Shimano becomes exclusive sponsor of litter pollution campaign

Tackle giant, Shimano, has leant its considerable weight behind a campaign waged by anglers against litter pollution.

The UK division of the Japanese company has signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with the Angling Trust – the body that represents anglers in England and Wales – in its Anglers Against Litter initiative.

It will be providing resources to enable fishing clubs to undertake litter picks and encouraging all to pledge their support to ‘Take 5’ – picking up five items of rubbish or spending five minutes at the end of an angling session to collect and safely dispose of litter.

Ian Latham, Manager Director of Shimano UK, said: “As a Trade Associate member of the Angling Trust, we have been committed to supporting the amazing work it does for some time. However, when the opportunity arose to take an extra step and become the official partner of its Anglers Against Litter campaign we jumped at the chance.

“The initiative is one the team here at Shimano are passionate about as it is perfectly in line with our worldwide commitment to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us.

“We are delighted to be working with the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency and we encourage anglers to get involved and help us keep the places we fish litter free.”

Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, added: “I am delighted to welcome Shimano as exclusive fishing tackle sponsor of our Anglers Against Litter campaign and look forward to working with it to increase action on litter and help to protect our fish and waterways.

“Tackling litter is something that everyone can agree on, and by working with Shimano we aim to provide more equipment and resources to more people and promote the ways that angling gives back to the environment.

“This is the start of a new exciting chapter for the campaign and I want to thank Shimano for its support.”

• Picture: Ian Latham (left), Managing Director of Shimano UK, is pictured with Mark Owen, Angling Trust Head of Fisheries, at the launch of the campaign at the recent The Big One show in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.