1. and experience the environment
Come fishing
and experience the environment
Matt Carter
Regional Strategic Specialist (Fisheries)
Environment Agency
Thames Region
Reading

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. Thames21 – ‘Tightlines’ example
Summary
20 Events completed
Participants
Percent mix (%)
Male
405 76
Female
129 24
Black and Ethnic Minorities
118 22
Total Participants
534
Summary
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
Total – 2006/07
35 Events completed
Participants
Percent mix (%)
Male
620 72
Female
237 28
Black and Ethnic Minorities
268 31
Total Participants
857

6. Useful web links
Environment Agency – general fishing information, rod licences etc
Visit Thames – angling locations in London, tackle shops
Thames21 – ‘Tightlines’ angling development project
Scouts Association – Scouts angler badge
National Federation of Anglers (NFA) – angling governing body
British Disabled Anglers Association (BDAA) – advice and information
bdaa.co.uk/
All Things Piscatorial – angling events nationally
National Fishing Week – angling events nationally
Take a friend fishing – promotes fishing with friends