WHEN WE FISH AGAIN

SUMMARY REPORT - APRIL 2020

A summary of our proposals to getanglers fishing safely again

SUPPORTED BY:

#WHENWEFISHAGAIN

Angling Trust - When We Fish Again

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INTRODUCTIONHow we arerepresenting angling

A CAUTIONARYNOTE

Following discussions with our advisors and supporters in Parliament we have submitted ourproposals to Government Ministers on how angling could be permitted as a safe, healthy, beneficialsport and why it should take its position at the front of the queue when restrictions are reviewed. Through our work with other angling bodies, in this country and across the globe, as well as byconsulting with experts across multiple disciplines - we have delivered guidelines under whichangling could be safely permitted without increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission when theGovernment begins to ease restrictions. In sharing these guidelines I want to be absolutely clear that restrictions on angling have notbeen lifted – that decision must remain with the government in order to align with the nationaleffort to combat the transmission of COVID-19 and support the work of our public services. We have laid out the reasons why it is important and sensible for angling to be permitted asmeasures are relaxed and I hope that as a community we can follow the example of some of thebiggest personalities in our sport and get behind this campaign in a sensible and responsible way. Iwould encourage you all to share those images of what you are looking forward to most about thetime #whenwefishagain and portray the positive face of our sport. We all appreciate the huge benefits that angling brings to our health and well-being, as well as theeconomic and social impact our sport delivers. Through this report the Angling Trust isdemonstrating that there is a safe and sensible pathway to get us back on the bank withoutcompromising the NHS or the country’s fight against this dreadful Coronavirus. Thank you for the resolve you have shown so far - please support us by joining the Angling Trustas we press the case on your behalf for the safe resumption of the sport we all love.

Jamie CookChief ExecutiveAngling Trustwww.joinanglingtrust.net

Angling Trust - When We Fish Again

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RELAXING THELOCKDOWN

Angling is already a naturally self-isolating or social distancing sport.We have been informed that theGovernment's own scientists haverecently advised that the lifting ofrestrictions on activities such asangling would not likely result in arise of the infection rate.We have examined death ratesglobally and presented that thereis no positive correlation betweenCOVID-19 related deaths andrecreational fishing beingpermitted.

Key reasons whyangling should bepermitted asrestrictions arerelaxed.

Angling in general and carp fishing andspecimen hunting in particular are solitarypursuits where participants actively seeksolitude or at least separation fromothers.  Therefore I believe that under currentcircumstances easing restrictions on anglingwould have significant social and economicbenefits. Peter DrennanManaging DirectorDrennan International & ESP Ltd

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Angling can engage everyone -including both able bodied anddisabled participants and with wellover half of the population livingwithin 5 miles of a waterway - gettingus back out fishing can be achievedwithout significant travel. We are facing an unprecedentednational mental health emergency asa result of the current pandemic.Angling has proven positive benefitsfor both physical health and mentalwellbeing - our sport can play its partin keeping people active as well ashelping people with their mentalhealth - we can play our part inavoiding a national mental healthcrisis that we will face as a by-product of the current pandemic.We want to help kick start theeconomy - angling contributesapproximately £4billion each year tothe UK economy. There is evidence inother countries, where fishing hasbeen permitted through thelockdown, that angling contributioncould increase significantly. Anglers continue to be the eyes andears on waterways, alongside theAngling Trust’s own Volunteer BailiffService which recorded 28,000 hoursof community volunteering in the lastyear, working alongside both thePolice and Environment Agency. Bypermitting recreational angling, wecan play our part in the fight againstrural crime and reduce pressure onPolice Enforcement services.

Angling contributes to the economy

£4 billion

Angling supports over

40,000 jobs

RELAXING THELOCKDOWNWhy angling shouldbe permitted

We have 25 lakes from Yorkshire to Oxfordshire, andalmost every one has been vandalised or fishedillegally during lockdown. Our staff and volunteershave spent significant time repairing damagedfences and providing a human presence to detervandals and poachers. Property has been stolen, andwe have serious concerns that some of our fish mayhave been stolen as well. Fellow fishery ownersacross the UK have complained of similar illegalactivity, forcing them out of isolation to protect theirlivelihood. With fishing safely re-introduced thiswould eradicate all of these issues overnight. Danny FairbrassChairman, Korda Developments Ltd & EmbryoAngling Habitats Ltd

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A PHASED APPROACH

Our proposal on how we can start tofish again, safely.

It is clear from the data that has been collatedfrom across the world within the Angling Trustproposal, that fishing is one of the safest sportsfor reintroduction as long as anglers adhere toclear safety & social distancing guidelines fromthe Government. Ali HamidiEuropean Head of Media and MarketingKorda Developments Ltd & Tackle Guru Ltd

Angling to be undertaken on a solitarybasis - social distancing in accordancewith Government guidelines must bemaintained at all times. Local fishing only – anglers must followcurrent Government guidance on travelfor the benefit of recreational activity. All freshwater anglers must be inpossession of the relevant EA Fishinglicence. Sea angling from beach and shore toresume along with small scale privateboat fishing - in adherence with socialdistancing guidelines. No sharing of fishing positions (swims)except by members of the samehousehold.

PHASE ONE

No sharing of fishing tackle or any otheritems. No angler to fish within 15 metres of anyother angler. No keepnets or competition fishing. Online and electronic day ticketpayments to be made wherever possible. Onsite shared facilities such as cafes andclubhouses to remain closed. Fisheries unable to adhere to theseguidelines should remain closed untilfurther notice. Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or who shares a household with anyindividual displaying symptoms, shouldnot go fishing and should continue tofollow Government advice on isolation.

