Angling Trust launches first of its kind water quality testing for pollution in estuaries

The Angling Trust is excited to launch the Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network, an innovation in our ongoing efforts to protect the places we fish and love.

This unique initiative extends the reach of our Water Quality Monitoring Network, a key part of our Anglers Against Pollution campaign – which has seen almost 10,000 citizen sample tests for pollution in rivers in England and Wales over the last three years.

Estuaries are where freshwater meets the sea, forming vital nursery grounds for fish and providing essential habitats for wildlife. Despite their importance, estuaries are some of the least understood when it comes to water quality, largely due to the complexities involved in monitoring these ever-changing environments. With over 81% of England’s estuaries not meeting the Water Framework Directive standards for good water quality, the need to advocate for cleaner, healthier environments has never been more urgent.

Earlier this year, the Angling Trust undertook a pilot project on the Ribble Estuary with the support of dedicated volunteers to demonstrate that, with the right tools and techniques, anglers can make significant strides in understanding and protecting these precious ecosystems. Following the success of the pilot project, we are now extending the initiative to monitor transitional waters across the country and seeking expressions of interest from clubs and other angling organisations who wish to take part.

The Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network will be the first citizen science initiative of its kind, providing anglers with the opportunity to be at the forefront of protecting our estuaries. Anglers are uniquely positioned to serve as the eyes and ears on the ground, monitoring the health of waters. The data collected by volunteers will be crucial in detecting pollution events, tracking long-term changes in water quality, and advocating for cleaner, healthier estuaries through informed policy campaigns.

Jamie Cook, CEO, Angling Trust comments: “Estuaries are vital ecosystems that have long been overlooked in water quality assessments. Through the Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network, we’re empowering anglers and communities to gather essential data, ensuring these crucial habitats receive the attention and protection they deserve.”

Paul Coulson, CEO, Institute of Fisheries Management added: “The Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network will address a significant gap in our understanding of the condition of estuarine environments. These systems are often under-reported in monitoring programmes, so engaging citizen scientists in the collection of water quality data will generate valuable insights. This information will support efforts to protect and enhance the health of our estuaries.”

The Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network offers anglers a direct way to contribute to the health of our estuaries. By volunteering, anglers can help ensure that estuaries remain clean, healthy, and sustainable for future generations. Sign up to become part of the Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Network and help shape the future of our estuaries. Together, we can monitor, protect, and advocate for cleaner, healthier waters.

The Angling Trust thanks the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for funding the initial pilot project on the Ribble Estuary and our partners at the Institute of Fisheries Management for supporting our volunteer training. The Angling Trust also thanks The Fishmongers’ Company Charitable Trust and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for supporting the national rollout of the network.

For more information and to get involved, please visit the project web page

Watch: River Ribble Pilot Project