Sea Anglers Tackle Water Quality and Litter Pollution in New Projects

The Angling Trust is thrilled to announce the launch of two innovative projects funded by the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme. These initiatives, which focus on water quality monitoring and tackling litter pollution, are designed to support anglers playing a vital role in protecting our seas and build on our existing Water Quality Monitoring Network and Anglers Against Litter campaign.

The Ribble Estuary in the North West of England will be home to the Angling Trust’s pilot estuarine Water Quality Monitoring Network.

Marine Water Quality Monitoring Network – Protecting Estuaries, Protecting Our Future

Estuaries are essential ecosystems that serve as nurseries for fish and vital migratory pathways for many marine species. However, poor water quality is a major threat to their health and sustainability. Recreational sea anglers, who already have a deep connection with these marine environments, are uniquely positioned to play a key role in monitoring and improving the health of our estuaries.

The Marine Water Quality Monitoring Network builds on the success of the river-based citizen science water quality monitoring program, extending it to estuaries. By empowering anglers to conduct water quality assessments, we can gather vital data that can hold polluters to account and inform management decisions for these important fisheries habitats.

The pilot project will take place within the Ribble Estuary, a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), Marine Special Protection Area (SPA), and Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The Ribble Estuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of fish that are recreationally important, but there are growing concerns about water quality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that pollution could be harming these species and the habitats they depend on.

To tackle this issue, we are partnering with the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) to train and equip ten recreational sea anglers in the Ribble Estuary. These anglers will become water quality champions, collecting monthly data on water quality indicators. These will likely be water temperature, total inorganic nitrogen, and salinity levels but establishing which indicators will form part of the pilot. This data will be crucial in identifying water quality trends and supporting the management objectives outlined in the UK Marine Strategy and 25-Year Environment Plan.

We’ll be creating infographics, social media content, and an end-of-project video to share the findings, raise awareness about the importance of estuaries, and highlight the threats of poor water quality on both marine life and recreational fishing.

We are delighted to be partnering with the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme again to install their pipe line recycling bins at new spots along the coast.

Anglers Against Litter – Reeling in Change

Litter pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our seas, and recreational sea anglers can be at the forefront of tackling this issue. The Anglers Against Litter: Reeling in Change project aims to engage the sea angling community in efforts to reduce marine litter and promote sustainability, contributing to the UK government’s objectives under the UK Marine Strategy and 25-Year Environment Plan.

Building on the success of the 2021/22 ‘Waves of Change’ project, which saw the deployment of 50 recycling bins for fishing line and marine plastic litter, this new initiative will expand the network across England. In partnership with the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS), we will deploy an additional 50 bins at key sea fishing locations, making it easier than ever for anglers to recycle old fishing line and other marine plastics. This effort will help reduce the amount of plastic waste in our oceans and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.

But we’re not stopping there. As part of this project, 60 litter picking kits will be distributed to sea angling clubs. These include high vis bibs branded with the Anglers Against Litter logo and litter pickers made from recycled commercial fishing nets, these kits will not only help anglers clean up their local beaches and fishing areas but will also promote the principles of the circular economy.

For boat-based anglers, we will distribute 400 educational materials and waterproof stickers featuring QR codes for charter boats. This outreach initiative will help raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the role that boat-based anglers can play in reducing litter pollution.

A pioneering aspect of the project involves a collaboration with the charity Reduce, Reuse Aquatic Plastic (ReAP). In Sussex, we will launch a pilot project to transform plastics collected by anglers during litter events into new fishing products, such as rod stands. This innovative initiative sets the stage for creating a circular economy within the angling community, reducing waste and giving new life to plastic materials.

To wrap up the project, we’ll produce a video that showcases the positive impact of these efforts, highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices, and encourages even more anglers to get involved in protecting our marine environments.

These two projects mark an exciting new chapter in the Angling Trust’s efforts to engage the sea angling community in environmental stewardship. By empowering recreational anglers to monitor water quality and reduce litter pollution, we are creating a more sustainable future for both our seas and the recreational fishing community. Together, we can make a real difference.

Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re interested in getting involved, keep an eye out for further information on how you can become a part of these important initiatives. Your involvement matters—let’s reel in change together!

As recreational sea anglers, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged in matters that directly impact the health of our ocean and the future of our sport. The Angling Trust is committed to fighting for fish, fishing and the environment.