The Environment Agency has disclosed the strategic allocation of funds derived from over 900,000 fishing license sales, totaling an impressive £20.9 million, further augmented by an additional £1.4 million in government support. The Annual Fisheries Report outlines the meticulous reinvestment of these resources into fisheries nationwide, encompassing crucial activities such as surveys of fish stocks, habitat enhancements, and the supply and restocking of over 450,000 coarse fish.
A prominent beneficiary of this financial commitment is the Environment Agency’s National Fisheries Laboratory, situated in Cambridgeshire. This pivotal facility, largely funded through fishing license revenue, plays a central role in identifying, monitoring, and mitigating existing and future threats to fisheries and the environment, including fish diseases and non-native species.
During the fiscal year 2022/23, a substantial £562,000 was directed towards the National Fisheries Laboratory. This funding enabled the assessment of 112 fish mortality events related to potential diseases, 40 health checks facilitating the safe stocking of over half a million fish, and the handling of over 1,500 queries supporting national incidents, fishery management advice, and guidance.
Collaborating with more than 1,000 partners, including The Angling Trust, The Wild Trout Trust, and the Freshwater Biological Association, the Environment Agency executed initiatives such as the ‘Get Fishing’ campaign and the ‘Anglers Riverfly Monitoring Initiative.’ These projects aim to welcome new anglers to the sport and foster increased participation in citizen science.
Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Manager, expressed her satisfaction with the impact of fishing license funds, stating, “Funding from fishing license money feeds into every aspect of an angler’s experience, improving fish stocks, providing new facilities, and helping to protect our environment.”
The Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP), directly financed by fishing license income, has supported 198 projects dedicated to enhancing and safeguarding rivers, constructing fish passes, and improving stillwater fisheries. Notably, Nutsey Lake in the Test Valley received assistance through FIP, addressing issues like bankside degradation and low fish stocks by removing sediment, enhancing habitats, and installing a solar aerator to boost water quality and fish populations.
The fiscal year 2022/23 saw fisheries license income contributing to a range of initiatives, including 1,200 fish stock surveys, 39,159 fishing license checks, and the prosecution of 265 anglers for fishing without a license. Furthermore, the funds supported responses to 407 incidents involving dead or dying fish, improvements to fish habitats on 347km of rivers, and the supply and stocking of almost 455,439 coarse fish.
The commitment to various projects, such as the Angling Improvement Fund managed by the Angling Trust, underscores the dedication to protecting fisheries from predators like cormorants and otters. Over 52 hectares of still water fisheries were improved, and extensive monitoring, research, and development work were undertaken to promote sustainable fisheries management.
It’s worth noting that anglers must possess a valid fishing license to engage in fishing activities in England and Wales, with licenses available for purchase online or by phone, and delivery through email, text, or letter.
