Concerns have been cast following Defra's introduction of the Marine Bill White Paper and the subsequent announcement by Fisheries Minister John Shaw last year of a consultation on a Recreational Sea Angling Strategy, which Defra aims to take forward.

The consultation document lays out a potential strategy for recreational sea angling to protect the marine eco-system and to promote what the seas and coasts have to offer on a socio-economic basis.

But some of the proposals stipulated in the Bill have worried anglers, including imposing licences for sea anglers, which some anglers have labelled as a stealth tax, bag limits and restrictions on bait collection.

Anglers fear that these could have a detrimental impact on sea angling.

David Morton, the regional co-ordination for the Sea Anglers Conservation Network in the North East, has described the new proposals as "radical" and has warned: "Recreational sea angling is one of the most popular participation hobbies in the North East, supporting many businesses and livelihoods.

"The proposed changes will affect many thousands of anglers in our region, as well as impacting upon the substantial contribution which recreational sea angling makes towards the region's economy.

"Many sea anglers have heard about the changes that are proposed for the way our inshore waters are managed, but many more are unaware of exactly what is in store."

Anglers have also emphasised the catastrophic effects which the introduction of a sea licence had in Portugal.

From January 2007, sea anglers in Portugal were forced to buy a licence to fish causing a dramatic drop of tackle sales by around 60 per cent.

During the consultation period, Defra is seeking the opinions of all anglers on the proposals contained within the Marine Bill.

A meeting has been called for Tuesday, March 4, at the Bankhouse in Newbiggin at 7.30pm, for anglers to voice their opinions and concerns and to discuss the new proposals with Defra.

Anglers who wish to respond to the consultation have until March 31 to do so.

David added: "This is a unique opportunity for anglers to hear the Government's plans for our inshore waters and our sport and a rare chance for ordinary anglers to comment on those proposals direct to the decision makers".