15,000 people marched for clean water on the streets of London on Sunday 3rd November. The event was a crucial opportunity for the angling community to raise its voice for fish and a stark reminder for the government of the protection needed for our waterways.
For many, the march was not just about fish; it’s about safeguarding biodiversity, preserving natural spaces for future generations, and demanding accountability from polluters. In a sea of dressed-in-blue supporters, Activist Anglers, the Angling Trust and Fish Legal, were among those marching to represent anglers.
Speaking to the crowd, Penny Gane, Head of Practice at Fish Legal said “No more excuses, no more delay. We think that every single river should be protected from pollution. Not just the big ones, but every river and small stream across the country that has been degraded and ignored. We think that Every River Counts.”
Fish Legal’s speech at the march was particularly poignant as the Government will be fighting against a High Court ruling that Fish Legal won, that could have restored England's rivers.
What began as a local fight for one spring-fed beck in Yorkshire has now become a national test case to ensure no river is left behind. Last year, Fish Legal and the Pickering Fishery Association took the Government to court, arguing that their River Basin Management Plans were defective and that more action was needed to meet the legally binding targets for river restoration by 2027.
The High Court agreed, ruling that the Government failed to protect rivers and lakes. However, instead of accepting this decision, the Government has chosen to appeal the ruling.
The success of the march is a starting point, not a conclusion. The angling community is committed to keeping up the pressure on policymakers and water companies, ensuring promises made are kept. By coming together in such numbers, anglers are sending a clear message: they are custodians of the waterways.
You can support Fish Legal’s upcoming fight against the government by visiting the campaign link below, or by purchasing an Activist Anglers cap where 100% of profits will go back to Fish Legal.
https://everyrivercountsappeal.fishlegal.net/
https://www.orvis.co.uk/products/activist-anglers-fish-legal-cap