Angling Trust Raises Alarm Over Lack of Fisheries Enforcement

The Angling Trust has written to senior fisheries officials at the Marine Management Organisation and the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, raising urgent concerns over what appears to be a lack of effective enforcement in key marine and coastal fisheries – a failure that threatens the sustainability of fish stocks and undermines public confidence in the very rules intended to protect them. In letters sent to Michelle Willis, Acting Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and Robert Clark, Chief Officer of the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), the Angling Trust set out three current issues that illustrate the scale and seriousness of the problem:

1. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna – No Enforcement Risking Fishery’s Future

Reports have emerged of enforcement representatives telling stakeholders there will be “no enforcement” of the recreational bluefin tuna fishery rules and that it is “not a priority” for the MMO.

Given the international profile of this species and the UK’s commitments to responsible management, such statements and sentiments risk inviting rule breaking and encouraging people who do not have a permit to fish. This damages the fishery’s credibility, makes a mockery of the  permitting system administered by the MMO, risks the high welfare standards that underpin this fishery, and undermines the UK’s reputation with global conservation partners.

Jamie Cook, CEO of Angling Trust and Fish Legal said “The UK Government’s failure to act on our recommendations or enforce the rules, after all the work that has gone into building a sustainable catch-and-release tuna fishery, is a significant risk. This fishery delivers huge value to coastal economies while safeguarding the future of an iconic species once driven to extinction in UK waters.

We have proposed mandatory training and best-practice handling for all recreational skippers and angler permit holders, and consistently highlighted the threat of illegal fishing – whether recreational or commercial. We again call on the UK Government to implement these measures so that this world-class recreational fishery on our doorstep is managed and policed to the highest standard.”

2. Illegal Bass Targeting and Landing

Across the east and south coasts – including Essex, Kent, Sussex, Devon and Cornwall – the Trust has received multiple reports of individuals deliberately breaking bass catch limits and illegally landing fish. The Angling Trust wishes to make clear that these individuals and groups are illegal fishing and should be categorised as such, rather than recreational or commercial fishers. Tackling illegal fishing should be a top priority for the UK Government to achieve sustainable world-class fisheries here in the UK. Law-abiding anglers are increasingly frustrated by what they see as little or no risk of detection or sanction for those who break the rules.

Hannah Rudd, Head of Marine at the Angling Trust, said “Illegal fishing must be stamped out. It undermines the efforts of legitimate fishers and threatens the hard-won recovery of bass around our coast. After more than a decade of strict regulation, bass are finally considered to be in a healthy state by the scientists providing stock advice at ICES – but this progress will only be maintained if enforcement is robust and consistent. We cannot allow illegal activity to undo years of sacrifice by the fishing communities and the responsible management need to maintain healthy stock now and in the future.”

3. Sale of Undersized Mackerel

In Sussex and Devon, anglers have reported large quantities of undersized mackerel being taken from the shore and loaded into vans, apparently for onward sale. Despite reports to the MMO and IFCAs, these activities appear to continue unchecked, further fuelling perceptions that illegal fishing is going unpunished.

Peter Morgan, Sea Angling Engagement Officer at the Angling Trust said “We have received reports of anti-social behaviour and illegal fishing targeting mackerel in significant quantities for onward sale, particularly around Brighton (East Sussex), Hopes Nose, and Berry Head (Devon). We are working closely with local councils and the relevant IFCAs to address these issues and ensure our coastal fisheries are protected for law-abiding anglers and local communities.”

A Call for Action and Collaboration

The Angling Trust recognises the complex challenges facing enforcement bodies and the wide range of demands on their resources. However, persistent and visible illegal activity erodes confidence in fisheries management and puts at risk the sustainability of our marine environment.

Recreational sea anglers are among the most invested stakeholders in healthy fish stocks and sustainable management. When rules are ignored without consequence, it undermines both conservation efforts and the trust between managers, enforcement bodies, and the angling community.

We Want to Hear From You

If you have witnessed illegal fishing activity, please report it via the MMO or your local IFCA. If you have views on how enforcement can be improved, email us at [email protected]

Together, we can push for fair, effective, and properly enforced rules that protect our fish and our sport.