conditions (provided these were not outside the range of variation to be expected from well-run treatment plan ts) nor would they expect other people to launch private prosecutions in such cases.

14. Another important issue is how a water authority should indicate its objectives for the future where it specified interim consent conditions. It is important that some clear line of progress should be indicated although it would probably be unreasonable to specify more rigorous future conditions which were legally binding. One way of doing this might be by the use of stepped consent conditions i.e. to in dicate when giving an interim level what the next target might be. Some think this would help in forming future programmes for both authorities and industrialists; others would prefer a more flexible approach, which may be unavoidable in the light of recent cuts in water authority investment.

Conclusions

15. The foregoing sets out in its context the approach which appears to be the most promising. While further studies of what is a complex problem are continuing the National Water Council wishes to consult and receive comments from appropriate bodies on the general principles. Having considered the responses the Council would then expect the industry to adopt policy guidelines for the future.

16. After that stage there will still remain a great deal to do. The determination of river quality objectives and the review of discharge consent conditions on the lines outlined above will require considerable work by water authorities. This will need to be open for comment to other interested parties both in relation to the river quality objectives proposed (in which anglers will have a particular interest) and significant changes in discharge consent conditions. The National Water Council would expect to see parity of treatment as between a water authority’s own discharges and those of industry and agriculture. Suggested classification of river quality NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

FISHERY BYELAWS

X. At the last meeting of the Committee, the comments of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the Fishery Byelaws Currently awaiting confirmation were submitted No. 32)*

2., Members will recall that the three matters outstanding were:-

(i.) Byelaw 8(vi) - Regulation of Nets

(ii) Byelaw 10 - Numbering of Licences, Nets and B o ats

(iii) Byelaw 15 - Prohibition of Taking of Undersized Fish

3* Following further consultations with the Ministry, the points at issue in respect of Byelaws 8(vi) and 15 have been resolved satisfactorily but no agreement has been reached in relation to Byelaw No. 10 on which discussions are s till taking place.

4, in view of the urgency for confirmation of the Byelaws a w ritten request for the M inistry's formal approval was made on 6th April, 1975, excluding therefrom Byelaw No. 10, which it is now proposed to deal with as a separate issue.

5, An oral report on the up-to-date position will be made at the meeting. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

RIVER LUNE - BYELAWS AND NET LIMITATION ORDER

Since the last meeting of the Lune, Wyre and Furness Fisheries Advisory Committee on 4th April, 1977 (Minute No. 26) the M inistry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have given their informal comments on the wording of the proposed byelaws.

In particular, the Committee w ill recall that it is proposed to introduce a byelaw (expiring on 1st April, 1981) extending the weekly close season for salmon and trout (other than rod and line) in the estuary of the River Lune. The byelaw would further extend the weekly close time on certain specific dates calculated in relation to the high tides. Unfortunately, the tide tables for 1979 w ill not be available until early in 1978 and a sim ilar problem arises for the following years. Consequently it was hoped that wording could be incorporated in the byelaw whereby the specific dates when the weekly close season would be extended could be notified to the licence holders when the tide tables became available.

The Ministar/ have informally advised that such a byelaw with unspecified dates would be unacceptable and suggested that appli cation could be made for a byelaw of twelve months duration only for which the specific dates would be known. If approved, the Authority could then seek a sim ilar byelaw (with amended dates) for subsequent years up to 1st April, 1981.

It is recommended that the M inistry's informal advice be a c c e p te d . NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

NETTING ON THE SOLWAY FIRTH

At the last meeting of the Committee members received a report detailing the current position in the boundary dispute in the Solway Firth.

It w ill be recalled that on 30th December, 1976, the Authority had received a summons in which the Annandale and Eskdale D istrict Council sought a Declaration from the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh that the whole of the Charter area was Scottish Territory, and an Injunction to restrain the Authority from exercising its fishery powers and functions in that area. The D istrict Council also sought an interim Injunction in the same terms pending the application for the Declaration.

Since then on 11th February, 1977, the D istrict Council enrolled for an Interim Interdict (Injunction) but this was refused on the grounds that the channel was no longer flowing through the Charter area# and costs were awarded to the Authority.

Also application has been made on behalf of the Authority to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, under the pro visions of the Water Act, 1973, for a determination of the extent of the Authority’s area in the Solway Firth for fishery purposes.

This latest position was reported to the Policy and Resources Committee at their meeting held on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 52) when they considered the recommendation of this Committee of 7th February, 1977. In view of the complexities of the issue the Committee recommended

;"That the Director of Administration be authorised to defend any further legal proceedings insti- ; tuted by the Annandale and Eskdale D istrict Council and to take any other action which in his opinion is necessary to safeguard the interests of the Authority."

To date no further proceedings have been instituted by the D istrict Council and it is hoped that this w ill remain the position as long as the channel does not again change course and go through the Charter area.

This current position has been reported to the meeting of the Eden and D istrict Committee on 29th March, 1977 (Minute No. 22) NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

IMPORTATION OF COHO SALMON EGGS

1. The Policy and Resources Committee at their meeting on 28th February, 1977 (Minute No. 53) considered the recommendation of this Committee of 7th February, 1977, proposing representations to the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food strongly opposing the importation of Coho salmon eggs into Great B ritain.

2. In supporting the recommendation, that Committee agreed that in addition representations should be made to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland and the Chairman of the Authority has w ritten accordingly at length with supporting e v id e n c e .

3. To date no reply has been received. NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

25TH APRIL, 1977

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS FOR 1977-78

At a meeting held on 28th February, 1977, the Policy and Resources Committee approved a draft calendar of meetings for the Authority, Committees and Sub-Committees for the "Authority Year" from June, 1977 to June, 1978, for submission to the authority for consideration in accordance with Rule 1(3) of the Rules of the Authority at the Annual Meeting to be held on 20th June, 1977.

The dates included in the proposed calendar for meetings of the Regional and Local Fisheries Advisory Committees are submitted as an Appendix hereto for the information of members. Any vari ations made at the Annual Meeting w ill be notified. APPENDIX

REGIONAL AND LOCAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEES

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS 1977-78

ADVISORY COMMITTEE TIME AND DATE OF MEETING

Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m Wednesday 22nd June, 1977

South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m Monday 27th June, 1977

Eden and District 2.30 p.m Tuesday 28th June, 1977

South Lancashire 2.30 p.m Wednesday 29th June, 1977

Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m Monday 4th July, 1977

REGIONAL 2.15 p.m Monday 18th July, 1977

South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m Monday 17th October, 1977

Eden and District 2.30 p.m Tuesday 18th October, 1977

South Lancashire 2,30 p.m Wednesday 19th October, 1977

Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m Monday 24th October, 1977

Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m Wednesday 26th October, 1977

REGIONAL 2.15 p.m Monday 14th November, 197'

South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m Monday 9th January, 1978

Eden and District 2.30 p.m Tuesday 10th January, 1978

South Lancashire 2.30 p.m Wednesday 11th January, 1978

Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m Monday 16th January, 1978

Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m Wednesday 18th January, 1978

REGIONAL 2.15 p.m Monday 6th February, 1971

South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m Monday 3rd April, 1978

Eden and District 2.30 p.m Tuesday 4th April, 1978

South Lancashire 2.30 p.m Wednesday 5th April, 1978

Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m Monday 10th April, 1978

Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m Wednesday 12th April, 1978

REGIONAL 2.15 p.m Monday 1st May, 1978