拢58,000 invested in fisheries in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk
皇冠体育app Environment Agency invested over 拢1.3 million in projects in the last 12 months to enhance fisheries, boost fish stocks and make improvements for anglers.
皇冠体育app FIP has helped 10 projects in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
This financial year, over 170 projects were funded by the Environment Agency鈥檚 Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP).
皇冠体育app FIP funding has been matched by partners including local angling clubs and fisheries, resulting in a total estimated investment of over 拢3.2 million.
皇冠体育app Environment Agency fisheries teams in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk were assigned just over 拢58,000 to deliver local improvements which would benefit wildlife and anglers.
In Essex 拢10,000 has been allocated to help set up a new fishery for military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
皇冠体育app Environment Agency, in partnership with iCarp, are renovating Lifted Lakes near Harwich. 皇冠体育app venue will be used to teach fishing to those with mental health issues.
One of the fishing platforms created with iCarp at Lifted Lakes near Harwich.
皇冠体育app money is being used to fund treatment rooms, shower facilities and fishing platforms. 皇冠体育app venue is also intended to be used as a base for treatment and future mental health research.
Ben Norrington, Fisheries officer in Essex, said:
皇冠体育app project is in early stages but work is well underway with treatment rooms, toilets and lake restoration.
Updates through the year will be documented and we hope to see people enjoying fishing here by autumn.
Our FIP contribution to the iCarp project means we can reach out via angling to better people鈥檚 mental well-being.
One of the treatment rooms created with the FIP funding at Lifted Lakes in Essex.
In Norfolk Cawston Angling Club received 拢6,000 to help with their Booton Clay Pit lake. 皇冠体育app lake was overrun with water solider, a rare plant which grows in ponds and lakes. Due the intense spread of the plant fishing becomes impossible until it is removed.
One of the fishing banks stabilised at Booton Clay pit.
皇冠体育app money was also used to stabilise the fishing banks resulting in improved access for anglers.
A fishing bank stabilised at Booton Clay pit.
Another 8 projects also benefited from the FIP funding, they include installation of toilet facilities and improvements to access at Hadleigh and District Angling Society. 皇冠体育app building of 2 accessible angling platforms at Scole Nature Trails Trust, and an in-depth research program on the movement of sea trout in Norfolk.
Roger Handford, Environment Agency Senior Fisheries Advisor said:
Anglers often ask us about how we spend the money raised from the sale of fishing licences. 皇冠体育app FIP is a prime example of the wide range of activities this income pays for in order to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.
Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Manager said:
All of the projects we fund must demonstrate benefits for anglers. 皇冠体育app Fisheries Improvement Programme allows us to identify and invest in work supporting a local, sustainable future for angling.
皇冠体育app programme is a great demonstration of our partnership efforts, many of the projects completed with the support of land owners, local businesses and fisheries. It鈥檚 a real team effort! 皇冠体育app more people who go fishing, the more we can invest.
Looking forward, the Environment Agency wants to hear from more clubs and fisheries about the work and projects they would like to see undertaken.