News

02 April 2024

£150,000 available to help tackle fish predation as Angling Improvement Fund reopens

The Angling Improvement Fund (AIF) has reopened for applications for funding towards projects tackling the impacts of predation by mammals and fish-eating birds.

The AIF is administered by the Angling Trust and is just one of the ways the Environment Agency is reinvesting income from fishing licence sales in projects which benefit anglers. As all the funds come directly from rod licence income collected in England, only projects in England are eligible.

£150,000 is being made available in this latest round of funding and applications for up to £6,000 funding are invited from clubs, fisheries and other angling-related organisations.

For detailed information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and to submit your application, please visit our dedicated page here.

Andy Petch, Angling Trust Funding Manager, said: “This initiative represents a vital effort to safeguard our fisheries against predation pressures and ensure the health and sustainability of fish populations for future generations. We urge clubs and fisheries to consider how they might contribute to these efforts and take advantage of this funding opportunity.

“This AIF round is likely to be over-subscribed and therefore only the best submissions can be supported. If your club or fishery is considering applying, make sure you answer all the questions, ensure your project is ready to go with all permissions in place, and you have secured as much match funding as possible.”

Closing date for applications is Friday, 17 May, at 5pm.

Applicants requiring further assistance should email Andy via andy.petch@anglingtrust.net

Information about other funding opportunities can be found here.

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