ScienceDaily (Mar. 22, 2010) — The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally announced the reclassification of beluga sturgeon in the Caspian Sea as “critically endangered” on its Red List on March 18, providing strong evidence that fishing and international trade should be halted and a stock-rebuilding plan should be initiated immediately. Beluga sturgeon populations have been decimated in part due to unrelenting exploitation for black caviar — the sturgeon’s unfertilized eggs — considered the finest in the world

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100318113241.htm

New research led by Dr Keith Hamer will assess the extent to which gannets rely on unwanted fish and offal thrown from fishing boats to successfully breed and raise their chicks.

“The North Sea has undergone massive environmental changes over the last twenty years, which has put pressure on nearly all sea bird species,” said Dr Hamer, from Leeds’ Faculty of Biological Sciences. “Only gannets have consistently bred successfully, partly because they can travel as far as South West Norway to feed, but also because they are able to target food thrown overboard by fishing boats.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322101521.htm

Martha McNab spearfish photo courtesy of IGFA

Outstanding angler Martha Macnab received official notification that she had qualified to become a member of one of the International Game Fish Association’s most prestigious clubs, the Royal Billfish Slam Club. Martha is the 90^th member and only one of only 7 ladies.

The species required to catch to become a member are Atlantic blue marlin, Pacific blue marlin, Atlantic sail fish, Pacific sail fish, white marlin, striped marlin, black marlin, swordfish and spearfish.  Of the previous 89 members of the club who have managed to accomplish the catches, only six are women; Martha is now the seventh.

To read more about Marta

http://womensoutdoornews.com/2010/03/martha-macnab-qualifies-for-royal-billfish-slam-club/

Reels on Wheels

I want to tell you about a gentleman who I feel is doing so much to raise the awareness and opportunity for disabled and less able anglers. Great work Nick

Reels on Wheels (UK) Limited is a limited charitable company set up to raise funds for various reasons: At present it is dependent on the generosity of like-minded people who support Reels on Wheels and the Buddy System concept.

The primary aim is to help and encourage disabled and less able anglers to get back into fishing and to encourage as many people as possible to take up fishing as a recreational, outdoor activity. Going out on the road and travelling to fisheries, clubs and venues around the UK, has been the best way of meeting people and motivating them to either volunteer their help as fishing Buddies, or getting disabled people to talk about the possibility of getting back into fishing – or even trying it out as a new hobby.

to find out more about Nick and the team view  http://www.reels-on-wheels.org/

fishpond womens fly fishing vest

Hi ladies

As always keen to inform you about ladies fishing clothing, well done Fishpond

We can think of nothing more frustrating than being forced into fly fishing gear that just isn’t designed for you! Fishpond’s Firefly Women’s Fishing Vest changes it all! This highly functional fly fishing vest is designed by women anglers for women anglers

http://www.sage-flyfishingoutfitters.com/p/s/listing.aspx?sid=FFV-FIS-WOME&gv=1&sgv=1