Simply Fishing Magazine .com Angling On The Edge Of Technology 2008 Dateline: Sweeden RECREATIONAL FISHING 10x BIGGER IN SWEDEN THAN COMMERCIAL SECTOR, REPORT REVEALS The recreational fishing market in Sweden is more than 10 times greater than the commercial fishing market, a new report has revealed. Fiskeriverket, the Swedish Fisheries Board, values the socio-economic value of sport fishing in the country at around 1 billion kroner (106m euros). But commercial fishing is responsible for just 75m kroner (8m euros). The report further reinforces the Swedish government’s ambition to dramatically reduce commercial fishing quotas for the long-term benefit of recreational angling - especially tourism. ‘Fritidsfiske och fritidsfiskebaserad verksamhet’ (‘Recreational Fishing and Recreational Fishing Dependant Business’) says fishing tourism in Sweden has a growth potential, but only if more fish stocks are protected against commercial trawling. Sweden has around 1 million recreational anglers - 776,000 using handheld gear only. The country supports around 1,300 sportfishing-related businesses, many of which are small-scale businesses operating in rural areas. This compares to just 1,000 commercial fishermen. With these statistics in mind, Fiskeriverket wants to redirect parts of the catch quota to recreational fishermen, a strategy which is supported by one of the report’s authors, Anton Paulrud. Mr Paulrud believes recreational fishing poses no threat to fish stocks and said: “It is possible for the politicians to direct the quotas to another part of the business. Even if we are part of the common fisheries policy within the EU, which allocates quotas to Sweden, this doesn’t mean that this entire quota has to be caught. For more info regarding this subject contact Heather Kerr, heatherkerr@eftta.com EFTTA will be represented at a significant meeting next week in Brussels to discuss invasive non-native species - which comes days after a deadly ‘Snakehead’ fish was caught in a British river. The giant snakehead comes from south east Asia. But the apparent capture of one on the River Witham in Lincolnshire has sparked fears in the UK of an invasion of the species - which is a huge predator and can wipe out fish stocks if left unchecked. Next week (March 10th) discussions are taking place to formulate an EU Framework on Invasive Alien Species. Dr Bruno Broughton of the European Anglers Alliance - who has been working closely with EFTTA lobbyist Jan Kappel on the issue of snakehead fish - will attend the meeting. There is also an online survey, running until May 5th, which anglers and concerned companies can complete to share their views on the snakehead. Jan Kappel asked the EU to implement an import ban on all 28 species of snakehead six years ago, but the then Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström, refused.

Last week, Jan wrote to EU Environment Minister Stavros Dimas, again urging for EU action. In 2002, a colony of Snakehead fish caused chaos in Maryland, USA. Officials were forced to use poison to eradicate the fish because scientists feared that the snakeheads, which can wriggle short distances on land, could spread and devastate the Maryland ecosystem. Snakeheads can reach 3 feet in length and devour smaller fish, frogs, birds and even small mammals. Snakeheads are illegal in the UK, but angler Andy Alder claimed he caught one while using a sprat as bait for pike on the River Witham near North Hykeham, Lincolnshire. Experts who studied photos of Andy’s catch confirmed it was the predator which is on a list of species that cannot be imported into the UK. It is feared the fish had been smuggled in for an aquarium and then illegally released - although some experts believe the story may now have been a hoax. Dateline: Toronto WFN (World Fishing Network) will be releasing for television consumption many finely produced GREEN segments from producers all around the world. Producers have been asked to submit thier messages to the WFN Network by April 1. It effort is sure to be interesting and informative for the outdoorsman wanting to learn more about thier environment. Their messages will transend the written word with visuals only the outdoor producers can capture. Keep you eyes open and your ears tuned to the WFN Network in Toronto Canada. Many United States producers, produce programs for the WFN Network consuption. For more info contact Corey Russell, crussell@insightsports.com Dateline: Alexandria VA International Sportsmen’s Expositions to Promote Anglers’ Legacy Program at Phoenix & Salt Lake City Events ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 6, 2008) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced a new partnership with International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) to promote the Anglers’ Legacy program. ISE, which has more than 30 years experience producing America’s premier fishing shows, will encourage boaters and anglers at their Phoenix Expo (March 7-9) and Salt Lake City Expo (March 13-16) to “Take the Pledge” and introduce at least one newcomer to the sport of fishing. ISE staff will also promote the program on their Web site and run video public service announcements (PSAs) during the events, strengthening their commitment to the Anglers’ Legacy message and protecting the legacy of the sport. “Through hands-on activities, giant Youth Outdoor Fairs, and industry personalities, ISE encourages people to become more active and learn how to get the most of their outdoor adventure,” said ISE Director of Communications John Kirk. “We want Anglers’ Legacy to be part of that message. We want to remind anglers that they can help grow the sport for future generations by introducing a friend or family member to fishing this year.” “We’re delighted that ISE will carry our Anglers’ Legacy message this month and help us reach avid boaters and anglers who will share their love of the sport,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “With more than 27,000 Ambassadors signed on nationwide, the Anglers’ Legacy program may have already generated $3.3 million in fishing tackle and equipment sales, and $4.5 million in boating supplies and accessories. We look forward to expanding our Anglers’ Legacy message during these events.”