New service to help fisheries grow

The new Fisheries Support Service has been funded from rod licence income as a four-year partnership through the National Angling Strategic Services contract awarded by the Environment Agency.

Newly appointed specialist officers will act as regional contacts to provide guidance and signpost clubs and fisheries to Angling Trust departments which will offer advice on a variety of areas such as participation, enforcement, governance, predator and invasive species management, funding and coaching.

They will also refer clubs and fisheries to external expertise as appropriate, such as the Environment Agency, Institute of Fisheries Management and the Wild Trout Trust.

According to the Angling Trust, clubs need to be aware of the health and safety requirements and keep good records. The Fisheries Support Service will help them keep up to date with the rapidly changing digital world in which they operate. A well run club should be able to identify what future actions are required and consider drawing up a development plan to include areas such as fisheries management, junior membership safety protocols and future ambitions. The Fisheries Support Service officers will be on hand to assist in this work.

Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said: “We believe that well run angling clubs, societies and affordable fisheries are our fishing future. They provide pathways into our wonderful sport allowing anglers to develop their skills and interests. We want to help clubs grow and develop at a time when some are struggling and yet others are forging ahead with bold and innovative initiatives. We need to capture and promote what works and provide the opportunity for clubs and fisheries to learn from one another.

“This new service will provide best practice support and guidance to angling clubs and fisheries to ensure volunteers are organised and operate safely, projects are delivered professionally and their set-up results in growing membership, angling opportunities and fisheries improvements at their waters.”

Find out more about The Fisheries Support Service

Written by Peter Cliff
With career in Public Relations and journalism, Peter worked for local, regional and national newspapers before moving into Public Relations. A regular contributor to several major angling publications over the years, he launched Fisheries.co.uk in 1999.