South Wales / West Wales 2008 ( Gower / Pembroke / Ogmore )

[Mr. X]

Was surprised to see nobody posting on the Gower threads recently - thought it might be worth expanding the scope.

I came across a couple of interesting articles about Gower recently, which might be connected, and wondered if anyone had any local information? In one of the sea fishing magazines (possibly Sea Angler) a couple of weeks ago they had an article on launching your fishing boat. Unfortunately they chose Oxwich and the sand collapsed beneath them -- they almost lost the boat & trailer. They blamed a recent licence to dredge that some company had obtained, presumably undermining the stability of the Gower beaches.

Tonight on the news they had a story about a huge failure in cockle bed at nearby Llanelli. Instead of being buried, they are just laying on the top of the sand for acres. They are not yet sure what the cause is (could be pollution, disease, etc.) but I wondered if it might be related to this recent dredging activity? Also wondering what this recent dredging activity might be doing to the already elusive Gower visibility?

By the way, anyone spear round Worm's Head?

 

[ben]

Mr X.

Im an earth scientist based in south Wales so I'm aware of the general anti dredging sentiment and the numerous articles that appear in local and national press/news.
I can assure you that British Geological Survey and Countryside Council for Wales and Welsh Assembly are continually monitoring aggregate extraction, its impacts and sustainability. At the moment there is no evidence that aggregate dredging is having any impact on sand level of beaches despite claims by some on the Gower who claim otherwise.

In such a huge tidal system (Bristol Channel) is inconceivable that dredging could have a significant impact on visibility. Vis around this part of the coast is dictated by currents, tide, local sediment type and river input (rainfall).

In relation to the cockles- I did see the article. What I would however say is that these shellfish beds are routinely closed to collecting because of disease or quotas. These estuary cockle beds are quite distinct marine environments and are well away from the aggregate zones which are actually quite a way offshore. Local sewage pollution is a far more credible explanation for the boom and bust populations of cockles.

 

[Draenog]

Mr X.


In relation to the cockles- I did see the article. What I would however say is that these shellfish beds are routinely closed to collecting because of disease or quotas. These estuary cockle beds are quite distinct marine environments and are well away from the aggregate zones which are actually quite a way offshore. Local sewage pollution is a far more credible explanation for the boom and bust populations of cockles.

The Loughor estuary has been cleaned up (in terms of sewage) immensely over the last 15 years. About 4 years ago that the cocklers were suggesting that the sewage should be treated less because they thought not enough nutrients were going in! (don't laugh - in at least one country rivers have been cleaned up so much that this is a reality, not here though)

I don't think sewage is the answer here.

But I do completely agree it's nothing to do with dredging.

 

[Draenog]

As for trip reports, I've got in off South Gower a couple of times in the last month - viz just about enough but by no means good.

At the moment it's pretty bad -nearly headbutted a rock the other day.:head

 

[Mr. X]

I used to hanker after great visibility but recently have found that it often favours the fish more than me! I'm currently thinking 2-4m vis. might be optimal for me. Best if you can at least see past the end of your spear!

Re. the cockles, I wondered if industrial pollution might be an issue? There has been talk of increased coastal pollution this year due to the heavy flooding last year (washing slurry, sewage, etc. into the rivers & sea). I just posted a piece about Michael Winner getting vibrio vulnificus (like cholera) from an oyster on the current sushi recipe thread.

Anything happening Pembroke way?

 

[ben]

No, West Wales very very very slow.

Water pea green and very few fish. Not managed to see a single fish now in several trips let alone spear one.
Looks like the algae bloom is widespread...... gutted.

Draenog....
Yes im aware that sewage treatment has been increased considerably hence the claims that water was overly clean. However flooding upstream in the valleys and more rural areas often washes all sorts off roads and agricultural land into storm drains that connect to the sewage systems. These sewers don't have the capacity to cope and there is untreated contaminated water (sewage, fertilisers, oils, pesticides chemicals etc) escaping left right and centre which eventually finds its ways to the cockle beds. Why they are so periodically sensitive remains a mystery.

