Research and analysis

Sea angling in the UK report 2016 and 2017

Participation, catches and economic impact of sea anglers resident in the UK in 2016 & 2017

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Details

a man fishing by the sea

New research led by Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and Substance released today provides estimates of the numbers of sea anglers, participation rates, catches and economic impact across the UK in 2016 and 2017.

Over a two-year period more than 1,500 sea anglers from across the UK worked with scientists and researchers to keep diaries of what they caught on all their sea angling trips and how much they spent on the sport. In addition, 12,000 residents were surveyed, helping to develop a detailed picture of the UK’s sea angling preferences. This valuable information will be used to shape policy decisions to support sustainable fisheries and ensure the economic and recreational importance of sea angling is considered.

Thanks to the almost 4,000 individual sea anglers that have contributed to the diary programme since 2016 providing data and engaging with a wide range of surveys during this period.

The Sea Angling Diary Project is ongoing with around 2,000 anglers currently participating. It is open to anyone who fishes in the sea in the UK to join. Sea anglers get a free mobile app, fish ID booklet , prize draws, and online dashboard and reports of their activity. Anglers can sign up at www.seaangling.org.

Published 3 July 2020