Angler's fears over nets in Poole Bay after Gilbert the whale’s death (From Bournemouth Echo)

Angler's fears over nets in Poole Bay after Gilbert the whale’s death

7:00pm Wednesday 7th October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(7)

AN ANGLER claims it was no surprise Gilbert the whale died – because Bournemouth Bay is almost blocked off with nets.

The northern bottlenose, which drew sight-seers when it was spotted swimming off-shore over the course of a week, was found dead at Alum Chine beach with rope injuries to her beak last month.

Tests are still ongoing to see if a net killed her or if she starved to death. The results are expected in a couple of weeks time.

Resident Henry Schachter, a member of Bay Angling, said: “The death of the whale came as no surprise to the many hundreds of shore and pier anglers in the area.

“We have long been aware that the bay is virtually blocked off with nets, just a few hundred yards out.

“This relentless netting of everything that comes into the bay to feed and breed is having a devastating effect on the meagre stocks that remain.”

Andy Perry, from the Poole branch of the Marine and Fisheries Association, said: “There are considerable numbers of nets along the south coast, along with pots for lobsters and crabs.

“Whether they are there to the extent that the anglers imagine is difficult to tell. The amount of nets isn’t regulated.

“I don’t think it would be that kind of net that was found by the whale.”

Neil Cooke, from specialist store Bournemouth Fishing Lodge, said: “There’s certainly quite a few nets at the moment. I was caught up in one myself on Sunday. But they are allowed to have them out there.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(7)