Sea Angling New for the Angling Trust - Aug 2026

[Steve S]

August 2026

 

POLICY ROUND-UP from HANNAH RUDD     Anglers at the heart of new marine research projects   Dear fellow sea anglers,                                                                                        This summer our seas have been running hot - and not only in temperature. From a record marine heatwave to fresh evidence of stocks under strain, the pressures on our waters are mounting. But so is our resolve. This month has been about understanding what's changing beneath the surface and fighting for the fish - and the anglers and skippers - who depend on it.                                               We're thrilled to launch two newly funded research projects, running over the next three years, that put anglers at the heart of the science. Working alongside you, we'll be deepening what we know about some of our most fascinating and vulnerable species - tope, undulate ray, blue shark and porbeagle.                                            Anglers encounter these fish up close, in numbers and places the science often misses, which makes you an irreplaceable part of this work. Our sincere thanks go to Natural England and our partners for backing them. If you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you - email us at sea@anglingtrust.net.                                           Fisheries Management Plans                                     There's plenty of policy graft going on behind the scenes, too. A further six Fisheries Management Plans are now out for consultation, and our team is deep in the detail of each one - making sure they work for anglers and for the species we care about. We also launched our new Seafarers report, shining a light on the hidden workforce behind the UK's charter boat fleet - the skippers and crew whose expertise underpins so much of our sea angling, and whose contribution is too often overlooked in national conversations about fishing.                                 High Seas Treaty                                  This year's ICES advice tells a familiar and sobering story - too many of our favourite fish are in decline. We'll continue to fight back against overfishing in the run-up to the annual negotiations, pressing for catch limits that follow the science rather than short-term pressure. But there was welcome news on the global stage: the UK has ratified the landmark High Seas Treaty - a genuine step forward for protecting marine life beyond national borders, and proof that international action on our oceans is possible when the will is there.     Bluefin Tuna   On bluefin tuna, the Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery is open once more for the 2026 season. It remains one of the most exciting developments in English sea angling in a generation, and we're proud of the part charter skippers and anglers have played in shaping it into a responsible, world-class fishery.   Heatwave Effect                         And on that heatwave - we've pulled together what it means for sea anglers, from shifting species distributions to the knock-on effects for the fish you're targeting. Our seas are changing fast, and understanding that change is the first step to responding to it.                       None of this happens by accident. It happens because anglers like you stand behind us - and because we refuse to let recreational sea angling, or the seas we all depend on, be treated as an afterthought. The pressure is relentless, but so are we. Stand with us, and let’s keep making sure the future of sea angling is shaped by anglers. Join the Angling Trust today.      HANNAH RUDD is the Angling Trust's Head of Marine. You can  contact Hannah via email: sea@anglingtrust.net     ANGLER ENGAGEMENT from PETER MORGAN     Webinar with North Eastern IFCA - Wed. 26 August   The rearranged webinar is being held with North Eastern IFCA on Wednesday, 26 August. This is a chance for sea anglers to listen to updates from the IFCA officers in their region. The event will allow you to ask questions about the work they do and find out more about what the work does for recreational anglers. Click here to register for the webinar We will be publishing further events for other areas of the country very soon.   Regional Volunteer Group   The Angling Trust Regional Volunteer Group continues to meet regularly to discuss what matters to anglers in their regions. The group are committed anglers from different disciplines whether that be boat, shore, match or specimen hunting. This is a vital conduit for us to understand what matters to regional anglers and help us share the information that affects you in your day to day angling. We are due to meet again in September. If you are interested in the work that goes on or have a question about this then please drop us a line at sea@anglingtrust.net.   Sea Angling Diary   We continue to promote the Sea Angling Diary for anglers in England and Wales. The programme aims to help anglers record their fishing activities and contribute to sustainable marine stock management. Work continues to improve and understand the state of fish stocks and help with management of the fisheries, giving anglers a voice in this space. More details can be found on the diary website and on the leaflet below. You can also download a copy of the leaflet to share with others.     Follow our Sea Facebook page!   From beach litter picks to marine policy updates, Fisheries Management Plans to membership offers, you can keep up-to-date with what's happening in the sea angling world by following our Angling Trust Sea Facebook page. Click here to take a look.   Peter Morgan, the Angling Trust's Sea Angling Engagement Officer, is asking clubs and individual anglers to get in touch if you have any questions relating to issues you face or to share news of success you or your clubs have had. Email peter.morgan@anglingtrust.net or sea@anglingtrust.net     WALES POLICY from GARETH HENSON     Angling Trust at Cardigan Festival        The Angling Trust will be at the Cardigan River and Food Festival on Saturday, 15 August where we will be promoting our work in Wales, the Sea Angling Diary and best practice guidance for handling bass. Meanwhile, the Catch-and-Release Recreational bluefin tuna fishery has now opened in Wales. This is currently restricted to charter vessels.   Gareth Henson is the Angling Trust's Marine Policy Officer for Wales. He promotes the social and economic value of sea angling in Wales, ensuring that the voices of sea anglers are heard in key fisheries management discussions. If you’d like to get in touch with Gareth, you can reach at sea@anglingtrust.net     MEMBERSHIP OFFERS   20% off Sea Fishing 3rd edition: The complete guide to angling from your boat or kayak   Expert sea angler and Angling Trust Ambassador Jim Whippy explains in simple terms the tackle required and shows you how to get the best out of each item and when it should be used. Packed with useful step-by-step photos, diagrams and clear explanations, this handbook shows you how to set up the tackle, bait the line correctly and work with the tide to best effect. Angling Trust members receive a 20% discount on purchases. Simply login to your members dashboard to access the discount code. Purchase the book here   Enjoy discounts on bait, tackle and much more!   Angling Trust Individual Members receive fantastic savings on bait, tackle and high street goods - what's more, we have offers specifically for sea anglers! Adult membership costs as little as £33 per year - take a look at how much you can save on the link below:       FUNDRAISING   G   More chances to win in the Anglers Lottery!   Sign up to play the Anglers Lottery and you'll be entered into the monthly draw with the chance to win up to £25,000. You will also be automatically included in the Fab Friday Draws - an extra 4 weekly draws per month giving players the chance to win 8 prizes every week!  1 x £250, 2 x £100 and 5 x £50. £10 a month = a chance to win big + make a real impact for angling. (T&Cs apply. 18+. Please play responsibly. For support, visit BeGambleAware.org)