RIVER Wye elver fishers are to meet later this year to decide on a close season.
The move is being made by members of the Wye Elver Fishers Association as a positive step to conserve stocks in the face of claims that in recent years over-fishing has decimated the run of baby eels.
Now entering its third season, the association was set up by local fishermen concerned by complaints of damage to property and blocked driveways and entrances from landowners and local residents.
There were also complaints among the fishermen of threatening behaviour, stolen and damaged nets and general lawlessness.
"It must be admitted that relations between the fishermen and the community became severely strained," said association treasurer, Mr Trevor Hogg.
Association members have also agreed a number of other measures for the new season.
Among them, elver fishers will not be allowed on the banks until 7pm, although there will be access for pensioners and people with disabilities five minutes before the official time.
And in future tumps (the places each fisherman claims for each tide) will be a minimum of 10 yards apart.
Last year the association, with the help of Mr Richard Cook, of Minsterworth, returned over 80,000 elvers to the river system at various locations. The elvers had been treated against a variety of fungal diseases and fed to increase their survival rate.
And last week as a gesture of goodwill members met at The Old Farmhouse Inn, Llandogo, to present cheques for £150 towards the repair of the village skateboard park and £50 towards the new village hall.
"The Wye is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the association wants to keep it that way, including its heritage of which elver fishing is a part," said Mr Hogg.
The association will accept applications for membership up to and including March 15, 2000.