The Institute is working on a number of new position statements and these will be released and circulated in due course. If members have any subjects they feel the Institute should be working on please do get in touch.
The Institute’s Environmental Policy can be found here
We are deeply concerned about the state of the Atlantic salmon and its potential fate. On its current trajectory there is a real risk it could become extinct in some of our rivers, especially in the south, within 20 years.
Read more about our work to conserve and protect salmon on our dedicated Salmon Page
The following policies are currently in the process of being revised
The Institute was very pleased to be asked by the Beaver Trust to join the Steering Group working on proposals for an English Beaver Strategy. We were the only fishery organisation on the Steering Group which included the NFU, RSPB, Mammal Society, CLA and others. Following the consultation process the final strategy was agreed and sent to Defra and Natural England on 17th August 2020
On review of the final document, and the proposals within it, the Institute decided not to sign on to the strategy.
Our response to the Beaver Trust on the proposals is below
The Institute of Fisheries Management was very pleased to be asked to join the Steering Group as it is of the utmost importance that fisheries and angling groups are fully represented in this key strategic process. Whilst we recognise that there are many environmental benefits arising from having beavers on river catchments there are still hurdles to overcome, not least the significant impacts on migratory fish, especially the Atlantic salmon which is currently at grave risk across the British Isles. We would therefore like to see more focussed research on beaver/fish interactions in a UK context before populations are allowed to expand across the UK. We will be pleased to continue working with the Beaver Trust to continue this consultative process.
The full strategy document can be read here
The associated press release is here
You can find our Position Statement on the reintroduction of the European beaver on the left hand side of this page
The Institute has joined with a number of other fishery NGO’s to call for more research into the interaction between beavers and fish and fisheries and the potential impacts on migratory fish. This follows on from the Cowx review into the same issues.
You can read the Position Statement here
The Cowx review can be read here
Over the past few years the Institute has responded on the following consultations. If you would like to read any of the responses please get in touch
The Institute is an active member of Wildlife and Countryside Link and its Blueprint for Water sub group
Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link) is the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, bringing together 69 organisations to use their strong joint voice for the protection of nature. Our members campaign to conserve, enhance and access our landscapes, animals, plants, habitats, rivers and seas. Together we have the support of over eight million people in the UK and directly protect over 750,000 hectares of land and 800 miles of coastline.
As a member of Link we benefit from the work that they do to make the government, and other related agencies, aware of the environment and any impacts their work may have on it.
We have added our name to a number of consultation responses, letters and policy documents generated through Link.
You can find the latest Link and Blueprint responses on their website
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in fish and fisheries, their proper management and conservation. Benefits include training and qualification opportunities, events, publications, CPD, the Chartered Environmentalist qualification (C.Env), member discounts and more......
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