Will otters be culled?
Big opinions by key anglers on major events happening within carp fishing - this time, we ask our experts about otters
Do you ever envisage otters having to be culled in terms of environmental unbalance?
Rich Wilby (Fishery owner)
“No, I think otters will never be culled. I actually think the boom we’ve had in otter population will calm down in the next decade. They have re-established across most of the UK at a very quick pace, but I think and hope a natural balance will evolve. Rightly or wrongly they have been bred in captivity and been given a helping hand in getting back into our ecosystem. Nature is cruel and the wild fish stocks in the river will not support an everlasting supply of otters. Only time will tell how much impact otters have and will have in the future on angling, but I honestly think the worst stage is over - well, I like to think it is.”
Rob Hughes (Angling Trust)
“We’re entering very emotive ground here as we have seen with both badgers and also buzzards. The word ‘cull’ is a very strong one and as a countryman and a nature lover I am against a cull of any creature unless there is a very serious imbalance. However, I am pro-management of any species that is causing damage and detriment to other species. The otter is a prime example of an overprotected animal that is now causing an imbalance as it has no natural predators other than man and the law is stacked in its favour. Sensitive management is a must. I wait with bated-breath.”