Marine

Angling Trust launches free descending device giveaway to support pollack conservation

The Angling Trust, in partnership with Veal’s Mail Order, is providing free descending devices to recreational private boat angling and charter boat community in England to promote catch-and-release angling for pollack.

This is thanks to government funding via the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

Pollack is a species in the spotlight with populations at all-time lows. Anglers can return fish they’re not keeping for the table to fight another day by using a descending device. Research from the Pollack FISP program has revealed that when released using a descending device, at least 75% of pollack displaying barotrauma symptoms survive.

Despite this proven effectiveness, some anglers remain hesitant about using descending devices. To encourage wider adoption, the Angling Trust has secured government funding to distribute a limited number of these tools for free. In return, recipients are asked to help spread awareness by posting about their use and where they received them on social media.

“These devices are a game-changer for pollack conservation,” said Hannah Rudd, Angling Trust’s Marine Policy & Research Manager. “By making them accessible to the angling community, we hope to see more anglers adopting best practices and ensuring a sustainable future for the sport.”

Interested anglers and skippers can claim their free descending device by filling out the form on the link here:  Click here to apply for a descending device


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