Marine Nature Reserves ?

[grantl]

I've been happily spearing on the South boundary of a voluntary marine nature reserve for about 3 years now without any problem.

It now seems as though a large new area is to become a 'voluntary' reserve which allows shore angling and non commercial boat fishing but strictly no spearfishing. It doesn't really make sense to me to ban a totally selective form of fishing but allow other types of angling that are un selective and can kill/maim juvenile fish accidentally?

Is this happening else where in the UK and if it is voluntary do I just ignore it which I suppose is going to give spearing a bad rep or just give up spearing?

Thoughts?

 

[foxfish]

I am not sure if it is happening elsewhere but spearfishing is a minority sport & will always be on the loosing end of such crazy decisions

 

[Old Man Dave]

Are the other methods of fishing (angling) catch and release ie is it a no kill zone. That would explain the no spearing. We're not good at C&R unless you put a big sucker on the pointy end of your spear. I often refer to spearing as release and catch in that we spearo's look but don't take what we don't want not skull drag it into the air then decide we don't want it and throw it back dead or alive. However back to the mian issue maybe it's meant to be a no take (kill) zone.

Dave

 

[dave]

what is the area, and who has designated it as a marine reserve?

cheers
dave
Spearguns by Spearo uk ltd finest supplier of speargun, monofins, speargun and freediving equipment

 

[Willpower]

I reckon that if a marine reserve is set up and enforced and allows no fishing at all within its boundaries then fair enough, it can only be good for all fishermen in the long term. So long as it is set up in consultation with all fishermen, including us, then ok. Unfortunately from reading what other guys say this appears to be unlikely... I fish occasionally in voluntary marine reserves and do take the odd fish, i guess it is up to you mate.

 

[grantl]

The current reserve is at St Abbs / Eyemouth. See here for more info.

I can't see any reference to C&R only fishing.