Mr X, all I can say to reports of increased pollution is that I have been low tide beach scavenging lots earlier this year and managed to eat raw razors, raw cockles, raw oysters and a few unlucky scallops form Milford Haven without any unpleasant consequences. Having said that I cant tell what my mercury and lead levels are like.....oh well!

 

[Draenog]

Draenog....
Yes im aware that sewage treatment has been increased considerably hence the claims that water was overly clean. However flooding upstream in the valleys and more rural areas often washes all sorts off roads and agricultural land into storm drains that connect to the sewage systems. These sewers don't have the capacity to cope and there is untreated contaminated water (sewage, fertilisers, oils, pesticides chemicals etc) escaping left right and centre which eventually finds its ways to the cockle beds. Why they are so periodically sensitive remains a mystery.

Ben

Yes I'm aware of this (I'm an environmental scientist working in this area myself). But it's not just the sewage treatment that has improved - the number of CSOs that discharge into the estuary has dropped dramatically, as has the number of times those that are left do discharge.

My point is (and perhaps you touched on this yourself by mentioning sensitivity) that there is a LOT less sewage in the estuary, during dry and wet weather - so there is another, new mystery factor here that needs explaining, because this didn't used to happen.

 

[ben]

Draenog,

Im not being a pedant here, I freely admit that don't know anything about the history of Cockle beds in the area.....so is it true that mass cockle deaths didn't happen?
I was under the impression that coastal/near shore populations of shellfish were generally prone to boom and bust cycles.

 

[tecdave]

Hey Guys,
Just got back from Norway, was out there line fishing for a week! got some monster cod, had 2 of 33lb and another of 22lb and my mate had a monty one of 37lb!! it was quite literally Baltic out there!! would have been lovely for a dive...... but was about 4deg c!!! Also had loads of wolffish, halibut and jumbo hadock up to 8lb!! prob caught 100 plus cod between 2 and 10lb as well.

So its time I got in and did some spearing! what is the viz like at the mo? is it still shitty green water? was thinking bout pembs this weekend but havnt had a chance to look at the wind/swell yet?

Hope to see you guys out soon.
Dave

 

[Mr. X]

Some of you may recall that last year DeeperBlue spearos and the BSA mobilised to stop a proposed spearing ban in South Wales. Well, now it looks like DEFRA are proposing EU legislation that will ban spearing thoughout the UK, Ireland and parts of France, Spain & Portugal (but not the Med or Baltic!). Please read this thread and lend whatever support you are able to (perhaps through your MPs, MEPs, DEFRA, political connections, student organisations, clubs, etc.).

http://forums.deeperblue.net/regula...nsultation-including-ban-use-projectiles.html

 

[Mr. X]

Pastor ribbed me about Worms Head. If you haven't seen it, you really should go for a walk there and pint at the Worms Head Hotel at the car park. I was planning to climb there once but they banned it (possibly seasonal nesting restriction, it was a long time ago). Fortunately nearby Fall Bay buttress offers a spectacular alternative [bottom image]. You used to be able to walk out there at low tide - not sure if that is still allowed. There are a couple of nice little bays either side and then the head itself.

This article on Bass fishing around Worms Head (and pair trawling) is worth reading: http://www.freewebs.com/southwales-angling-guide/wormshead.htm

Osiris on Fall Bay Buttress (upper tier), traverses under the roof and breaks out over it to the right, well above the lovely but tidal sandy beach and lower rock tier of Fall Bay. Beware of strong currents and tidal flows.

 

[tecdave]

Got in yesterday just north of fishguard, the only bit of shelter I could find from this wind! Lots of small bass around but the viz was pants and I only managed a mullet. took the rod out with me after and got some mackies, small pollack, dogs and dabs, so not a bad day really! just wish this bloody wind would die down. anyone else been out?
off to the lizard next weekend, anyone been spearing down that way at all? looks like some good spots on google earth.

