Lesley Griffiths AC/AM

Gweinidog yr Amgylchedd, Ynni a Materion Gwledig Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs

Ein cyf/Our ref LG/06787/19

Llywod raeth Cymru Welsh Government

Chris White Conservation Officer

Campaign for the Protection of Welsh Fisheries

chriswhite.cohite@gmail.com

      C/vVJ
1( September 2019

Thank you for your further letter of 23 August, regarding my response to your appeal letter in light of my decision to confirm the Wales Rod and line (Salmon and Sea Trout) Byelaws.

As part of the local inquiry I provided all parties with the opportunity to present evidence to an independent inspector in accordance with clearly outlined regulations. To ensure there was no bias, I declined all invitations to meet and hear independent representations from anyone prior to or after the inquiry.

Having reflected carefully on all the evidence and arguments put forward, the Planning Inspector considered the proposed Byelaws to be a measured response to· decliningfish stocks in Wales. Accordingly, he found them to be necessary, proportionate and reasonable in view of the decline of salmon and sea trout stocks in Wales and his recommendation was to confirm the Byelaws.

After consideration of the report and recent stock assessments I published my decision in a written statement on 16 July 2019 to confirm the Byelaws which will come into force from 1 January 2020. As you are aware, I am now looking for all parties to come together and concentrate their efforts on positive actions to help safeguard stocks as part of a Plan of Action for Salmon and Sea Trout.

I have asked Natural Resources Wales to lead on this Plan of Action, however, to maximise the chances of our salmon of sea trout stocks recovering all parties, including the Campaign for the Protection of Welsh Fisheries, will need to engage and contribute. I hope you will take this opportunity to contribute your views about how any threats to salmon and sea trout from issues such as water sports or any other issue can be managed to improve the status of these important fish stocks.

My advice to you regarding litigation was to highlight this option is available to you.