Interest in angling is high amongst people in England and Wales, especially the young according to Public Attitudes to Angling 2005, a new survey report released by the Environment Agency today (Tuesday).
The survey was designed by the Environment Agency to assess people’s attitudes toward angling in England and Wales and followed up two similar surveys carried out in 1997 and 2001. The findings are based on face-to-face interviews with over 2000 people from across England & Wales conducted between March and April 2005.
Over 70% of those questioned for the survey agreed that ‘angling is an acceptable pastime’ and only 8% disagreed. Some attitudes toward angling are more positive than in 2001 and over 50% of those participating in the survey agreed anglers care for the environment.
The report also indicates that there are 3.5 million current freshwater anglers in England and Wales and another 4.4.million potential freshwater anglers. There are 3 million current sea anglers.
Interest in fishing was particularly high amongst young people aged 12 to 16 years. Almost 1 in 5 had been freshwater fishing in the past two years. As many again have an interest in going in the future although most of these have never had an opportunity to try out the sport.
Key factors highlighted in the survey that encourage people to take up the sport are:
– Having someone to go with
– Knowing somewhere local to go
– Information on how to fish
Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries for the Environment Agency commented:”For the past few years we have been expanding our work in angling development and participation – responding to Government guidance. We have cut the price of a junior licence and have channeled income from angler’s licences into improving urban fisheries. It’s great to see that almost 8 million people have an interest in this all-inclusive sport.”
Copies of the survey report are available from the website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish
