The Environment Agency is seeking views on a draft strategy for trout and grayling fisheries in England and Wales. The public consultation, running over three months, is open to anyone but aimed primarily at those involved in the management of trout and grayling fisheries in England and Wales.
The draft strategy is available from Customer Services on 0845-933-3111; it is also on the fisheries pages of the Agency’s web site (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish). Responses are needed by 10 October 2001.
Consultation and collaboration with relevant local and national interests is crucial to both development and successful implementation. A final version of the strategy will subsequently be prepared, taking account of responses received. Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2002.
The aim of the strategy is to conserve wild stocks of trout, sea trout, char and grayling, and their environment, whilst enhancing the social and economic benefits derived from all types of fisheries for these species in England and Wales.
The Agency’s Head of Fisheries, Dave Clarke, said: “Trout fishing represents a major section of angling activity in this country. The preparation of this strategy represents a significant step forward in the management of these fisheries. We want to encourage all those with an interest in these wonderful fish to contribute to the development of effective management measures.”
The strategy defines policies for the Environment Agency to guide it in its statutory duty to maintain, develop and improve trout and grayling fisheries in England and Wales. The draft has been prepared after consultation with the Agency’s regional fisheries, ecology and recreation advisory committees, and discussion with national fisheries and conservation organisations.
