THE issues relating to swans and anglers are always emotive with the fishers seemingly the guilty party every time a dead or injured bird is found.

New figures released this week indicate that while anglers still have their part to play in protecting the wildlife of their local river or lake they are not the cause of most wildlife problems. The National Federation Of Anglers believes 'casual' anglers are the main source of discarded tackle, found generally in free and public fishing areas, causing injuries to swans and other wildlife. A four-year study just released by the Environment Agency (EA) highlights the danger discarded angling tackle poses to swans.

The NFA, the National Convention for the Welfare of Swans and Wildlife and the EA have formed a new Angling and Swans Liaison Group (ASLG) to address the number of swans incurring fishing tackle-related injuries. The mute swan population in the UK is believed to be more than 26,000 - double the number recorded in the 1978 survey and the bird population is not under threat, but the NFA has been concerned for a number of years about the swan incidents on public fisheries where the governing body has no controlling influence.

NFA President, Ken Ball, said: "Most tackle-related incidents involving swans happen on public fisheries between July and September indicating that casual and novice anglers are the main cause of the problem.

"We have an angling coaching scheme and more than 100 qualified coaches nationwide to give proper training in angling practices and an appreciation of the environment - including swans.

"If all novice anglers were required to take a course of instruction from the sports Governing Body we wouldn't have discarded tackle problems. We have no problems at all from our 400 member clubs and I urge all 'unattached' anglers, and those considering taking up the sport, to contact their nearest NFA club or telephone our central office helpline."

Swan rescue groups and the RSPCA claim that they attend 8,000 swans in trouble each year and they estimate that around 3,000 (29.7per cent) are fishing-ackle related injuries.

But Dot Beesham, who owns the Egham Swan Sanctuary (the biggest swan sanctuary in Europe) has seen a huge decline in swans being treated for angling injuries. "We treat around 4,000 swans every year and the number of fishing tackle problems has plummeted dramatically since the 1980's," she said, adding: "At the moment we have 140 swans being treated at the sanctuary.

"In the last 24 hours three of the birds rescued have been savaged by dogs and the previous day three swans required treatment after flying into overhead power cables. Forty of our 'patients' are 'one wingers,' the result of losing a wing after flying into an overhead power cable. What we really need is media exposure over the horrendous injuries caused to swans when they fly into the power cables. This type of injury is easily 'top of our league' and the electricity companies could easily drastically reduce the number of accidents by putting markers on the wires when carrying out routine maintenance."

EA fisheries officer Adrian Taylor said: "Our aim is to see a reduction in the number of reported incidents, without placing undue restrictions on angling. The Agency would like to see problem sites dealt with through Fisheries Action Plans (FAP) which will be developed over the next few years."

Rawcliffe Lake is a prime local illustration of the problem. Frequented by many responsible anglers the lake also seems to attract a minority of irresponsible individuals who pay little regard to the needs of wildlife or other users of the amenity. Unfortunately the actions of the few put the future of many at risk. Concerned residents finding litter strewn banks, or worse tackle festooned wildfowl, have every right to feel aggrieved. Communication and education are the way forward and schemes to coach local youngsters at the lake which ran successfully last summer look to be a step in the right direction.

Updated: 11:41 Friday, March 22, 2002