SEA ANGLERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY

GOVERNMENT researchers are calling on sea anglers to take part in a data-collecting initiative aimed at improving the sustainable management of marine stocks around Britain’s shores and demonstrating the value of sea angling to the UK economy.

The Sea Angling Diary Project, a collaboration between the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and research company Substance, is gathering information from saltwater fishing fans on their level of participation, expenditure and catch rates using an interactive survey.

Figures from previous surveys showed that on average across 2016 and 2017 sea fishermen spent over

£1,000 per year on their hobby – generating between £1.5 and £2 billion for the economy.

The project’s leader Kieran Hyder said: “This survey provides invaluable information to support the development of sea angling and ensures that the needs of sea anglers are taken into account.”

Anglers who sign up to the project will receive a free mobile app, a fish ID booklet and access to an online dashboard to record their activity.