Am I right in thinking that spraint analysis possibly isn’t providing an accurate picture in terms of data? I’ve seen the photos of Carp and Barbel Otter kills and they just take the soft tissues and guts. The recent Ribble video shows this, as well as other photos I’ve seen. I’m happy to be corrected if this isn’t the case.
With all due respect to both anglers, the opinions of ‘The Pope’ and Pete Reading are probably not significantly more valid that the vast majority of the members of this forum - I know they’ve both been involved with studies and may have had access to more data than the average you or I, but I’d take both their opinions with a pinch of salt. If you held a gun to my head, I’d side with Steve Pope. As most will know, they’re not the best of pals so it’s no surprise their opinions are at the opposite ends of the scale. This creates a bit of controversy, gets folk talking and sells a few more magazines.
I’ll respect the findings of scientists/ecologists and the scientific process, if it has been carried out correctly. In this case, I’m not sure it has. But how do you go about scientifically proving the impact of Otters on ‘angler target species’? I don’t know. Anecdotal observational, photographic or video evidence isn’t going to do it, as appalling and heartbreaking as it is for us as anglers to see.
With regards to the suggested petition, how many signatures did the last one get? 12k? I don’t remember if it had much in the way of scientific evidence, but the response from parliament was pretty damning in terms of the desired outcome of the petition.
I’m probably not as anti-Otter as some, but in my opinion, they’re top of the food chain in an ecosystem that’s in decline, for a multitude of other reasons. I think that statement is true for all rivers in the UK, albeit by varying degrees.
Otters are the poster animal for various trusts and conservation groups, who use their presence to demonstrate a healthy, flourishing environment. They are seen as cute, cuddly and playful by the vast majority of the public.
My opinion is that nature will eventually find find a way, but it won’t be one that’s favourable to us as Barbel anglers.
Sorry for the gloomy outlook, I hope to be proved wrong.