The Countryside Alliance and the National Angling Alliance are using their newly formed partnership to take a hard line with anglers who discard the fishing tackle which is responsible for the death of thousands of swans each year.
Whilst the Environment Agency has found that numbers of swan deaths caused by discarded fishing tackle are decreasing year on year, the CA/NAA is seeking a meeting with the RSPCA and the RSPB to discuss the issue. The meeting will address the issue and agree on a course of action.
Charles Jardine, Director of the Alliance’s Campaign for Angling said, “Whilst the numbers of deaths caused by anglers’ carelessness is decreasing and whilst fewer than half of the 8,000 swans rescued by the RSPCA last year were endangered due to angling, this number is still too high. Anglers must be more careful.
“There is a problem and it is in hand, but we are continually seeking to resolve it. Anglers do far more good than harm for Britain’s waterways, and although any swan deaths are regrettable, I believe the benefits anglers provide to the countryside by looking after our waterways far outweigh any damage done. I think that taking more care about tackle and continuing with good works can only enhance angling’s reputation”.
Mr Jardine continued, “Last year the Alliance launched an education initiative to teach schoolchildren about the benefits of angling and proper conduct on the bank side. Alongside this campaign is the Durham Angling Community Initiative (DACE), which aims to get youngsters “hooked on fishing”. This initiative will become a nationwide campaign this year. Education is hugely important in getting our message across and we will continue to teach best practice to anglers of all ages, not just the young ones, to promote an environmentally aware angling community in the UK”.
