Big step towards seeing angling return to Dover’s Admiralty Pier

Angling will return to Admiralty Pier in October as part of a pilot project agreed between the Dover Sea Angling Association (DSAA), the Angling Trust and Dover Harbour Board.

After a meeting in Dover on 27th September, a number of the issues and concerns raised by the Dover Harbour Board have been resolved. While extra security measures will be introduced to meet the legitimate concerns of the Harbour Board, a pilot involving up to 70 anglers will now be set up. Should this prove a success, then the details of how the pier can be reopened for angling will then be agreed between the DSAA and the Dover Harbour Board.

Richard Yates, Chairman of the DSAA, said:

“The possible loss of one of the best angling venues in the country, that has been popular for over 100 years, has had a big impact on anglers both locally and across the country. This strength of feeling has really been shown over the last few months and fortunately Dover Harbour Board have listened to this feedback and really worked hard with us to find solutions to all the concerns they raised.

“The agreed trial day should lay the foundation for a lasting new agreement between DHB and the anglers and we hope angling can continue for another 100 years. It feels like the start of a new relationship between angling and the harbour board, the recent campaign seems to have highlighted to many of the management of DHB just how important angling is to the people of Dover and their response has been fantastic in finding ways to ensure angling can continue.”

Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns at the Angling Trust, said:

“We have been pleased to be able to support Richard and the DSAA in discussion with the Dover Harbour Board on the return of angling to the pier. Its loss was a blow to many anglers and has cost businesses and the community dearly. We welcome the cooperation and constructive nature of our discussions with the Harbour Board. We understand their legitimate security concerns and are seeking to accommodate them, while allowing the lawful activity of fishing to resume on this iconic fishing pier.”

Doug Bannister, CEO, Port of Dover, said:

“My team and I have been determined to find a way forward in adequately addressing our security challenges whilst achieving our genuine desire to explore a viable return to sea angling from the port. It has not been an easy journey, but I hope that our continued determination to see this through to a satisfactory conclusion shows the importance we place on balancing our community commitment alongside the demands of operating a major international gateway in today’s security climate. We are optimistic about the forthcoming trial day, which I hope informs the solutions that are required to enable the safe, secure and practical return of angling to the Admiralty Pier.”

Final arrangements on the day and times for the pilot fishing day are being agreed between the DSAA and the Dover Harbour Board. The DSAA will be publishing details of how to apply to take part in due course.