CLOSED SEASON decision is made

The Environment Agency have made the controversial call to retain the current coarse fishing close season on rivers throughout the UK, following the results of an eight week public consultation carried out earlier this year.

The results of the consultation which received 13,680 responses indicated that removing the close season would pose a potential risk to coarse fish and whilst amending the start or end dates would protect some species, it would significantly impact others.

This decision is likely to anger some sections of the angling community with support for keeping the close season at 38.8%, changing the closed dates at 9.2% and removing it altogether at 49.8%.

As well as the evidence provided by respondents in the consultation the Environment Agency also relied upon the experience of the team at their Calverton Fish Farm who have noted that species such as chub and barbel are very sensitive to spawning ground disturbance.

Deputy Director of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, Kevin Austin, said: “We have analysed the many comments from the 13,680 responses to understand the evidence and opinions around the close season. Given the limited further evidence on risks to coarse and other fish stocks, we have decided to retain the close season."

“Our priority is to find the right balance between angling and protecting fish stocks. The current close season is risk-based and maintains protection for the majority of coarse fish.

“We recognise that some anglers will be disappointed with this outcome, while others will welcome it. This reflects a shared passion for fishing.

“We will continue, working with partners, to consider any new information on the close season as and when it becomes available.”

Angling Times will provide an update on this breaking news story as feedback from the country’s anglers comes in.