Norfolk Broads barrier plans slammed
Fisheries scientists and angling groups have slammed the Environment Agency after it gave the go-ahead for controversial fish barriers to be built at one of the prime spawning locations for coarse fish on the Norfolk Broads, according to a report in the ‘Angling Times’.
The report said that last year a successful legal challenge was launched against an earlier decision by the EA and Natural England to install barriers in Hoveton Great Broad as part of a plan to promote more weed growth.
Decision made despite warnings
The publication said that decision had been made despite warnings from the Environment Agency’s fisheries teams and experts from the Institute of Fisheries Management that the barriers would have a detrimental effect on fish stocks in Hoveton Great Broad and the Northern Broads system. Now, following a second consultation, the plan had been given the green light once more in a move that has angered the angling community.
The ‘Angling Times’ quoted Kelvin Allen, Chairman of the Broads Angling Services Group, as saying: “We are staggered at the Agency’s disregard for the data and of its own fisheries officers’ concerns. Its actions will destroy any trust that anglers have in the Agency’s support of fish, fisheries and anglers. It also opens up the very real risk that the famous Broads bream stocks will be severely damaged for decades to come.”
Angling policymakers left ‘exasperated’
The AT said the decision had also left angling’s policymakers exasperated and quoted the Angling Trust’s Martin Salter as saying: “The top brass at the Environment Agency have rolled over to please their colleagues in Natural England rather than follow the advice of their own fisheries experts who had spent seven years on fish surveys, studies and tagging at a cost of more than £250,000 of rod licence and taxpayers’ money.
“These studies showed beyond all doubt that the proposed barriers would be harmful to the recruitment of bream stocks in the Northern Broads. Bream are one of the iconic species upon which the £100 million angling economy of the Norfolk Broads depends.”
Similar articles

In Memory of Peter Cliff
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Cliff, the founder of Fisheries.co.uk, who passed away in May 2025. Peter’s vision and dedication transformed what began as an idea 26 years ago into one of the…
River Fishing – A guide to getting started
Are you thinking of going for a trip to the river in 2025 but find yourself filled with trepidation because you have never fished running water before? Well I want you to relax. Let us take the mysteries out of…
A guide to fishing licences in 2025
Whether you want to become a new angler or you’ve been fishing for years, you will be required to obtain the Environment Agency Rod Licence. In this article we explain what you’ll need if you want to go fishing in…
Make the most of the 2025 river season with this in-depth guide to fishing rivers
If you’re new to fishing rivers, or just fancy a change from fishing stillwaters, this guide will help you make the most of the new 2025 river fishing season. With advice on reading the water, what species to fish for…
Our guide to fishing this spring (2025)
With the worst of the weather over (we hope!) and with spring finally here, it’s time to clean out that tackle box and get on the bank for some spring time fishing.
Take a friend fishing
Get ready to hit the water! From April 18th to May 4th, 2025, you can get a free fishing license to take a buddy out and show them what fishing’s all about. Yep, free! It’s all part of the “Take…Search by Region or County
Find new places to go fishing in your local area or county by choosing your destination below
Comments