Fisheries improvement programme opens for applications on 1st December

The programme, funded by fishing licence income, supports a wide range of initiatives designed to improve habitats, enhance angling facilities and help fisheries protect their stocks from the pressures of prolonged dry weather. Clubs and fishery owners are being encouraged to put forward proposals that the Environment Agency may be able to support.

A significant annual investment into angling

Every year the Environment Agency will reinvest about £1M in projects to support clubs, fisheries and other partners to improve local fish stocks and angling opportunities.

The Fisheries Improvement Programme is funded from the coarse, trout and eel fishing licence income and provides a direct benefit to anglers. For the coming round, £730k is being made available to support projects, most of which are developed and delivered by angling clubs and other partners.

Projects Eligible for Support

Typical proposals submitted to FIP include:

• Improvements to natural habitats
• Measures to safeguard fish stocks from environmental or seasonal pressures
• Enhancements to access, platforms and general angling facilities
• Work that improves fish welfare or long-term sustainability

These projects are designed to help fisheries deliver real, practical benefits both for anglers and for the aquatic environment.

Where to Find Out More

Clubs and fisheries interested in applying can find full details, eligibility guidance and examples of previously funded projects on the Angling Trust website.

Written by Steve
Steve's been an angler since the age of 12, when he caught his first perch on his local canal in Warwickshire. An avid float angler for over 30 years, Steve's just as passionate about angling now, whether stick float fishing on the Avon or at his local gravel pit fishing for spring time Tench.