Pic: Hannah Rudd, Angling Trust

Fishery Industry Science Partnership (FISP) study, Catchwise, has provided one of the clearest pictures yet of recreational sea fishing in England and Wales, highlighting its importance to coastal communities, the economy and the marine environment. 

The findings show that shore-based sea anglers made an estimated 2.7 million fishing trips, spending around 11 million hours fishing in 2024. The south west and south east were identified as the busiest regions. 

In total, anglers: 

• Kept around 5.3 million fish (approximately 2,045 tonnes)  
• Returned around 21.6 million fish (approximately 7,040 tonnes)  
• Some species, such as mackerel, were more likely to be kept, while others like whiting were more often returned to the sea. 

Encouragingly, the results are broadly in line with the Sea Angling Diary Project, helping to build confidence in our understanding of recreational fishing. The study also identified some differences for certain species, highlighting the importance of continuing to improve how this activity is monitored. 

While data on charter boat fishing was more limited, the findings suggest activity may be lower than previously estimated, although further work is needed to better understand the reasons for this. 

Catchwise – delivered by the Angling Trust, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and Substance – represents an important step forward in understanding recreational fishing in the UK.

By working closely with the angling community, the project provides stronger evidence to support sustainable fisheries management now and into the future. 

Zachary Radford, senior recreational fisheries scientist at Cefas, explained: “This project gives us a much clearer understanding of recreational sea fishing than we’ve ever had before.

“Perhaps most importantly, it shows that the findings from our independent onsite survey closely match the Sea Angling Diary Project, giving us confidence that the long-term data anglers have helped collect can be trusted.

“That stronger evidence base will help ensure recreational fishing is properly considered alongside commercial fisheries and conservation when decisions are made about the future of our marine resources.”

Rebecca Mills, senior researcher at Substance, noted: “The Catchwise project represents a vital step forward in the way recreational sea angling is understood and evidenced in the UK.

“By working collaboratively with Cefas and the Angling Trust, this research has strengthened our understanding of sea angling activity and its contribution to local and national economies.

“Importantly, the findings provide reassurance that existing citizen science data sources offer a reliable picture, strengthening confidence in their use. This improved evidence base will play a key role in supporting more balanced and inclusive fisheries management decisions going forward.”

You can read the full report HERE.