I have spotted the fishing boat CK96 a number of times, net fishing between the entrance to MilfiordHope Creek and Slaughterhouse Point. A dinghy is used to set out a floated long net – I expect to catch Mullet and Bass. I was concerned this might be against local bylelaws. Last time I was anchored there that fishing boat woke me up – as she motored close past at 4am when I was on my friend’s boat. I immediately hoisted an anchor light ! Anyway, I contacted Fisheries Protection and found out that under ancient law, ‘ ROFF or Rochester Oyster Floating Fisheries’ this was actually legal. Fisheries Protection know the boat and skipper – that are based at Queensborough. So my mind was put at rest. No doubt some members are already aware of this ancient rite – which dates back I think to the 14th century ! But I wasn’t ! And of course beware – as the net is a navigation hazard when set. across one of the creek mouths ‘ Next on the agenda – the chap who motors deep into the shallow creeks at high tide and shoots wildfowl ! (and not forgetting the noisy hovercraft)
Ralph B (TIKI)
