The idea
Having enjoyed many years of fishing on the Border Esk and its tributary the Liddle until 2005 when the English Environment Agency (EA) imposed a rod licence on all anglers fishing in the Border Esk and Tributaries in Scotland, I still enjoy fishing other waters in England and Scotland, and when in England willingly purchase my EA rod licence,
As a matter of principle I have decided not to fish this splendid river, and risk prosecution by the EA. to date the EA has not made any successfull prosecutions to my knowledge.
The decision by the EA to impose this law has had a severe impact on the local economy as this is now seen as an additional tax for visiting Scottish anglers who are now more likely to fish the other Scottish rivers which flow into the Solway such as the Nith and Annan where no such "tax" is imposed.
I make reference to the long running debate on http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2006-05-11e.593.0 which provides more background on the subject,
Why is it important?
I think that is wholly inappropriate and legally questionable that the EA is seeking to impose an English Law on anglers fishing the Border Esk in Scotland, and also totally contradictory as the other great border river the Tweed has no such licence imposed, both river share the same geographic characteristics, how long would it be before the same EA attempted to impose rod licences on the Tweed fueled by a victory on the Border Esk, and the debate would go on an on.
Is it not time that the current government see's sense and repeals this nonsensical law and focused its attentions on "Taking Care of Business".
Such a decision would revitalise the local economy allow hotels and guest houses to benefit from the renewed interest in the river, boost the tourist trade and end the long running debate which will probably never conclude as long as the English EA are trying to take prosections through the Scottish courts.