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Angling Improvement Fund Opens for Nets, Mats & Slings

Clubs and fisheries are invited to apply for funding support for fishery-friendly equipment in a new and specifically focused bio-security round of the Angling Improvement Fund.

In support of national Invasive Non-Native Species week, £25,000 has been made available by the Environment Agency from rod licence income and the fund is now open to receive applications for the specific purchase of nets, mats and slings to be used and retained at specific venues. Providing equipment for this purpose will help clubs, fisheries and ultimately anglers play their part in preventing the spread of fish disease and Invasive Non-Native Species.

Fund Manager, Andy Petch said: “This fund has been specifically set up to help clubs and fisheries with the battle to stop the spread of fish disease and non-native invasive plant and aquatic life. Keeping nets, mats and slings on site for use by visiting anglers will help to restrict the potential for inadvertent transportation of diseases and rampant plant life from venue to venue. Some of the invertebrates in this category can be difficult to spot and even a microscopic piece of a non-native invasive plant can take hold very quickly if taken elsewhere. We encourage all eligible clubs and venues to consider applying for support from this fund.”

To qualify, applicant venues must be located in England and offer fishing that is covered by an Environment Agency non-migratory trout and coarse fishing licence.

More information, including full details of how to apply, is available on the Funding page of the Angling Trust website.

For more information on Invasive Non-Native Species (May 12th-18th) click here.

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