Funding hailed as ‘important’ breakthrough for UK sea angling

The UK’s Angling Trust is to receive crucial government funding to support its work on Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) through the appointment of an independent research consultant.

Working in collaboration with the Bass Anglers’ Sportfishing Society (BASS), the Trust secured the funding through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

The Trust’s announcement called the development an “important breakthrough for UK sea angling,” going on to say that it is the first tangible benefit to come from its successful campaign for sea fishing to be officially recognised in the Fisheries Act 2020 as a legitimate stakeholder in UK fisheries.

FMPs will be developed for both single species and mixed species fisheries and will provide the frameworks for managing all fisheries stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the Fisheries Act. 

“It is crucial that these plans properly provide for sea anglers’ needs and deliver a sustainable future for our fisheries,” said the announcement. “We will be working hard on the development of FMPs to ensure the best possible outcome for recreational sea angling and the fish we love.”

Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns at the Angling Trust, said: “The Trust extends its thanks to BASS for its generous donation to support our work on FMPs, which has been match funded by the Marine Management Organisation. 

“The delivery of this funding marks the beginning of expanding our ability to shape our fisheries and the recreational sea angling experience for years to come.  We look forward to fighting hard for fish, fishing and the marine environment, so that sea angling can be enjoyed long into the future.”

David Curtis, of BASS, thanked members and supporters for their fundraising work and donations that made it possible to support the Trust “on this vitally important project.”

“We are absolutely delighted that work on a bass FMP, which is expected to start soon, since proper management of our bass fishery is long overdue,” he added.

Meanwhile, GO Outdoors and its angling brand, Fishing Republic, have become the latest Retail Associate Members of the Angling Trust. And to mark the partnership, both brands are offering a 10% discount on their products. Members can use their membership cards for buying in store or by logging in to their members dashboard to get their code for online purchases.