‘Angling 2015 – First Consultation Report’ was published this week and is the first step toward a strategy for the angling work of the Environment Agency over the next ten years. The report outlines the Environment Agency’s thoughts about the current position of angling in society, the benefits, the factors limiting participation and the scope for growth so that more people can benefit.
One key finding is the increasing awareness that angling has few, if any, social barriers and the subsequent benefits to society that this brings. Angling is one of the most popular activities among people with disability and it has been shown to help those with concerns over anti-social behaviour or truancy.
Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries for the Environment Agency said: “For the past few years we have been expanding our work in angling development and participation – responding to Government guidance. It is now time to take stock, look at our successes and failures, build support from the people we work with and then move forward in a clear and logical way. But before we decide what to do it is vital that we hear from everyone with an interest in the sport.”
Angling is still probably the most popular participation sport in the country. The Environment Agency believes that up to 5 million people have been fishing in the past few years and that as many people again would like to take the chance to participate. Opportunities to try out angling are always very popular, especially with young people.
Angling Participation and Development Manager, Richard Wightman, explained: “Over the past few years our role in angling development has grown, the three Governing Bodies have taken-on official roles and there are more and more groups involved in developing the sport. Between us, we have already had notable successes in raising angling’s positive profile – for example through the Joint Angling Governing Bodies’ Child Protection work, National Fishing Week or dozens of local angling projects. But there are still important parts of the community, which still think of angling as a minority activity of little importance. Collectively, we need to change that view.”
“Only by pooling resources can those involved in angling effectively raise our game – for example by linking the Joint Angling Governing Bodies’ Whole Sport Development Plan for Angling with other peoples’ plans and activities; including ours. We have shared our thoughts in this report, we hope, to the benefit of everyone.”
The consultation runs until mid March and anyone is invited to comment on the report, which can be obtained by contacting the press office or downloaded from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.
FISHINGmagic Note
- The Environment Agency has statutory duties to maintain, improve and develop fisheries, and promote water-based recreation. It has statutory guidance that it should do this is a way that:
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