In the sport of angling we are constantly interacting with the environment and have a high duty to it. Most of us know the basics in conservation and always follow good practices but there are always more things we can do to keep our impact as fishermen to a minimum. For the Angling Trust Conservation and Safety codes of conduct, click here.


Key issues to remember as they are enforceable by law are as follows :

1) Always adhere to the rules on minimum landing sizes. Any under sized fish must be returned to the water and it is preferable to only keep fish which are well over the minimum size limit. Always return unwanted fish whatever their size in the interests of conservation.

For details on minimum landing sizes click here to visit the Angling Trust minimum size table.
Please pay attention to the notes listed at the bottom of the page when you follow the link above about the slight regional variations.

2) There are designated nursery areas around the UK. It is illegal to fish from a boat within these areas for particular species, although shore fishing is not so restricted. However, make sure you are well aware of these areas and their specific restrictions when choosing your spot.

For a list of the current nursery areas, you will need to contact the local Sea Fisheries Committee in the region in which you will be fishing. For a list of the local offices click here to visit our section on nursery areas.

3) As well as nursery areas, there are general conservations sites which have been marked for particular consideration. These conservation sites are areas recognised in law or by certain environmental organisations as areas where rare or endangered species have been found to be living and breeding. The boundaries around these areas (although not physical boundaries) are documented and made public so that we may recognise that these areas need to be treated with increased respect and care to avoid disturbing the environment any more than is necessary. Recreational sea angling with rod and reel is permitted within these conservation sites but by being aware of them we can take extra care at these sites.

For information on the position and boundaries of conservation areas where you may be fishing, contact the following organisations for the latest details.

England

English Nature
www.naturalengland.org.uk

You can locate a specific office and their contact details for the area you are considering from the main website address above otherwise for a general listing of sites use the following contact details :
enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk

Tel: 0845 600 3078

Scotland

Scottish Natural Heritage
www.snh.org.uk
>> key contacts

Wales

The Countryside Council for Wales
www.ccw.gov.uk

Tel: 01248 385500

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Environment Agency
www.ehsni.gov.uk

Tel: 028 9025 1477

Republic of Ireland

Dúchas the Heritage Service
www.heritageireland.ie
Dúchas Local Conservation Rangers
npw@ealga.ie