Restrictions on angling in England are eased from today
(Wednesday 13th May) following updated government guidance on outdoor
activities.
The news has been welcomed by both the Environment Agency and
Angling Trust. The Trust recently put forward its ‘When We Fish
Again’ report to the government, encouraging a phased
return to the sport and highlighting the significant benefits
fishing offers to both personal well-being and the economy.
Under the new government guidelines, people can fish on their
own, with their household, or with one other person while
adhering to social distancing rules and staying two metres apart
at all times.
Outside members of your own household, people should remain two
metres apart from other anglers or members of the public at all
times. The most up-to-date information on these restrictions can
be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
The Angling Trust already advises anglers to fish no closer than
15 metres and that matches and organised angling events are still
not permissible.
Anglers must also ensure they are in possession of a valid
fishing licence, adhere to fisheries byelaws including the close
season and have permission of the fishery owner.
Dr Graeme Storey, Environment Agency Acting Deputy Director for
Fisheries and the Natural Environment, said:
We welcome the lifting of restrictions on recreational fishing.
This decision recognises that fishing can be done safely while
still adhering to social distancing guidelines. However, it is
vital that when we do go fishing, we all do so responsibly and
safely in order to continue playing our own part in protecting
ourselves, others and key public services.
In these challenging times responsible fishing provides a
wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and feel the range
of benefits doing so can bring. If you are going fishing then
you must have a valid fishing licence and adhere to fishing
byelaws and fishery rules.
Angling Trust Chief Executive Jamie Cook said:
The Angling Trust have brought all disciplines of angling
together in presenting a blueprint for the safe resumption of
recreational fishing which has led the way for the sporting
sector. Fishing delivers huge benefits to physical health,
mental wellbeing, active lifestyles and our economy. Angling
has shown the value of coming together as a community to speak
coherently and professionally at the highest level with a
single voice. I thank anglers for their patience and ask that
we follow the Angling Trust guidance which is there to protect
us all.
The Angling Trust have issued additional helpful advice to
individuals and angling organisations which can be found on
thier online hub.
Notes to editors:
-
If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you must
adhere to the guidance and regulations set by the Scottish
and Welsh governments or Northern Ireland Executive at all
times.
-
To date, the Environment Agency have paused the majority of
non-essential fisheries activity including improving habitats
for fish, facilities for anglers and stocking in line with
government guidelines. Proactive operational activity will be
restarted as soon as possible, also in line with those
guidelines.
-
The Environment Agency will continue to prioritise responding
to reported incidents of serious harm to the environment,
subject to local conditions. The Agency is also liaising with
police regarding illegal fishing incidents. The police have
powers to deal with people breaking coronavirus rules and are
able to achieve outcomes beneficial to public health and
fisheries legislation.
-
Illegal fishing, pollution and incidents harming the
environment should be reported to the Environment Agency on
0800 80 70 60. Significant issues or serious breaches of the
coronavirus restrictions should be reported to the police on
101 or the local police website.
