Little progress has been made with NRW in respect to them reviewing their decision to close hatcheries. Indeed, it now seems likely the Environment Agency, responsible for rivers in England, will make a similar ruling shortly.
In light of this, we have decided to publicise an internal document [see link below] produced by Environment Agency Wales the predecessor of NRW, which strongly supported the need for hatcheries. The advice laid out in this document, contradicts NRW’s current position on hatcheries. However, it was produced by the same scientific officer, on whose advice, NRW based its decision to ban hatcheries.
Our interpretation of this memo is, the recent decision by the NRW Board to ban hatcheries was not based on science rather, it was political and economic. This memo is evidence NRW have simply interpreted the science to support their own political objectives.
We therefore urge you to write to Prof. Peter Matthews Chairman of the NRW Board and request he explain why such contradictory advice was produced by the same scientific officer and, whether this earlier advice was also brought to the attention of and, considered by the NRW Board.
The Chairman of the NRW Board can be contacted at:
Natural Resources Wales
Ty Cambria
29 Newport Rd
Cardiff
CF24 0TP
We do please urge you to write and challenge this political interference in our river.
