Funding is vital for any fishery’s growth and survival, and in a region that locals feel has been neglected by the authorities, one man has created an initiative that is set to make a real difference.
Jamie Clayton, manager of Manchester Angling Club, has struggled to obtain funding from fishing’s governing bodies over the 10 years he’s run the organisation.
Offering free fishing to under 16s in the area, many would think he’d be in pole position for support, but he’s been rejected time and again.
Speaking to other anglers in the area, he found they’re facing the same knock-back when trying to develop their local waters.
Rather than sit and complain, Jamie’s set-up the North West Anglers Alliance (NWAA) – a non-for-profit, subscription-based drive aiming to generate funding specifically for fisheries and clubs in the region.
“Whether it’s a postcode lottery or angling politics, I don’t know, but a lot of clubs in the north feel they’re neglected by the authorities, no matter how worthy their cause,” Jamie told us.
“Anglers in the region deserve more, and NWAA’s model to support is simple. Individual subscriptions cost £1.99 a month, whilst local clubs can join for £12 a month. 100 per cent of funds generated will be reinvested into fish stocks, habitat improvement and professional fishery management projects across member waters.”
A board of anglers and fishery consultants will oversee where funds are allocated, with projects scheduled each winter to ensure regular and visible improvements.
Jamie, who is qualified to level 5 in fishery management and won the ‘Unsung Hero’ category in Angling Times National Angling Awards in 2022, already has the support of big players in the industry.
“The Institute of Fishery Management are on board, as are VS Fisheries, British AquaCare, and others,” he revealed.
“Many of our most-loved waters are run on little more than a shoestring, kept alive by the dedication of local anglers,” Jamie added.
“NWAA is a grassroots movement putting anglers, not bureaucracy, first, and gives the region a voice, enabling us to support and protect our local waters.
“I’ve already spoken to six clubs who want to join, and that’s barely scratching the surface. It won’t take long, with the support of anglers in the region, to generate funds that will make a real difference.”
For more information, call 07508 345034 or email jamie@nwanglersalliance.org
What funding could deliver
£5k-£10k: Restocking of quality fish into multiple waters, bi-annual siltexing on lakes, fish health and netting surveys.
£10k-£15k: Restocking and habitat restoration across several waters, professional fishery management plans for NWAA waters, smaller infrastructure projects such as building pathways or pegs.
£25k+: Large-scale restocking programmes, major bank-side restoration projects, ongoing siltexing and water quality work across multiple venues, ability to fund long-term fishery management plans for the whole North West.
