TOP RIVER ANGLERS UNITE TO FORM NEW CONSERVATION GROUP

RACG PRESS RELEASE

TOP RIVER ANGLERS UNITE TO FORM NEW CONSERVATION GROUP

27 March, 2018

A new river anglers’ group is launching to fight for the future of UK rivers.

Some of the UK’s best-known anglers, including Drennan Cup Winner Dai Gribble, angling author Dominic Garnett, barbel specialist Jerry Gleeson, lure expert Darren Starkey, eel angler and author Barry McConnell, international game angler Scott Graham, specialist pike angler Steve Burgess and Lincolnshire perch expert Phil Taylor have united to form the River Anglers’ Conservation Group (RACG) at a time when river angling faces unprecedented threats.

The group is also supported by geomorphologist and aquatic ecologist Dr Andrew Pledger, river conservationist Trevor Harrop of the acclaimed Avon Roach Project, and Andrew Tredgett of the River Lea Project, which recently featured on BBC TV’s Countryfile. All three have agreed to act as expert advisors to the new group.

As well as campaigning, the River Anglers’ Conservation Group will organise fun fishing and social events at leading venues, where members can receive tips and guidance from some of the UK’s top anglers.

RACG founder and chairman Matt Marlow said: “As anglers know only too well, there is hardly a river in the UK that is not under threat due to water quality, over-abstraction or predation issues – often all three.

“To date, there has been no specialist group for river anglers irrespective of what species they fish for.

“We want to engage in sensible, level-headed debate in a way that will gain the respect and attention of non-angling bodies, such as water authorities or wildlife organisations. Anglers by themselves can rarely achieve the progress needed.

“It is vital we work co-operatively to achieve improvement in our river fisheries. Listening to our members will be a top priority.

“We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problems we and our rivers face. We will bring experience, specialist knowledge, enthusiasm, open-mindedness and a fresh outlook to the table.

“Ultimately, we are all keen river anglers who love our sport and want to preserve, promote and improve it for everyone, now and for the future.

“Importantly, we also want to have fun, by organising fish-ins and social events our members will love and learn from.“

Top specimen hunter Dai Gribble, a former senior Environmental Agency officer specialising in water quality issues, will be the RACG’s honorary president.

Dai said: “There are a lot of water qualities, habitat and predation issues impacting our rivers, and you cannot take any one issue in isolation. There needs to be a nationally coordinated effort and I’m delighted the RACG has been formed to take on the challenge.

“The right engagement with the right bodies is so important. We need to drive improvements and all anglers can play their part.”

The RACG will also undertake and advise on habitat improvement projects and develop a network of regional officers to collate knowledge for tackling conservation issues of local and national importance. In addition, the group will advise angling clubs and fishery owners on best practices in river restoration and share with the angling community how they can play their part in re-invigorating our rivers.

Anglers can join for just £4.99 at https://www.racg.co.uk/join
or via the group’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RiverAnglersCG

Member benefits will include social fish-ins, teach-ins and advisory clinics on river habitat improvements, and a regular magazine exclusive to members. It will also forge links with other like-minded groups across Europe.

The formation of the RACG was warmly welcomed by the Angling Trust and Fish Legal’s chief executive Mark Lloyd, who said: “We look forward to working collaboratively with this new group of highly experienced and thoughtful anglers to tackle the many threats to river coarse fishing throughout the country. Their specialist knowledge will be invaluable in the fight to protect and improve all fish and fishing. We will be delighted to welcome the RACG onto our Specialist Anglers Group.”

*The RACG website will launch soon. Anglers can join the RACG now, visit https://www.racg.co.uk/join
or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RiverAnglersCG.

Sounds interesting, working with the backing of, but separate from, the Angling Trust. I have joined.
Perhaps this is what TAC could/should have become.
It could be worth considering merging what remains of TAC into this new organsiation.
Thoughts?

Sounds like a good idea.
I will probably join but will have to find out about this face book thing first.

You don't need facebook, just visit visit https://www.racg.co.uk/ direct.
I think facebook might become history in the not too distant future, anyhow.

I would not join another Angling Group, I am sure these anglers come with good intentions
but the problems we face at the moment is more then river fishing alone.
There is a growing movement towards banning of Angling , because  we are losing the media war.
The farmers and riparian owners have been playing a double game by letting there lakes,pits and rivers
out and supporting Natural England in introducing species  which fell in decline naturally due to the lack of food.
When I was a kid there were shoals of Dace at The BBC farm bridge on the River Roding, sadly this is
not the case now.
As for Thames Conservancy, a spark went out when Dave and Steve no longer post, but this should not
alter the fact you have a lot to be proud of, The Thames Tideway Tunnel being one. The first great improvement to happen on the Thames
in 150 years.On last years Tidefest the TC,s logo was not even shown ,which is not right as you lads have done more for the Thames then
anyone.