High Court ruling a ‘Landmark Victory’ for Fish Legal
Fish Legal and Pickering Fishery Association have won what they describe as a landmark judicial review in the High Court against the Government and the Environment Agency because of their defective river improvement plans.
The High Court ruled that the Government and the Environment Agency had failed in their mandatory legal duties to review, update and put in place measures to restore rivers and other water bodies under the Water Framework Directive Regulations.
In what they describe as a damning judgement, believed to be the most significant UK Court ruling on the Water Framework Directive since the river basin planning process commenced in 2003, the court found in favour of the angling club on each of its argued grounds.
Fish Legal, acting on behalf of the Pickering Fishery Association, brought a legal challenge to the Government’s deficient River Basin Management Plan for the Humber district, as signed off by then Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Therese Coffey, and published in December 2022.
The ruling, which is expected to be contested by the Government and Environment Agency, could have ‘huge implications’ for an estimated 4,928 other bodies of water which are covered by the directive.
Fish Legal Chairman George Graham told the Annual Meeting of Fish Legal on November 25: “If the decision is upheld the Government and Environment Agency will have to do a lot more work on those 4,928 water bodies which are covered by the directive” adding that this would be at a time when the Environment Agency’s budget has been “slashed ruthlessly” by the Government over the past 10 years.
Follow this link for the full story
Similar articles
Fishing basics – Learning to fish
In this nostalgic article, Chris reflects on his own first experiences of fishing and how that same excitement can easily hook new comers to the sport today.
How to Create a Fishing Lake
Landowners with a few unproductive acres could improve the yield from their land by creating a fishing lake. Fisheries Management Consultant Dr Bruno Broughton explains how it’s done.
Anchor Meadow closed until further notice
Anchor Meadow Fishery is fully closed for fishing and camping until further notice following the passing of Margaret Fisher who had been running the venue since the death of her husband Ken in 2015. The couple bought the fishery in…
Guide to stick float fishing
River fishing is having a resurgence as more people recognise the pleasure it can bring. For many of us we are going back to our roots, but for others it is a new venture. In this article Chris Smith walks…
A guide to fishing the Warwickshire Avon – from Stratford down to Tewkesbury
Exploring the Warwickshire Avon, home to some prolific stretches for roach, chub, barbel and pike anglers. We explore the day ticket and club waters that you can go fishing on.
The essential guide to the fishing knots every angler should know
Chris Smith takes us through some simple knots, all of which are easy to learn and are effective for most fishing situations.Search by Region or County
Find new places to go fishing in your local area or county by choosing your destination below
Comments