The future for Thames fishing

 
The Environment Agency has unveiled a five-year plan to improve the environment for fish and anglers across London and the Thames Valley.
 
The extensive plan, Our plan for fisheries in Thames Region 2006-2011, takes into account factors such as climate change, invasive species, drought and water quality, agriculture and angling to deliver far-reaching benefits for the environment and for people.
 
The plan covers the River Thames catchment, from its tributaries to the estuary, and has identified 17 major challenges for the Environment Agency's fisheries teams to overcome in the next five years.
 
Environment Agency's strategic specialist for fisheries Matt Carter said: "The Thames region is the most crowded in the UK, with more than 12 million people living here. With the impacts of climate change, this puts incredible pressure on our environment.
 
"This strategy aims is to make sure fisheries are recognised as an important part of the water environment. We have to ensure we are ready to protect our fish and other wildlife, for example by tackling climate change and managing urban development in a sustainable way..
 
"We also want to encourage angling which is a healthy, inclusive outdoor activity. Over the past two years anglers themselves have been instrumental in developing this plan, as well as technical experts."
 
More information about fishing can be found on the Visit Thames website, at www.visitthames.co.uk ."
 
The five-year plan is available from the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk - click here to view it as a .pdf file.

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