Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Support Service

08/09/2026

We learn a lot from the people we speak to.

Share your tips in the comments on the best ways to keep our environment and belongings safe.

What does your club do?

Despite the Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Support Service having many years of in-depth understanding and knowledge about protecting waters from poaching and fish theft, we still recognise that we are learning every day. Many clubs and fisheries have clever ways of protecting their waters, along with individual anglers who work alongside us to help expand our knowledge.

Fisheries and environmental crime affects many people, from the direct issue of fish theft, to angling clubs having equipment damaged or stolen. What are your best tips for protecting our environment and belongings?

01/09/2026

We always recommend knowing the byelaws for the region where you live and fish. Follow the link in the post to stay updated.

Do you know the regional byelaws for the areas you fish?

Did you know, there are seven different areas with their own regional byelaws in England. It is good to stay updated and to know what the rules in your region are. Our enforcement work starts with knowledge. Funding is provided by the Environment Agency through rod licence sales which is used firstly to help educate all anglers about how to safely and legally fish, but also to help directly protect your waters from poaching and fish theft.

If you spend any amount of time by the water, we highly recommend you know your stuff.

Find your regions byelaws here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-rod-fishing-byelaws-for-england-freshwater-fishing-with-a-rod-and-line

25/08/2026

Regional Enforcement Support Manager for the North West Adam Wall recently helped out at this amazing community fishing day. Our enforcement support work thrives thanks to these days that help introduce fishing in a safe and fun way.

24/08/2026

What do you get for your rod licence money?”

Each year the Environment Agency produce a Fisheries Annual Report which shows exactly how licence money is used. A few stats from the year 23/24 show that over 43,000 people were introduced to fishing, 232 fisheries improvement projects were completed and over 17,000 patrols took place to help prevent poaching and fish theft.

Safeguarding the future of fishing is of great importance and every licence sold goes one step to ensuring more people are out there fishing.

Get yours here: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence

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17/08/2026

Fisheries enforcement work is so important, and end results can often uncover further serious offences when people are caught.

This recent 'catch of the day' was netted following a continued presence from the EA Fisheries Team - Gtr Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire and Greater Manchester Police.

Our Fisheries Enforcement Support Service work regularly with teams to help keep your waters safe. Don't underestimate the importance of that single phone call to 0800 80 70 60 or the EA online reporting page.

14/08/2026

Angling Trust working with Wiltshire Police to help protect your fish, fisheries and the wider environment.

Our FishNET training aid is a fantastic educational tool, but our Fisheries Enforcement team also hold on-the-bank training days for the Police, to help directly show officers the importance of fishing and the enjoyment it brings, as well as the damage done and impact it has on fishing clubs.

Thank you to Salisbury & District Angling Club for hosting us at their Petersfinger Lakes, and for the support and help from the Environment Agency who not only fund the work through rod licence sales, but are often present to help with the training.

A huge thank you also to the Wiltshire Police for working with us to help protect our waters.

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12/08/2026

Regional Enforcement Support Manager for the South-West Dave Wilkins was able to present a Certificate of Merit to Salisbury & District Angling Club for hosting a recent Police training event, and to recognise the important work they do within their community. These clubs play a huge part in protecting the future of the sport, and not only give thousands of people across the country a safe place to fish, they also help encourage youngsters into the sport and bring together a good community of like-minded men and women. Funding provided by the Environment Agency through rod licence sales means we can partner up with groups all over the country to help protect our waters from poaching, fish theft and other issues.

Thank you to Salisbury DAC for their work with us, and to every club who seeks to safeguard our fish and fisheries.

Are you a member of your local club?

10/08/2026

Our Fisheries Enforcement Support Service combines efforts with Policing teams across the country and this joint work of enforcement is extremely vital. Money from rod licence sales is re-invested back into service by the Environment Agency to help protect fish, fishing and the environment.

Regional Enforcement Support Manager for the Northwest Adam Wall recently met up with PC Keith Chittock one of Merseyside Police Wildlife Crime Officers. These officers have consistently supported our work of enforcement across patrols in the Wirral area and Adam presented Keith with a Certificate of Excellence to recognise this work. Keith and many of his colleagues have also completed our FishNET training course, and use the knowledge in their line of work.

We want to thank every single officer from Merseyside and across the country for their hard-work and commitment to helping prevent poaching, fish theft and environmental crime.

07/08/2026

Angling Trust represent anglers at this year's 'Operation Respect' at Hammonds Pond in Carlisle.

North West Fisheries Enforcement Support manager Adam Wall and Club and Fisheries Support Officer for the North Ian Doyle were proud to represent the Angling Trust at this brilliant annual family event which involves a wide range of fun things to do with food, activities, and the chance to engage with a number of local authorities. This multi-agency event included representation from Riverside Group, Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and other Local Focus Hub partners.

We also had the chance to chat with the new Mayor of Carlisle - Anne Glendinning, who is now well versed in Invasive Non-Native Species and will be signing up to the Fishnet Training Program !

Thanks to funding provided by the Environment Agency through rod licence sales, we can help show the importance of protecting and preserving angling for future generations, and we would like to thank Cumberland Council for inviting us.