FISHERMAN using a historic method to catch salmon in the Severn Estuary say they have been “left in limbo” over their future.

Talks are ongoing between Black Rock Lave Net Fishery and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) over the group’s lease to fish in waters off their base in Portskewett.

The 10-year lease, which is due for renewal, would allow the fishery to continue under the accepted conditions.

Such conditions, which the fisherman have abided by for a decade, limit the number of salmon caught to 15 per three-month season.

The entire group, comprised of eight fishermen, are also limited to catching just five salmon per month.

Martin Morgan, secretary of the fishery, believes their work barely affects the falling figures of salmon stock in Wales and should be allowed to continue.

“We’re not doing any harm in the grand scheme of things and we just want to continue as we’ve been thriving in recent years,” said Morgan.

“When we first entered the lease what we were doing was a fantastic way to preserve fish stocks and also the historic fisheries of Wales.

“We’ve been told that NRW agree with extending the lease in principle but we need to know for definite soon as we have commitments with tourism that extend well into 2019.”

Further concerns had also been raised about plans to implement new catch and release methods at the fishery - such a policy that Mr Morgan feels would be incompatible with their ancient methods.

He said: “When a salmon is caught in a lave net it is de-scaled and they wouldn’t survive long in the water afterwards.”

“In a way we have more respect in catching them than throwing them back.”

As the last lave net fishery in Wales, Black Rock has attracted thousands of people in recent years to visit the site - with an open day earlier this month attracting large crowds.

Mr Morgan added: “What we stand to lose is the historic method of lave net fishing and the 100-year history of our fishery, which was founded by my great grandfather after he returned from the First World War.

“My brother and I have kept it going and with the help of others it has become a very popular place for tourists.

“We just want clarification from NRW on a number of concerns but until they are sorted we are very much in limbo.”

Peter Gough, principal fisheries advisor for NRW, has stated that Black Rock will not be subject to catch and release proposals due to improving salmon stock in the area.

He said: “All salmon stocks in Wales, with the exception of the Wye and some sea trout stocks, are performing  poorly.

“Our proposed measures will affect angling and net fishing for these species across Wales, however no changes are currently proposed for the Blackrock lave net fishery.

“We believe that salmon caught at Black Rock come from the River Wye stock which has seen an improvement thanks to excellent partnership work with The Wye and Usk Foundation over the past 20 years.

"Because of these improvements, including past catch controls, the River Wye salmon stock is currently considered ‘not at risk’. This would mean that our suggested catch and release proposals would not be triggered.”