Speaker at our meeting of 17th October was club member Bill Batchelor.

We heard that, when Bill arrived in Cellardyke 48 years ago, he decided to subscribe to ‘Fishing News’ as a way to better understand the fishing community there. His talk was an interesting summary of all that he had learned. And, as he put, it 'a few chips on his shoulder!'

He spoke of the long-established fishing industry in those days, with long-line fishing still the predominant method; leaving habitats unharmed, compared with the later trawling.

Bill spoke of the many concerns surrounding over-fishing, sustainability and environmental damage. Included was the effect of fishing quotas and the resultant widespread dumping of tons of over-quota, but dead fish. More up to date were questions around the farmed-salmon industry  and potential concerns over the effects this might have on wild salmon stocks.

It was particularly interesting to hear of the recent scientific project on old herring grounds off the island of Arran. These areas had been devastated by over fishing and bottom trawling. But after establishing protected areas, with no fishing at all, it can now be seen that those devastated areas are in fact recovering, with marine life re-establishing. Perhaps a positive outcome, giving hope for the future. His final coment was that if we eat scallops, we should make sure that they have been hand-dived and not dredged.

Following many questions a vote of thanks was proposed by Eric Dewhirst.