Sea Angling News from the Angling Trust - Oct 2026

[Steve S]

POLICY ROUND-UP from HANNAH RUDD     Decisions shaping our seas - and how we are making sure anglers are heard   Dear fellow sea anglers,   Summer may be over, but there's been no let-up behind the scenes. While many of you were out on the water, our team has been deep in the detail - preparing responses to a string of Fisheries Management Plan consultations, working through this year's ICES advice and getting ready for the annual fishing negotiations, where catch limits for the year ahead are decided. These are the moments that shape what's in the water for years to come, and we're making sure anglers are heard in every one of them.   Truth about mackerel   Nowhere is that clearer than with mackerel. Many of you have told us this has been one of the poorest mackerel seasons in living memory - and the science backs you up. New ICES advice more than doubles the recommended catch for 2027, but don't be fooled by the headline. The stock is only just above its safety limit, still being fished too hard, and catches have exceeded the scientific advice year after year because the countries fishing it still can't agree how to share it.   It's David versus Goliath - the angler on the pier with a string of feathers against industrial pelagic fleets taking hundreds of thousands of tonnes a year. That's why we've told governments that the new Fisheries Management Plan for mackerel falls short - for the stock and for sea anglers. It simply carries on as before, with no recovery target and no deadlines, and none of the five pelagic plans recognises recreational fishing at all, despite mackerel being the fish most of us caught first and the bait so much of our sport relies on.   We're calling for the UK to limit its own catches, set a clear goal to rebuild the stock, and finally take the bycatch risk to salmon and sea trout seriously. Thank you to everyone who shared their mackerel experiences with us - your reports went straight into our response.   Irish Sea needs real recovery   It's a similar story in the Irish Sea, where cod and whiting have been declining for around 30 years. We've warned that the new Irish Sea plans must deliver real recovery for cod, whiting and herring - rather than managing decline - with proper recovery targets, an end to wasteful discarding and a seat at the table for anglers. That consultation is open until 21st October, and you can still have your say. Telling governments what the Irish Sea means to you, and how your fishing has changed, really does make a difference.   Negotiations on bass   On bass, the Bass Management Group returned in September ahead of the UK-EU negotiations. There was welcome common ground between commercial and recreational representatives - keeping the closed season in place for now, and firmly opposing any return of pair trawling. We also heard an excellent new study from the University of Essex on when and where bass spawn, which will help inform how the closed season works in future.   Bluefin tuna update   And on bluefin tuna, Defra's Bluefin Tuna Steering Group met this week. We continue to call for fairer access for private boats, while backing a thriving charter fleet that has done so much to make this fishery the success it is today.   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: [email protected]     ANGLER ENGAGEMENT from PETER MORGAN     Webinars with the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA)          Recreational anglers keep asking us what our fisheries officers do or how they report incidents of illegal fishing. Our monthly series of webinars featuring officers from the regional IFCAs started last month. It is an opportunity to learn a bit more on the work they do in your area. If you have a question you would like answered there’s an opportunity to have that conversation on the night.    Webinars have already been held with the North Eastern IFCA and Northumberland IFCA which have been well received.   Please look out for more information about webinars covering your area in the coming months: Wednesday 28th October 2026 – North Western IFCA Wednesday 25th November 2026 – Sussex IFCA Wednesday 27th January 2027 – Cornwall & Isles of Scilly IFCA Wednesday 24th February 2027 – Devon & Severn IFCA Wednesday 24th March 2027 – Eastern IFCA   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 [email protected] or [email protected]     WALES POLICY from GARETH HENSON     Representing sea anglers in parliamentary discussions on overfishing          Overfishing remains one of the most significant challenges facing UK seas. Recently, I was joined by Campaigns & Policy Coordinator Andrea Dixon in representing the Angling Trust and the interests of recreational sea anglers at a parliamentary reception hosted by the Blue Marine Foundation. The event brought together policymakers, scientists, NGOs and industry representatives to discuss practical, evidence-based approaches to restoring fish populations and improving the health of marine ecosystems. The Angling Trust continues to support measures that promote sustainable fisheries management and marine recovery, while highlighting the important role that recreational anglers play as stewards of the marine environment and advocates for healthy, productive coastal waters.   Angling Trust at Cardigan River & Food Festival          On Saturday, 15th August, I attended the 26th annual Cardigan River & Food Festival where he met anglers and local residents throughout the day. Taking place alongside the River Teifi at Quay Street Car Park in Cardigan, the festival provided a great opportunity for Angling Trust to engage directly with the sea angling community in Wales. I was on hand to discuss issues affecting recreational sea fishing, hear peoples views on local and national priorities, and answer any questions about our ongoing work. Events such as these are an important way for us to ensure that the voices of Welsh anglers are heard and represented.   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 [email protected]     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:         COMPETITIONS PARTNER   Get 30% off Tide – and support the Angling Trust     Our partnership with Tide Together Competitions is already helping to make a real difference.Tide has helped raise more than £10,000 for Angling Trust National Teams, supporting our anglers as they represent England on the international stage. Now there’s another simple way you can help.   Get 30% off your first Tide order   Exclusive to Angling Trust members and supporters - use code TRUST30 at the checkout and you’ll receive 30% off your first Tide order. And it doesn’t end there. By taking part in Tide Together Competitions, your future Tide purchases can continue to generate support for the Angling Trust for the next two years.       FUNDRAISING   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)