Originally named the Commercial Coarse Fisheries Association, it changed its name in Autumn 2005 to reflect more accurately the changes seen in the sport over the past few years and the ambitions of fishery owners who believe in offering sport on modern well run venues where quality of service go hand in hand with wildlife conservation and fishery welfare.

By acting together, members of the PCFA have already obtained substantial discounts with a major insurance company on insurance premiums. These discounts far exceed the £75 annual cost of PCFA membership.

A founder member of FACT - The Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust - the PCFA and its fisheries adviser Dr Bruno Broughton (see below) played a leading role in having angling and coarse fisheries excluded from the provisions of the Animal Welfare Bill.

Projects currently under way include the collation of information on fish requirements and surplus stocks between members. This will enable future vetting and bulk purchase of fish stocks from commercial dealers and breeders.

Members can also benefit mutually from the bulk purchase of other goods such as plants, trees, management advice and other services. In addition, members can share information on every aspect of running a fishery and call on the expertise of nationally acclaimed fishery biologist and fishery management expert Dr Bruno Broughton.

Colin Bourner, a former Chairman of the PCFA, said: "Membership of the PCFA enables the pooling of a wealth of expertise. Members share advice and exchange views and experiences which are invaluable to any fishery owner wishing to improve and protect their investment and provide first-class sport for anglers."


What can the PCFA do for you?

Build political support which acts in the best interest of fishery owners, anglers and fish stocks
Ensure a balanced view of angling is presented in the Media
Provide members with a wealth of expertise on which they can call for help or advice
Provide 'Strength in Numbers' to protect members' interests
Provide discounts on products and services relevant to fishery owners
Build partnerships with others whose interests conicide with those of PCFA members
Promote the fact that angling is a net asset to society


Issues of concern at present include:

The potential impact on angling of Bird Flu
The 'Right-to-Roam' legislation
Non-indigenous species legislation
Environment Agency licences
Code of Good Practice for Fishery Management legislation
The Cormorant issue

Officers of the Association:

Chairman Ian Welch	Fishery Officer Dr Bruno Broughton Fisheries Consultant	Fishery Officer Roy Marlow Mallory Park

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The Professional Coarse Fisheries Association supports The Angling Foundation, a non-political, non-profit making body which advises on angling and fish welfare issues and gives guidance by the production of voluntary standards, guidelines and best practice for all sectors of the sport and industry in the UK. It also seeks to promote angling, especially for young, disabled or disadvantaged groups. Click on the logo to visit their site.

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If you would like to join the PCFA or would like more information click here
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