Written By: Press Office
On Date: 4/3/2010
EU Project to boost the welsh economy Recent surveys have shown the angling is a major contributor to the Welsh economy, and a recently approved European Union (EU) project is set to make it more so. In 1999 it was estimated that each year coarse game and sea anglers together anglers spent ca. £72 m in Wales, but that there was scope for growth. Since then both we and the Welsh Assembly Government have invested considerable funds in helping to improve, sustain and market Welsh fisheries. Most notable has been the ‘Fishing Wales’ marketing programme, which aims to bring more visiting anglers to Wales. Estimates of angler spend from two recent surveys seem to indicate that this funding has paid dividends.
A survey of inland angling activity in 2005 showed that freshwater anglers in Wales made an estimated 1.7 million fishing trips and spent £74m. Estimates show a similar amount spent by sea anglers making a total spend of £148.4m pa. More encouraging is that the that a high proportion of that money, £63.8m that actually stays in Wales, supporting more than 1500 local jobs.
The great news is that a new EU funded project is going to continue this investment. Wild Fishing Wales will see £2.6m invested in improving access and habitat at river and still water fisheries, allowing more access to anglers who want to fish on the wild side in Wales’ glorious countryside. The project also aims to provide training for angling guides, as well as promoting the guides and fisheries that join the project.
Wild Fishing Wales is parted funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government and is part of the Countryside Councils for Wales’ Community and Nature strategic project.
Wild Fishing Wales (WFW)