HUNDREDS of local elver fishermen on the Severn and Wye will be scratching their heads today with the announcement that the owners of the biggest outlet for their catches is calling it a day.
Horace Cook, the man behind the success of H.G. and D. Cook, of Minsterworth, is to retire after spending a lifetime developing the local eel and elver industry.
The announcement comes in the middle of a week which is forecast to bring the first major catches of the season to the Severn and Wye.
The only option for local fishermen now will be to travel to UK Glass Eels, Bristol Road, Gloucester or the Elver Station at Epney to sell their catches.
Mr Cook established the elver business 35 years ago. He worked day and night with his wife Diana to build up the trade and was later joined by his son Richard as they established new markets throughout the world.
Elvers were flown in specially constructed tanks to meet demands from all over Europe and as far away as Japan. The business became so successful it was awarded the Queen's Award for Exports.
Mr and Mrs Cook intend to enjoy semi-retirement but will continue to manage their farmland and other business interests.
Richard will focus his efforts on further developing his successful fish smoking and retail business, Severn and Wye Smokery, also at Minsterworth.
Richard told the Review: "Dad has decided the time has come to hang up the net after a lifetime of dealing in the local eel and elver industry.
"It was a hard decision to make as it has been part of our life for so many years. We would like to thank the loyal fishermen who have supported us and wish them well for the coming season."
The Cooks' reputation was enhanced when they became the first dealers to offer a bankside collection service for Wye elver fishermen.
But the trade has not been without its critics as the prices for elvers went through the roof and the local market for the spring delicacy trickled away to nothing.
The trade was always accused of being responsible for the decline in eel stocks as hundreds of people took to the river banks in the hope of easy money.
The business has put thousands of pounds into the local economy and attracted the interest of The Inland Revenue who said many fishermen did not declare their income from elver catches.