and experience the environment Come fishing and experience the environment Matt Carter Regional Strategic Specialist (Fisheries) Environment Agency Thames Region Reading 07880 736157 m.carter@environment-agency.gov.uk

Why are fish important ? Overview of Fish and Fishing Facts Fish are good indicators of a healthy environment, e.g. WFD Fish are protected by legislation Fishing is a popular and all inclusive activity More people go fishing than in any other sport Fishing is known to reduce youth crime Fishing is known to improve peoples’ health The UK sport-fishing industry generates £3Bn pa The Environment Agency receives £20M in revenue and £10M in GIA pa The Agency has a duty to protect and improve fish numbers The Agency helps to promote angling National and local strategies for angling (2015 and Bright future)

Angling in London We sell over 100,000 rod licences in London £24.50 pa for adults £10 pa concession £5 pa Juniors (12-17years old) Under 12’s – free Hundreds of river and pond locations allow fishing Many park ponds, local lakes and gravel pits River Thames and tributaries Supported by the Government - APPAG Others also promote angling e.g. Scouts Association We offer Angling coaching sessions for new starters

Benefits of fishing Outdoor activity All inclusive Fish with friends In touch with wildlife Relatively inexpensive Learn new skills Convenient to time consuming Challenging and rewarding

Thames21 – ‘Tightlines’ example Summary - 2006 20 Events completed Participants Percent mix (%) Male 405 76 Female 129 24 Black and Ethnic Minorities 118 22 Total Participants 534 Summary - 2007 15 Events completed Participants Percent mix (%) Male 215 67 Female 108 33 Black and Ethnic Minorities 150 46 Total Participants 323 Contact: Grant Fear Angling development co-ordinator Thames21 020 7248 7171 info@thames21.org.uk Total – 2006/07 35 Events completed Participants Percent mix (%) Male 620 72 Female 237 28 Black and Ethnic Minorities 268 31 Total Participants 857

Useful web links Environment Agency – general fishing information, rod licences etc www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Visit Thames – angling locations in London, tackle shops www.visitthames.co.uk/ Thames21 – ‘Tightlines’ angling development project www.thames21.org.uk/ Scouts Association – Scouts angler badge http://www.scouts.org.uk/ National Federation of Anglers (NFA) – angling governing body www.nfadirect.com/ British Disabled Anglers Association (BDAA) – advice and information bdaa.co.uk/ All Things Piscatorial – angling events nationally www.allthingspiscatorial.com National Fishing Week – angling events nationally www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk/ Take a friend fishing – promotes fishing with friends www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/