 

[Mr. X]

Sounds like a good day & catch considering TecDave. Forecast looks very windy for the weekend so far - not good.

Yes, I went spearing on the Lizard a couple of years ago. Quite good. Search the Cornwall threads (2006?) - I did a summary of spots I visited or planned to next time. I believe Podge went down there too. We stayed mainly on the east side for shelter (although there are excellent beaches & surfing on the west side). I particularly liked Porthaustok (sp?) but it has a slate beach & working quarry, which will not suit everyone. Manacle point has a strong current and some big fish. I forget the name of the places I visited - check the article. I found late in the week that the harbour near where we stayed was as good as anywhere, with some large mullet and smaller bass. I seem to recall that diving is not allowed at Lizard Point itself.

Pick up the detailed OS map that covers the whole area (Ranger series?). It'll probably pay for itself in petrol saved, as many of the cut throughs are not sign posted. Useful for evaluating potential dive sites too.

 

[tecdave]

Well what a wash out the Lizard was!!! must be the biggest summer seas I have ever seen!!! a good 15ft swell with huge wind waves on top made it a total no go for the whole weekend!!! bloody typical!!! got to look at some awsome bays tho and would love to get back down there when it calms down a bit!!!
Will prob give west wales ago next weekend as the wind is dying down and moving to southerly, lets hope the viz will be half good and the fish will show at last! cant be long now.......................... can it?

Dave

 

[IrishHunter]

Hi lads let me know if and when ye are ever going for a dip, just back for skiathos greece great spot, bought my demka out there its my first gun a 75 think i might need larger for here, what you think, im livin in creigiau cardiff and will keep an eye on here cheers JP,

 

[tecdave]

Not a bad weekend actually,

Dived pembrokeshire on Saturday, was calm in the morning but got a bit snotty in the afternoon which sent the viz from 3m down to a hard 1.5-2m!

Not many bass at all got one which went 3lb (gutted and gilled) and spooked a bigger fish in real shallow water.



Yesterday I dived near new quay, went for a fish first, lots of mackerel about and dogs , whiting and a bull huss. then went for a spear and viz was really good, about as good as it gets along that stretch of coast. First drop down had me in a school of about 30 bass but the biggest was still under 3lb so let them be. For the next 2 hrs I regularly saw schools of bass but again no bigger ones so with a feed of Mackerel I went home!

Had a visit from the fisheries patrol boat as well, this is the first time I have seen them in over 20 years of fishing and diving this coast but is good to see they have a presence in the area.

How did people get on?

 

[Mr. X]

...my demka out there its my first gun a 75 think i might need larger for here...

75cm is a good size for Dorset I think and probably Gower & Pembroke too and a good size for a beginner gun too, IMHO. I think 80/82cm might arguably be the best size if you only ever get one gun for the UK (if there is such a thing). 90cm is very popular for clearer waters.

...Had a visit from the fisheries patrol boat as well, this is the first time I have seen them in over 20 years of fishing and diving this coast but is good to see they have a presence in the area.

Probably practicing the "soft collar" and harassing spearos in anticipation of Article 12 in October. Did they say anything?

 

[tecdave]

Was fishing at the time but did have my camo suit on!!!!! they seemed very professional but let slip a few good bass spots further up the coast!!!!

 

[IrishHunter]

Hey dave you must have had a good impression on them or else there thought you wer a loony lol and thought it better not to excite you :t.
when was it dave, how deep out was it.

 

[alexlloydthomas]

Went to Abereiddy on saturday and saw loads of Pollack, no Bass or Mullet though, and didn't really fancy the Pollack so let them be. The water was nice and clear though - anyone know if there are better spots round there?

Also - I fitted a new spear on (double barbed), with mono and crimps bought from a normal fishing shop, but the line twisted up on each shot. Never used to happen with the original line & spear - are there any obvious pitfalls to refitting a gun? Was taking me ages to reload - I probably missed a load of Bass just trying to untangle the line!

Al