The database will be published. I don't think there will be any vetting of who can access the information, but you could always enquire about how the database will be managed.

I only highlighted it on here as I was working with Peter on the newly published second volume of FEROX & CHAR (IN THE LOCHS OF SCOTLAND) by R.P Hardy. The second volume had just been completed my Peter.
Coch-y-Bonddu have paired the new Vol 2 with a reprint of Vol1, originally published in 1940, and I produced the new pair of dustjackets. I do like working on book jackets with a fishy theme, so if any of you have anything in the pipeline - please do think of me! haha No seriously!


FEROX AND CHAR IN THE LOCHS OF SCOTLAND. PARTS I AND II. | All Fishing Books | Coch-y-Bonddu Books | COCH-Y-BONDDU BOOKS LTD

Without knowledge of these waters, we are at risk of losing populations of fish from mismanagement. The knowledge of what's out there is an invaluable tool in preserving these sites, and mounting a challenge to any enterprise that threatens them. That's my view, but everyone has their own thoughts on the matter. If a loch is at 3000ft, and only assessable by mule, then it will probably do OK I grant you.

I don't understand the negative/suspicious attitude towards conservation though. These people are interested in preserving the natural habitats that we have left, and I can tell you there are very few that are unnaffected by the human race. Without the championing, campaigning and research the conservation bodies and scientists perform we would be looking at a more sterile and less productive landscape. They are on our side.

Thanks to all who have sent in any information anyway, I'm sure it's much appreciated.

All the best, have a great 2012.

__________________
Graphic Design and Illustration Services.
www.insightillustration.co.uk

its just that trophy hunters will find places easier, with the possibility of varying degrees of conscience,

cool dust covers, must be satisfying to see your work on shelves

I'm not keen on conservationists, they tend to mess things up when trying to help instead of just leaving well alone and letting nature decide. As an example. For the best part of fifteen years I walked past a wood every day that hadn't been touched in forty years or more. Every spring and late autumn it was full of bird song, goldfinches, greenfinches, wrens, tits, blackbirds, thrushes etc., then the conservationists moved in to improve the habitat. They sorted the footpaths and cleaned the rubbish out of the ponds, which I don't have a problem with. They also removed all the undergrowth and some of the top growth to help the wild flowers get light, very commendable. The only thing is the wood is practically silent now with only the odd twitter of bird song as by taking away all the cover they got rid of the birds. That was fifteen years ago and it is still the same.

__________________
Don't worry, be happy.
Sandy
Carried it in full, then carry it out empty.

I have no time for conservationists, which doesnt mean I have no time for conservation,you only have to look at the RSPB in Orkney, the conservation of the GT Skua has led to the drop in numbers of some of the other species incuding the Hen Harrier, we watched a skua take 8 ducklings from Hundland, done in less tha 5 minutes,there used to be a pair of Golden Eagles on Hoy ,'til the RSPB took it over now they are no longer there,the first one was killed during Muirburn the mate left the next season,one of the Orkney papers has a column " what the Birdy man Did Next", I dont believe the publication of a book
on the species will help with its conservation , Easker1

Maybe if conservationist stuck there nose into something that needed doing, them people maybe more forth coming with information.
Try looking at the reason for the demise of our salmon rivers.

__________________
All that glitters, will catch anglers.

I wouldn't worry too much about the publication of the locations of the char. There was the same concern over the freedom of access to rare plant locations and nothing has actually happened! And they are much easier to pick than the char would be to even net, given the volumes of water they are lurking in, their mobility, and what would you do with them anyway?

And not all conservationists are bad! Nor do they all think the same. As a society we have moved past some 'tar brush' presumptions like all Irish are stupid, or all Scots are 'tight', to a rather more sophisticated view of people as individuals, rather than unthinking, homogenous mobs all doing exactly the same, as defined by their race, creed or colour?

And as for leaving things to nature? Well, sure, it can manage to a certain extent but we can help it and certainly need to in some cases, such as the use of ecoducts to help animals cross motorways etc. And sure, maybe the next time you are ill or have broken your leg, we can cheerfully tell you to leave it to nature to fix it and refuse you any medical intervention?

And anyway, the planet ultimately does not need saving! Just the status quo that we have enjoyed over the past 10 000 years.

Just my ha'penny's worth,

Andy

I've always believed in educating people, and not messing with what nature intended. I hate groups who buy land and fence it off from everyone. there was a place i used to fish for Bass, and sea trout when i was kid, now i can't go anyway near it because of the RSPB, and this is next to a busy road..... far from the wild life. If they spent more of their money educating then maybe a better progress could be made rather than shutting everything away from people. I think the same applies to char and ferox. But then not everyone will listen.

The conservationist and the EA as well as Welsh Water knew where they were in Wales especially Llyn Padarn and now the unique species of Arctic Charr in that lake have been almost completely wiped out! It is unlikely that it will be possible to save them now, the only thing likely that will be left to do is to declare them exinct in Llyn Padarn!

Why do pristine unspolilt lochs in Scotland that are not widely known about in the middle of nowhere need conservationists or anyone else sticking their beak in?

They are doing fine without all this intervention and under the stewardship of people who really do care for fish and the local habitat and waters etc there which is the local people, not outsiders with vested interests and working for big brother and big government. When you add too much human to the equation disaster is only just around the corner, proved by Llyn Padarn and elsewhere.

I would agree wholeheartedly with you if what you said was true. You would not believe the impact that all sorts of activities have on these 'pristine waters', from nutrient and acid deposition from sources hundreds of miles away, to fish being moved around, to agricultural and sport shooting activities in the catchments. One loch near me, at about 700m has even had pike introduced in recent times! Who'd have thought of lugging enough pike up there to start a breeding population!?

Wish I could share your fantasy though.

Andy

this is what the book should have been about