6 March 2007
NUBA will exist to represent anglers and the fish we try to catch.
We have no intention of trying to run our sport, but will endeavour
to demand clarity and accountability from those in government and
those who presently lead us. We promise to remain fiercely independent
as an organisation, to do otherwise would threaten our credibility.
The organisations that presently represent us should certainly not
see us as a threat. On the contrary NUBA’s potential to poll
our membership in order for individual anglers to set an agenda comprising
their fears, aspirations, concerns and a vision for our sport can
surely only be a help to us all. I am a member of several angling
associations and clubs and will continue so to be. I do hope others
will do the same.
The key to NUBA's success will be the unifying of all anglers, Coarse
Sea and Game to at last reflect the sheer numbers and power we should
be able to wield as a sport. Why we can’t emulate the RSPB and
others far better organised in their approach is due mainly to angling
apathy, factionalism and a belief that others will effectively defend
our sport for us.
Quite understandable, we fish to escape politics, problems and life’s
negativity. Sadly, unless somebody is willing to present a fiercely
committed and organised mass angling lobby, we may well follow fox
hunting into oblivion. Make no mistake we are very much on the target
list of the 'antis' and if banned it would be virtually impossible
to resurrect our sport.
We must never deteriorate into a maverick bankside direct action rabble,
this would be fatal for us all and probably just what the government,
the antis and local authorities (who often set local rules) would
wish for. How much easier a target would we be then for a ban?
NUBA will at all times listen respectfully to the arguments of others.
We will confront anglings own shortcomings, litter, discarded line,
the transferring of fish etc. etc. and represent a moral, decent,
aggressive but common sense passionate approach to the future of our
sport.
Several issues such as bailiffing, the illegal taking of fish, Sport
England’s figures, (see nuba.org.uk) will be our initial targets.
None of this will be achievable unless anglers join our ranks. If
NUBA fails due to apathy we can no longer look for others to blame.
This is a real chance for all of us to protect a wonderful sport and
often a way of life.
Yours truly,
Alan Suttie
NUBA
http://www.nuba.org.uk/
