River Cottage support for new sea angling code

Sea anglers, celebrity chefs and conservationists have united to support environmentally responsible sea fishing. A new Sea Anglers Code of Conduct has been launched by Dorset Wildlife Trust in support of the Recycle Fish campaign to protect wildlife and help recreational fishermen to enjoy their sport with the minimum impact on the marine environment.

What is the tackle box card?

River Cottage chef, writer and broadcaster, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, was in Weymouth with River Cottage resident fish expert Nick Fisher to launch the new code. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “Congratulations to the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Recycle Fish Campaign for working together in the creation of the Anglers Code of Conduct Initiative. This waterproof tackle box card will be very useful to recreational sea anglers and I hope everyone will not only embrace the principle of catch and release, but also adopt the recommended methods of handling and caring for our sea fish and the marine environment in which they live.”

Dorset is taking a lead for the UK in launching this best practice guide and it is hoped that sea anglers across the country will support it whether fishing at home or while on holiday. Julie Hatcher, Marine Awareness Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Conservation of the marine environment is vital for the future of sea angling and there has been tremendous support from sports anglers and boat operators. Using barbless hooks, releasing fish quickly and keeping handling to a minimum are some of the ways that recreational anglers can ensure that fish are healthy enough to return and fight another day.” The Recycle Fish campaign’s motto is: “Fill your plate, Not your freezer”.

Where can I get a copy of the tackle box tips?

The Sea Anglers Code, supported by Weymouth Sealife Park, the Wild about Weymouth and Portland partnership and the Dorset AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Sustainable Development Fund, is available online and in a new water-resistant Tacklebox Tips leaflet, which includes recommended minimum take sizes. It is also being distributed to angling clubs, charter boats and tackle shops throughout Dorset. To order copies for your club, ring Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044 or click here or the Recycle Fish website at www.recyclefish.com to download a copy.
 

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Nicky Hoar at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.
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Swifts The number of breeding swifts in the south-west has fallen by around 40% since the 1990s, with the decline thought to be because of the lack of available nesting sites. The Dorset Swifts project was launched by Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with the RSPB, Dorset Environmental Records Centre and Swift Conservation, to help swifts before it is too late. The plight of the swift is linked to its habit of nesting in the roofs and eaves of old buildings, many of which are being demolished or refurbished, closing off the nest sites. Relying on the availability of older properties, swifts are found mainly in towns

About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.

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The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) www.wildlifetrusts.org

There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas.

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and Nick Fisher support Sea Angling Code