Further to recent discussions and subsequent vote, I can confirm that Angling Trades Association has now been accepted as a member of the England Fisheries Group (EFG).
The EFG compromises Environment Agency, Defra, Cefas, Angling Trust, The Rivers Trust, Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Living Space Project, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Salmon and Trout Conservation, Institute of Fisheries Management and Wild Trout Trust.
Andrew Race, chairman, stated “Membership of the EFG is an indication of the progress ATA is making as an organisation and a recognition by other stakeholders of that progress”. “ATA now has a presence at both the Defra Recreational Sea Angling Committee and England Fisheries Group as well as the National Angling Strategy Delivery Board”.
Vice Chair Mike Heylin stated “Involvement with EFG gives ATA more opportunities for face to face meetings with both government and the Environment Agency and gives greater scope for working partnerships between the trade, conservationists and anglers. ATA will also be better placed to engage with other stakeholders on both freshwater and marine issues for angling in the future.”