Fisheries Action Plans (FAPs) resulted from a recommendation by the recent Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Review Group.
FAPs are local plans developed in partnership between the Environment Agency (EA) and local angling and fisheries groups to identify and deal with the problems affecting fisheries within a particular catchment. Although they are based on river catchments, they do cover canal and still waters as well as rivers. They may cover a wide range of issues from fish habitat to land management but each one will be different reflecting the concerns and priorities of local angling and fisheries interests.
FAP groups are set up through local agreement between the Agency and representatives of relevant organisations such as the local angling consultative group. Primarily members represent angling and fisheries interests, but conservation, landowner and recreation interests are also included. Ideally each group should consist of no more that 12 members. The group compiles a list of key issues that reflect the concerns of local angling and fisheries stakeholders and then sets targets and actions to try a resolve these issues.

The EA launched five ‘pilot’ schemes in the first instance which were:-
• The Bollin & Dean
• The Dove
• The Kennet and Pang
• The Western Rother
• The Norfolk Broads.

Details of these and what they have achieved can be found the EA Website FAP introduction page.

Following on from these a number of other FAPs have been created. The catchments together with details of the EA contact are:
• The Ribble – Steve Whitham on 01772 339882
• The Wensum – Andy Hines on 01473 706529
• The Lee – Matt Carter on 01707 632300
• The Wye – Bill Purvis on 02920 770088
• South Cumbria – Jeremy Westgarth on 01768 215820

Whilst there have undoubtedly been some successes the plans overall have, in NAFAC’s view, been disappointing both in the number that have been created and also in the results that have been obtained. The main cause for this appears to be lack of finance and resources. NAFAC is working with the Agency at a national level to try and rectify this situation.

In the meantime if you think that fisheries in your catchment would benefit from a plans and you wish to get involved then let us and the EA know.

Further information about FAPs, leaflets and advisory publications can be found on the EA website at the 'How to get involved' page.