Recreational Fishery Case Study (UK)

Abstract

The value of recreational angling is substantial. In the UK, diverse branches of the sport – principally broken down into freshwater coarse fishing, game fishing, and sea fishing – contribute significant economic and social value as well as bolstering of the case for protection of fish stocks and wetland health. The contribution of angling to the economy, as a form of informal monitoring, as a contribution to activity and health, and to social cohesion and inclusion has to date been substantially under-represented. So too has been the value of fit and functional wetland ecosystems sustaining populations of fish of recreational interest. Recreational angling interests also provide a political voice to campaign for protection of fish stocks and wetland environments. Through multiple dimensions, recreational angling makes a substantial contribution to human well-being and strengthens the case for better stewardship of diverse wetland ecosystems, both in the UK and globally.