Crass Decision by Welsh Assembly

We all know that politicians generally are completely out of touch when it comes to conservation matters.  Too many consider those of us passionate about the environment to be part of a leisure industry competing for attention.  There is no better example of politicians idiocy than their recent decision not to protect the Greenland White-fronted Geese which spend the winter in Wales.  This action was taken after they themselves asked for comments on protection.




Greenland White-fronted Geese

 

Only 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese wintered in Wales last year which shows a continued decline in their occurrence.  The shooting fraternity do point out that they have voluntarily banned the shooting of this scarce race of this beautiful goose and no legislation is necessary.  Well these birds do move around quite a bit and do not just stay where these wildfowlers hunt.  They are open to shooting elsewhere.  Furthermore these birds are shot for fun.  This is a so-called sport.  Surely the Welsh Assembly should take that view when assessing such a species for protection.  Where are the Natural Resources Wales on this?  What advice did they give the Assembly?  If this decision is not revoked then Wales will shamefully be the only country in the birds range where it is not fully protected.