Challenges and Opportunities in River Conservation: A Collaborative Approach

Rivers across Northern Ireland face significant challenges, from the emergence of Blue-Green Algae at Lough Neagh and declining in stream water quality to broader global trends impacting fish populations and climate change.

The threats to the delicate ecosystems and the communities that rely on them, particularly the angling community, are accelerating.

These challenges were highlighted by angling clubs in response to a recent survey undertaken by The Honourable The Irish Society with clubs highlighting the lack of funds within the club system to invest in addressing these issues.

Angling, however, offers numerous benefits. It is not just a recreational activity but a vital contributor to mental and physical well-being, stress relief, and social connection.

Angling clubs and syndicates play a crucial role in providing a structured environment for enthusiasts to engage in the sport, share knowledge, and contribute to environmental stewardship.

In recognizing these benefits and developing ways to boost and support clubs further, The Honourable The Irish Society has proposed a new direction to enhance collaboration and provide additional funding with angling clubs and syndicates.

The Society’s plans for the future include a strategic commitment to improving our waterways. This approach aims to improve water quality, increase fish populations, and ensure the sustainability of angling as a community activity.  and is based on feedback from Clubs to the 2023 Consultation Survey.

Key proposals underpinning the new direction include:

• New formal partnership agreements to be developed and agreed. These agreements will build on current lease and licence agreements to detail how the Society and club will work in partnership to sustain angling.
• Marketing investment attracting foreign tourists targeting the lucrative North American Tourist Anglers market to utilise day rods across the estate. The proceeds of these sales will be shared with clubs to support financial sustainability of angling clubs.
• Training and skills development investments in a new Ghillie and Guiding Training course
• Increased funding for club-led Environmental and Health & Safety projects
• Annual meetings and forums to share best practices.

By working together, the Society and angling clubs can address the challenges facing our rivers and ensure that angling remains a valuable and sustainable activity for future generations. This collaborative approach promises a brighter future for both our waterways and the communities that cherish them.