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A PHASED APPROACH

Our proposal on how we can start tofish again, safely.

This is great news for all anglers that theAngling Trust are lobbying on our behalf to getus back on the bank as soon as some of therestrictions start to be lifted.  We are all missingour fishing but we have to be sensible here andmake sure we do the right things. Pleasurefishing would be a real boost to so many, solet's stay safe until the opportunity arises. Steve RingerWorld #1 Feeder Fishing - FIPSED 2020

PHASE TWOSUBJECT TO ONGOINGGOVERNMENT GUIDANCE

Private and guided boat andkayak fishing to resume on rivers,lakes and reservoirs. Competition fishing should onlybe undertaken if compliant withall Government guidelines and inaccordance with the AnglingTrust’s existing best practiceCOVID-19 guidance.

Charter boat fishing to resumeunder strict guidelines. Boatskippers must ensure that socialdistancing is always possible bylimiting numbers on charter boats ifnot members of the samehousehold. Shared facilities at fisheries to re-open if compliant with currentGovernment guidelines Travel restrictions to be reviewedto facilitate outdoor recreation inline with Government priorities.

Angling to continue whilst adheringto any social distancing guidelinesthat may be in force.

PHASE THREE

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These are our proposals to the Government to get anglers back on the bank safely. We believe we have delivered a compelling and practical solution to the Government. We willcontinue to represent recreational angling to get this guidance implemented as soon as theGovernment deem it appropriate to do so. Until that time we must continue to abide by therestrictions set out by the Government that are currently in place. We will keep you informed as things develop and rest assured no-one wants to achieve thisobjective more than us. Finally - if you aren’t already a member, please join us now – we need your support now morethan ever to keep doing the vital work that is needed for fishing, not only during this global crisis,but for the future of our sport, our fish and our environment. www.joinanglingtrust.net

TO CONCLUDE

Moving forward - fromproposal to reality

Fishing is naturally a very solitary sport and is aperfect isolation activity. If the right rules andregulations are put in place for anglers to abideby, it would allow many people to benefit, bothmentally and physically from being outdoorsduring these challenging times. Marina GibsonFounder, Northern Fishing School

Fishing isn't just fishing. For most people it's theironly escape, their only chance to be active, theonly time they get to be alone to soak up thebest of our wonderful countryside and mentallyrecharge the batteries ready for another week ofreality. It's a complete release from anyhardships or trouble people may have. Dean MaceyCommonwealth & World Championship MedalHolder

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FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about our When We Fish Again Campaign

Going fishing is surely one of the healthiestactivities you can do, and with the kind offishing I do, social distancing is ridiculouslyeasy. If I see anybody within a hundred yards ofme when I go fishing it would be a surprise. Henry GilbeyBass Angler & Writer

I often hear sea anglers ask, whatexactly does the Angling Trust do forthem? Well, how about campaigningat the highest level to get sea anglingreinstated as soon as possible, duringthese incredibly difficult times. Dave LewisSea Angler and Angling Travel Guide

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Angling provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoyand protect wildlife while helping to make our livesbearable and healthy in these challenging times.This is excellent work by the AnglingTrust...anorganisation that everyone should join! Hugh MilesPassion for Angling Award Winning Film Maker

I am delighted that the Angling Trust areworking to get angling up and running in a safeand responsible way so that anglers from alldisciplines can gain the undoubted healthbenefits it fosters. Dai GribbleDrennan Cup Winner

We all need something to look forward to afterthe terrible situation we have been in and I can'tthink of anything better than fishing to bringback the feel good factor for many thousandsof people. Dave HarrellRiverfest Founder & Leading Match Angler

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It's only since being unable to go angling thatI've realised just how much I miss it, as well asthe benefits that it has for me in terms of beingable to relax; spend time outdoors in the freshair and sunshine; and get away from work andcomputer screens for a while! Gary NewmanSpecialist Angler

Once again, The Angling Trust has championedour angling cause. I have absolutely nohesitation in commending this report to you. Allof us know the misery of not going fishing. This“paper” hits precisely the right note, when weneeded it most and gets our fabulous sport onfront footing. Charles JardineExpert Fly Fisherman & Illustrator

My wife and I went for our run and passedclose to 143 joggers, dog walkers and cyclistsyet if we had taken our exercise on a tenchlake, rods in hand, we would have seen next tono one. John BaileyAuthor & Angling Guide

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I fully support all the efforts of the AnglingTrust in this current environment and this is whyit is so important for all anglers to becomemembers. We must continue to follow theGovernment’s social distancing guidelines sothis phased proposal will help to get us all backfishing as soon as possible, improve our healthand wellbeing and assist the industry to getback on track. Hayley ClappertonManaging Director, Bait-Tech

Allowing people to fish again is a very sensibledecision. Everyone now understands the needfor social distancing and it’s relatively easy todo on the bank. Scientific evidence is very clearthat time in green and blue spaces relievesstress and is great for our mental wellbeing,and what better way than on angling. It will givea large part of the population an enormous lift. Rob HughesCarp Angler & TV Presenter

The Angling Trust have worked tirelessly topresent  a phased and sensible set of plans tothe Government to get all of us back fishingsafely. Dean BarlowEngland Match Angler