I've done a little bit more asking around, and seem to have set the cat amongst the pigeons a wee bit
My information is second hand, but from reliable sources.
The Fishing rights it appears are owned by Auchmacoy estate and The Newburgh angling association were aware of the offer to USAN last year, however the members i have spoken too had belived the offer had fallen through, so it has come a surprise to them that it has now happenend. There was certainly no mention of it at the AGM in January and the Auchmacoy estate Baliff was there, although no member of the YFB was present.
They are now more than a little concerned that it will implicate on the Estuary fishing which is run by the NAA. The press release that was linked too, mentions the fishing as well nets.
Apparently the original proposal was for 3 years salmon only and then no specifics (the inference being they could then fish for sea-trout) after this, which is why it was rejected. there were no guarantees for the sea-trout beyond 3 years, however no-one knows what HAS been agreed too, so people are now off to find out more
I'm not sure how much influence the YFB has in these matters and i know that last year they lost a good chunk of their funding, which is usually spent on maintenance. So they might not have been in a position to do much about it.
So it seems there are not many details, it will be interesting to see what sort of Hue and cry is raised when they start to remove the seals ,there are estimates of between 500-800 at the moment, which is down on the last few years, but then there are reports of Orca's patrolling the NE coast form The Broch down to Balmedie.
I shall post more if i get more info.
Sandy
ps. Had a few bonny wee Finnock last night