A Brighter Future For Our Fish

A brighter future for our fish

The Environment Agency has unveiled a five-year plan to improve theenvironment for fish and anglers across London and the Thames Valley.

Our extensive 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 deliverfar-reaching benefits for the environment and for people.

The plan covers the River Thames catchment, from its tributaries to theestuary, and has identified 17 major challenges for the EnvironmentAgency’s fisheries teams to overcome in the next five years.

Environment Agency’s strategic specialist for fisheries Matt Cartersaid: “The Thames region is the most crowded in the UK, with more than12 million people living here. With the impacts of climate change, thisputs incredible pressure on our environment.

“This strategy aims is to make sure fisheries are recognised as animportant part of the water environment. We have to ensure we are readyto protect our fish and other wildlife, for example by tackling climatechange and managing urban development in a sustainable way.

“We also want to encourage angling which is a healthy, inclusiveoutdoor activity. Over the past two years anglers themselves have beeninstrumental in developing this plan, as well as technical experts.”

More information about fishing can be found on the Visit Thameswebsite, at www.visitthames.co.uk.