The Environment Agency (EA), has released new images of fishing licenses designed by British Fish and Wildlife Artist. David Miller.
David has created new images of three of our most popular species, the grayling, perch and salmon, ahead of the start this year’s fishing season. These images will now be included in all new paper licenses purchased at gov.uk.
Grayling and perch are considered to be the beauty and beast of fishing. The grayling is the first fish caught by most anglers, while the perch is the favourite underwater predator. The grayling is shown on the trout or coarse 2 rod license, while the perch is on the trout or coarse 3 rod license.
The Environment Agency continues the popular A Licence to ChillFor the second year, the campaign aims to bring more people into the angling world and highlight the many benefits of fishing. Fishing is more than just a way to get outside. It also allows anglers to relax, socialize, unwind, and exercise. Many anglers have discovered that fishing is good for their mental health, which has led to many new anglers starting to fish.
Kevin Austin, Deputy Director Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment at the Environment Agency, stated:
David’s images for our fishing licenses this year are amazing. The new images of fishing licences capture the beauty and grace of our beloved salmon, grayling, and perch. I hope that this inspires anglers and aspiring anglers to get out and fish.
All income from the sale of fishing licenses is reinvested in vital work to restore and protect fish habitats across the country and to ensure that anglers have the best possible experiences, facilities, and services.
The Environment Agency invests the rod licence income back into vital work that benefits anglers as well as the natural environment. This includes projects that protect and improve fish stocks and tackle illegal fishing. The EA announced last Wednesday that Calverton Fish Farm had restocked 600,000 fish through rod licence income. This was a record breaking feat in England’s rivers, lakes, and streams. This has been a vital boost for fish stocks that are recovering from pollution or poor environmental quality.
A rod licence is required to fish legally and responsibly. It can be purchased online. An annual licence costs only $30, while juniors get a free one-day license.
Additional information:
- We have created a new way for you to view your fishing license. You can now receive your fishing licence digitally via email or text message. Or you can continue to have your license card decorated with David Miller’s artwork by mail.
- Over one million license sales in 2020/21 provided revenue that was used to fund a variety of initiatives. These included 45 fish pass projects, the construction and accessibility of fisheries sites for wheelchair users and the training of coaches to facilitate 495 participation events, which saw over 5,000 people learn to fish for the first time. The income was also increased by the government’s funding and partner contributions, which delivered 33 million through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. This fund helps fish stocks thrive in a better environment.
