The event is organised in collaboration with the Thames Angling Preservation Society and the Environment Agency and receives additional funding from the Fishmongers’ Company and the Port of London Authority.
Eight adult teams of anglers including a City of London Corporation Port Health and Environmental Services Committee Team and City of London Corporation Invitation Team will be competing for The Lady Howard Trophy which is awarded to the team with the highest score – calculated by awarding points for fish caught against an agreed scoring system. Young anglers from the City of London School, City of London School for Girls and Gravesend Grammar School will also compete for the Schools’ Trophy which is sponsored by the Port of London Authority.
The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators also donate a bio-diversity award for the catch which most demonstrates the continuing healthiness and improvement of the River Thames.
The Fishmongers’ Cup will be presented by the judging panel for the largest and/or best fish.
The overall objective of the experiment is to establish the environmental condition of the Thames through determining the number and size of fish species returning to the river. Judging is based on the greatest number and the most diverse variety of fish caught with all but the prime specimens being returned to the river. All information gathered is shared with the Thames Angling Preservation Society, Environment Agency and members of the river community.
Competitors will fish between 9am and 1pm followed by lunch and a presentation ceremony attended by the Sheriffs of London, Alderman Sir David and Lady Howard, City of London Corporation Port Health Committee Members and invited guests.
