There has been an ongoing debate In recent years over the compatibility of angling and canoeing activities particularly where these activities occur on the same stretch of water at the same time.
The research found there was no evidence linking canoeing with damage of spawning grounds and stocks. Evidence provided by both angling and canoeing groups was either circumstantial or anecdotal and research conducted into the effects of canoeing on angling has produced no conclusive evidence to make a contributory link between the two activities.
Anglers have always complained that canoeists using a stretch of water at the same time ruins the fishing and considering that anglers pay a fee for a licence for the privilege and canoeists don’t something should be done about it.
Environment Agency Head of Recreation and Navigation, Eileen McKeever, said the issue of access could be addressed through more access agreements.
“Currently there are a few stretches of water in England and Wales where access agreements exist. The Environment Agency is keen to extend the use of these agreements and is well placed to facilitate such agreements with its responsibilities in the areas of fisheries and navigation.
“This perspective, combined with the Agency’s chairmanship of the Angling and Canoeing Liaison Group, gives the Agency a unique role in the facilitating the on-going relationship between the angling and canoeing and land-owning communities in England and Wales.”
Ms McKeever said in line with the Government’s Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Review Group recommendation, the Agency is working towards increased access on a local basis, in full consultation with those with existing legal rights.
“Incomes from fishing can form an important part of rural incomes and the Agency believes access agreements are the best way of ensuring those incomes are maintained. Access to sporting rights is outside the scope of fisheries legislation and it would be inappropriate to use it to obtain increased access for one group of users over another.”
She said the research also identified the need for an effective communication network that will benefit anglers and canoeists.
“The Environment Agency through its chairmanship of the Angling & Canoeing Liaison Group will look to use modern technology, particularly the Internet, to disseminate information on Access Agreements and Codes of Conduct to ensure both groups are aware of developments, agreements and arrangements that have been made.”
