Environment Agency Coronavirus Update

These are difficult times for everyone and we know that you'll all be impacted in different

ways by the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This unprecedented situation is changing the way we all go about our daily lives, and the health and safety of our angling community is important to us during this time.

The current advice from government is clear: stay at home, protect the NHS and save

lives.

To keep ourselves and others safe, it's vital that we all play our part and abide by the

social distancing guidance. This means that none of us should be leaving our houses to go fishing.

We will all have our own way of keeping busy during this time, and there are many things

that us anglers can do to get ready for the time when restrictions begin to be lifted.

First up, take some time to get your tackle into top condition so you're ready to go when we can return to the bankside and enjoy our favourite pastime again. This is about more than

just getting organised: thoroughly cleaning and drying fishing nets and gear makes sure diseases and invasive species are removed, helping to protect waterways and fish stocks. Another useful activity that many of us put off when life gets busy is disposing of old bait and preparing new bait, as well as tying rigs or flies.

While getting out onto the water's edge isn't possible at the moment, the Angling Trust

are helping feed our angling habit with some great content on their website and social channels. The Trust's new Fishing Buzz website is updated daily with angling news,

views, tips, videos and advice suitable for the whole family. There is also a really helpful COVID-19 resource hub on the Angling Trust website which is updated regularly

with the latest advice and guidance for individual anglers, clubs, fisheries and other

angling organisations.

While fishing for most of us is a sport, hobby and a passion, for others it is a livelihood.

The Institute of Fisheries Management has produced particular advice for fisheries during these very difficult times.

Please keep safe and well – and, until the guidance changes, be sure to stay at home.