A NEW river anglers’ group, the River Anglers’ Conservation Group, has been launched by top flowing water anglers to fight for the future of UK rivers.
The River Anglers’ Conservation Group arrives on the scene at a time when many people would argue that there has never been a greater need for action.
Rivers are under threat from micro-plastics and algae blooms, plus pollution, abstraction and habitat destruction… so the River Anglers’ Conservation Group has been born.
Leading anglers united to form the group, and Angler’s Mail print magazine was first to break the full news of the development.
As well as campaigning, the River Anglers’ Conservation Group will organise fun fishing and social events at leading venues, where members can receive tips and guidance from some of the UK’s top anglers.
Matt Marlow – main man in the new rivers group that all anglers are able to join.
River Anglers’ Conservation Group founder and chairman Matt Marlow (pictured above) explained: “As anglers know only too well, there is hardly a river in the UK that is not under threat due to water quality, over-abstraction or predation issues – often all three.
“To date, there has been no specialist group for river anglers irrespective of what species they fish for.
“We want to engage in sensible, level-headed debate in a way that will gain the respect and attention of non-angling bodies, such as water authorities or wildlife organisations. Anglers by themselves can rarely achieve the progress needed.”
The River Anglers’ Conservation Group will also undertake and advise on habitat improvement projects and develop a network of regional officers to collate knowledge.
Member benefits will include social fish-ins, teach-ins and advisory clinics on river habitat improvements, and a regular magazine exclusive to members. It will also forge links with other like-minded groups across Europe.
The better-known anglers on board for the launch included lure expert and former Angler’s Mail match correspondent Darren Starkey, spessy ace Dai Gribble, author Dominic Garnett, barbel specialist Jerry Gleeson, eel angler and author Barry McConnell, international game angler Scott Graham, piker Steve Burgess and perch ace Phil Taylor.
They are supported by geomorphologist and aquatic ecologist Dr Andrew Pledger, river conservationist Trevor Harrop of the acclaimed Avon Roach Project, and Andrew Tredgett of the River Lea Project, which recently featured on BBC TV’s Countryfile. All three have agreed to act as expert advisors to the new group.
The news was welcomed by Angling Trust and Fish Legal’s chief executive Mark Lloyd, who said: “We look forward to working collaboratively with this new group of highly experienced and thoughtful anglers to tackle the many threats to river coarse fishing throughout the country.
“Their specialist knowledge will be invaluable in the fight to protect and improve all fish and fishing. We will be delighted to welcome the River Anglers’ Conservation Group onto our Specialist Anglers Group.”
Anglers can join for just £4.99 via the River Anglers’ Conservation Group website >> www.racg.co.uk
Find them on Facebook page >> www.facebook.com/RiverAnglersCG
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