The Angling Trust and other members of the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and European fishing tackle trade met with Karmenu Vella, the EU Commissioner for the Environment and Fisheries, to highlight the huge social, environmental and economic benefits recreational angling brings to the EU.
The meeting in Brussels, which was arranged before the UK voted to leave the European Union, was attended by Mark Owen, the Angling Trust’s Head of Freshwater and David Mitchell, the Angling Trust’s Head of Marine – both of whom have been actively involved over many years defending fish and the rights of anglers at a European level.
Amongst topics discussed with the Commissioner were the impact of bass conservation measures on anglers and the involvement of angling in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.
David Mitchell, Angling Trust’s Head of Marine, said:
“It is important that the Commissioner responsible for the management of fish stocks and the aquatic environment knows the social and economic importance of angling to wellbeing and the economy.
“The UK is leaving the EU but there will be an immense amount of work to do figuring out how this will affect fish and fishing. We need to make sure angling isn’t invisible when a new relationship and agreements affecting fish and fishing develop between the UK and the EU.”
Mark Owen, the Angling Trust’s Head of Freshwater, said:
“It was apparent that the Commissioner very much valued the social and economic benefits of angling, given the 25 million anglers across Europe including the UK at present. We will be building on this recognition as we campaign to ensure that fish and fishing will not be impacted by leaving the EU.”
Source: Angling Trust Fishing News
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