Results of 2012 Sea Fishing Survey

[Coddy]

Here is a report on some of the results of the 2012 Sea Fishing Survey carried out around the UK

 

Full details of the report are here http://www.resources.anglingresearch.org.uk/sites/resources.anglingresearch.org.uk/files/National_Angling_Survey_Report_2012.pdf

 

Dave

 

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Two Billion Pound Spend Highlights Huge Value Of Recreational Sea Angling.

Recreational sea angling in England supported over two billion pounds in total spending and supported over 23,000 jobs in 2012 according to the results published today of Sea Angling 2012 – a survey of recreational sea angling activity and economic value in England.

The results from the project – which was set up by government body, Defra to find out how many sea anglers there are, how many fish are caught and returned and what the economic and social value of sea angling is—also estimates there are 890,000 recreational sea anglers in England – two per cent of the country’s total adult population.

As well as the huge economic impact sea angling contributes to England the report estimates that nearly four million days of sea angling took place in England last year with an estimated 10 million fish being caught and up to 75 per cent released alive by conservation-minded anglers. The vast majority of sea angling took place from the shore, followed by private boats and then charter boats.

Sea anglers contributing to the surveys identified improving fish stocks as the single most important factor for increasing participation in sea angling and declining fish stocks as the most important factor in declining participation, highlighting the huge benefits of more anglers spending more money that could be provided if fish stocks were restored and managed to cater for the £2 billion per-year sea angling sector.

However, motivations for going sea angling in the first place highlight being active, being outdoors and relaxation as the most important factors for sea anglers. The report also highlights many other social, environmental and health benefits that individuals and communities get from sea angling.The project, which was carried out by Cefas, the Marine Management Organisation, social research company Substance, and the Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authorities, comprised a range of surveys which took place between January 2012 and August 2013.

This is the first time such a comprehensive study of sea angling has been attempted in England and presented huge challenges for the project team.

Total Sea Fishing contributor, David Mitchell said: “This report highlights the immense economic value of sea angling and the role it plays in many coastal communities throughout England. More people angling more often will lead to huge economic, social and health benefits for individuals and communities, with only very limited impacts on fish stocks in most cases. What we need now is to see fish stocks restored and angling to be seen as the major player in the management of some species. The evidence is there – we must now make sure it gets turned into policy.”

 

 

[Stuie]

The graphs in Section 4 of the report clearly show what concerns sea anglers the most - stock level and commercial fishing control - but then we'd worked that out already. However it is great to see facts and figures bearing this out. Lets hope this isn't just a talk-shop and things are done to improve the situation in the eyes of recreational sea anglers.

[darnsarf]

Sadly there is no money to do anythjng and the commercials still have huge political clout. This will go someway to addressing that but no funds will be the excuse why words will be the only activity. However, the stats are here and ready to be a used in anger if the real opportunity presents itself.

[Coddy]

I was at the Wessex AT meeting the other night and the discussion was with the Hampshire Development officer and of course money is the big issue as with all aspects of government and local government schemes to get coaches to train youngsters and bring new blood into the sport.

 

I think it is time to seriously think about whether having to pay a rod licence to Sea Fish. The biggest problem that I see is sea anglers will always be the poor cousin to freshwater and game anglers as they have to pay to fish.

 

I can hear some of the arguments that what will the licence fee pay for and who will police the system etc. but until sea anglers start putting money into conservation fights and showing that with all the other income and jobs they support they need to be listened to.

This survey will at least show the amount of money sea anglers spend in pursuit of their hobby, it would be interesting to see how much other sports such as golf is spent via its supporters.

 

Dave

[darnsarf]

I agree, I think a license is the way forward but 100% of the income should go back in to sea angling development and there is the catch. Not worried about policing as in other countries those that pay will report those that dont. Saw this actually happen in Jacksonville. I also love their Slot Size system all born out of the collapse of their Stripped Bass stocks. We can learn 2 lessons there, dont wait until your Bass stocks collapse before you protect your primary breeding stock. Bet we dont learn either.