| 1. |
Name and address can be either that of an individual or organisation (i.e. angling club). It should be remembered that the individual signing the form would be responsible for ensuring that the conditions of the licence are met.
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| 2. |
If the fishery does not have a postal address, (i.e. if it is a stretch of river or a pond) include a grid reference or state identifying parameters between a bridge and a weir for example. We suggest that you supply a copy of a map.
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| 3. |
If not an owner, state 'lessee' or whatever. If not the owner, you will need the owner's permission to shoot and include written permission with the application. If you should have a problem in this regard, please advise the Moran Committee Secretariat.
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4. |
Is self-explanatory.
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5. |
The application may still be granted even if the fishery is a SSSI, in which case Defra/NAWAD is required to consult with English Nature/Countryside Council for Wales.
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6a. & 6b. |
State the bird species (more than one if appropriate) and location together with a map, indicating where exactly you will be shooting. Remember there are legal requirements relating to shooting within close proximity of paths, roads and dwellings.
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6c. |
Shooting will not normally be allowed during nesting or rearing of young. Suggest September-March (when cormorant numbers tend to be at their highest) as an appropriate period, unless there is a specific predation problem outside this period.
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7. |
Is self-explanatory.
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8. |
You need to say clearly, with additional pages if required, why the birds need to be shot. The following could be reasons, but remember that you will need to provide evidence.
- Predation of fish stocks: birds have been seen taking/attempting to take fish; catch returns, records and match results deteriorating; dead/dying fish have been found; angler complaints.
- Physical damage to fish: fish have been found/caught exhibiting damage such as stab marks (herons), wounds/marks from the fishes back and down its flanks (cormorants); secondary infections/disease as a result of damage.
- Observed behavioural changes: reduced fish availability, unusual aggregations of fish.
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9a. |
Provide information on species of bird, average numbers per day and peak numbers per day.
For example:
- Herons - 12 present regularly at the fishery during daylight
- Cormorants - average 15 per day, but a peak count of 24 birds on December 24th.
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9b. |
Explain the behaviour of the birds - roosting and feeding.
For example:
- Herons are present throughout daylight hours, each day, returning even after scaring.
- Cormorants arrive at dawn and feed, remaining at or in the vicinity of the fishery unless scared, and even then they return only days later.
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9c. |
If trout, give details of the size and numbers of fish and frequency of stocking.
If coarse, give details of fish species present and stock density if known. Photos of damaged fish can be helpful.
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9d. |
If you have catch or match returns showing a deterioration, include them. If not, obtain signed statements from club members who have witnessed a change. Give as many details as possible.
Give details of any reduction in membership/day ticket sales. Include details of any implication of this loss of income e.g. employment of staff (i.e. bailiffs), club security, etc. Also provide any details of restocking, reduction in number of anglers fishing. In short, anything you feel may support your application should be included.
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9e. |
Other factors affecting the fishery must be outlined (e.g. concerns over water quality, other predators, etc.) These issues would be identified during a site visit anyway.
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10a. |
Tick the appropriate box (but see 10b).
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10b. |
Please see the Management section for the appropriate methods. Be advised that if you have not tried at least some of the methods recommended it is extremely unlikely that your application will be granted. Give as full a description as possible of the methods you have tried and the reason for failure. Remember: Defra/NAWAD staff are aware of the limitations of most methods of deterring these birds, particularly on rivers and larger sites.
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10c. |
It may be that shooting is the only option i.e. in "sensitive areas". If so, explain this, and give reasons why.
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11. |
Is self-explanatory.
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12. |
Yes.
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13. |
Own judgement.
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14. |
Is self-explanatory.
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