Anglers Against Litter

03 March 2022

Angling Trust welcomes government’s support for international treaty to tackle plastic pollution

The Angling Trust welcomes the government’s backing for a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. The treaty’s terms are still to be negotiated but could include targets that remove plastic from the environment and tackle the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production through to disposal.

The UK provided their support at the United Nations Environment Assembly to kickstart a new international treaty on plastic pollution. Although this presents a positive first step, it marks the beginning of a long process to agree on the targets. We call for the UK government to take the lead to ensure ambitious commitments are set that reduce our reliance on single-use plastic and encourage greater uptake of biodegradable alternatives.

This treaty does not give the government two years to negotiate a global agreement and do nothing else. They must show leadership through action. They need to build upon current proposals to ban certain single-use plastic, commit to developing deposit return schemes and come forward with progressive plans that address the current ‘throw away’ culture and wean us off single-use plastic.

Dr Emily Smith, Environment Manager at the Angling Trust, said:

“It is great to see the government recognise the devastating impact plastic pollution has on our rivers and oceans. This global issue requires an international response if we are to bring about the fundamental change that reverses reliance on single-use plastic. This treaty presents a positive step, but it is only the beginning. The government needs to lead by example and act now to implement measures that support responsible consumer behaviour and put greater responsibility on producers to adopt sustainable alternatives.”

The Angling Trust called for the government to undertake more action to tackle plastic pollution in our latest consultation response. We will continue to press for greater commitments on plastic through our Anglers Against Litter campaign.

Join the Angling Trust and pledge your support on our Anglers Against Litter web page.

Share

You might also like




Competitions
27 January 2023

FISHOMANIA TICKETS & QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCEMENT

GET ready for FishO Friday! The hottest tickets in angling go on sale on Friday February 3 as the Fi…
Read more Read more
News
06 May 2022

Neil Bryant Steps Down from Angling Trust National Sea…

After 16 years working with the Angling Trust National Sea Boat Angling Selection Committee, Neil is…
Read more Read more
News
06 May 2022

Angling Trust supports campaign warning anglers of risk of…

The Angling Trust is supporting a new campaign raising awareness of the risks of skin cancer and oth…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
28 April 2022

Positive news on bluefin tuna

Representatives from the Angling Trust and Bluefin Tuna UK met with Fisheries Minister Victoria Pren…
Read more Read more
Marine
28 April 2022

Sea Angling Classic offers biggest prize table in UK…

The inaugural Sea Angling Classic, taking place on 15-19 June 2022 in Portsmouth, will see anglers c…
Read more Read more
Get Fishing News
25 April 2022

From paddle boards to beach-cleans: Get involved with fishing…

We’ve all heard the saying “There’s more to fishing than catching fish” well…
Read more Read more
Marine
25 April 2022

Tope Point of Capture Database Launched

Through a collaboration between Shark Hub UK and the Pat Smith Database, a tope point of capture dat…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
22 April 2022

Angling Trust Respond to Sussex IFCA Hand Gathering Consultation

The Angling Trust has responded to the recent consultation held by Sussex IFCA on their proposed Han…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
21 April 2022

Lack of action on agricultural pollution is killing our…

Data obtained by the Guardian and the investigative journalist group, Point Source, has exposed the…
Read more Read more
National Fishing Month illustration with leaves, a hat, a fishing net and wellies
Angling Trust
21 April 2022

Virtual Fisheries Forum | Get Involved In National Fishing…

In our next Virtual Fisheries Forum join us as we provide an introduction to the campaign and inform…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
20 April 2022

Fishing ban at Grafham dam continues despite clubs’ efforts…

Anglian Water’s “disproportionate” ban on fishing from the dam at Grafham Water is to continue despi…
Read more Read more
Amanda Hook and a carp, photo taken at night
Get Fishing Blog
20 April 2022

For International Dark Skies Week 2022 new angler Amanda…

International Dark Skies Week runs 22nd to 30th April 2022 and provides the perfect opportunity to g…
Read more Read more