HOW TO REPORT POLLUTION INCIDENTS
It’s every angler’s worst nightmare to encounter a pollution incident, but what would you do next? Sadly, these events still happen, but as anglers we can help protect the places we love. Quick action could potentially save the lives of thousands of fish! Here is our quickfire guide on how to report pollution incidents, along with the wider action we’re taking to keep our waters beautiful.
The pollution of our waterways is still a sad reality each season, but there is action we can take in both the here and now, and on a longer-term basis to stop water pollution killing fish. As anglers, there is always the chance we will be first on the scene, witnessing an outbreak as it happens. Whether it’s the sight of dead or dying fish in the margins, or a nasty-looking discharge leaking into a river, the time to act is right away! Your rod licence money directly funds the highly trained staff response of the Environment Agency to these incidents- so do pick up the phone and please don’t leave it to someone else. Your licence tells you exactly where to report water pollution. Call the emergency number (0800 807060) that is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. Someone is always available to show you exactly how the environment agency manages water quality.
So, let’s imagine you’ve arrived at the waterside and seen something alarming. What happens next? Here’s a quick, easy to follow summary of what to do:
REPORTING POLLUTION: AN AT-A-GLANCE CHECKLIST
The number to report an incident is simply the one printed on your fishing licence (0800 80 70 60 for England, Northern Ireland or Scotland, or 0300 065 3000 for Wales). However, before you make the call, here are some key things that you’ll need to report:
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Your exact location. If you are near a named bridge, road or feature, this will help. Or better still, get an exact reference, because the call handler will be at a central office of the Environment Agency and is unlikely to have local knowledge. One useful tool here is the UK Grid-Free Phone app, which will quickly give you a reference point. There’s also a similar version for iPhones.
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The date and time: Take a note of the exact time you noticed the incident.
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Describe what you have witnessed: A clear account is a huge help. Can you see any discharge? Is there a foul smell? Perhaps you can see fish struggling?
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Can you see the source? While this won’t always be obvious, you might be able to see where the pollution is coming from. If so, be sure to include this, because it could be critical.
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Pictures or footage: These days all of us have portable cameras with our phones. Images or a short video can be very helpful in gathering evidence, whether you record discoloured water or fish and other wildlife in distress.
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Get an incident number: Rather like reporting crime to the police, every case at the Environment Agency will be given a case number. Do ask for this and request that you want to be kept informed going forward.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION:
The Environment Agency has its own dedicated page on reporting incidents, including those of different categories such as collapsed river banks and illegal waste dumping. READ MORE.
You will also find a report on the current state of our rivers, along with facts, figures and more details about current challenges and how the Environment agency manages water quality and makes improvements HERE.
The Canal and Rivers Trust should also be informed if an incident occurs on one of their waterways, such as one of the many canals they manage. The CRT has its own guide on how to report pollution incidents HERE
Anglers in Wales should also see the Natural Resources Wales website for further guidance on reporting pollution and other types of incident HERE.
ORGANISATIONS THAT HELP: WHAT WE CAN DO LONG-TERM
Besides the awful, headline-grabbing incidents of pollution killing fish and harming wildlife in general, there are also many less obvious ways that our waters suffer. Alarmingly in 2020, not a single river or lake in England made the grade when it came to being within legal limits for harmful pollutants. Whether it’s insecticides, sewage and other harmful substances seeping into our rivers, or indeed plastic pollution, we are determined to fight for a cleaner future. But we need your help! Here are some of the measures and campaigns that matter.
FISH LEGAL
Simply by becoming an Angling Trust member, you are directly supporting our dedicated team at Fish Legal. Their efforts, which are 100% funded by you, have taken hundreds of polluters to task over recent years, winning tens of thousands in compensation for angling clubs and fisheries. It’s worth remembering that without the vigilance of anglers and the expertise of Fish Legal, many of these cases would never have gone to court at all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
ANGLERS AGAINST POLLUTION
Our headline campaign is pushing hard to protect and restore aquatic habitats where you live. Whether it’s working towards tougher regulations or banging directly on the doors of decision makers, we are insisting that it’s time for change and a complete rethink of how we manage our precious freshwater and marine eco-systems! Besides being an Angling Trust member, there are several really simple and effective ways you can help us get this vital message out loud and clear, including our Anglers Against Pollution Campaign. Here are some next steps once you know how to report pollution.
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Sign our petition today! Add your name to demand a cleaner future for fisheries. Every signature makes our voice louder. Pledge your support HERE.
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Show that you care in style by buying one of our stylish exclusive t-shirts and hoodies! 100% of profits will go towards fighting for change and combatting pollution. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COLLECTION
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Strike a blow against litter! Another huge part of today’s conversation is the blight of plastic pollution and litter in general. We hate to see rubbish as much as you do! Why not pledge to support Anglers Against Litter? As well as working with the industry to cut back on waste and non-renewables, we are supporting clubs and fisheries to take direct action. Learn more and give us your backing HERE.
Now that you know how and where to report water pollution incidents, we hope you are always prepared to act when necessary! Here’s to clean waters and tight lines!