Angling Pathway Action Plan

Angling Pathway Action Plan 2022–2027

Angler movements to and within Ireland are an important part of the social and economic value of recreational fishing. However, these movements also create a risk: invasive species can be unintentionally transported between waterbodies on angling equipment.

Once invasive species become established in a lake, river or estuary, they can be extremely difficult — and in some cases impossible — to control or eradicate. Preventing their introduction is therefore essential.

The Angling Pathway Action Plan 2022–2027 sets out how government, the angling sector and stakeholders will work together to reduce this risk.

Why This Plan Is Needed

Invasive species can:

Damage native fish populations and aquatic habitats
Disrupt ecosystem functioning
Impact water quality
Affect angling quality and fisheries sustainability
Increase long-term management costs

Angling equipment such as rods, nets, waders, boats and trailers can inadvertently carry plant fragments, invertebrates or pathogens between waterbodies. Without proper biosecurity measures, this pathway can contribute to the spread of invasive species both into Ireland and within the country.

Prevention through good practice is significantly more effective and less costly than managing established infestations.

Purpose of the Action Plan

The Angling Pathway Action Plan aims to:

Reduce the risk of invasive species being introduced into Ireland through angling activities
Prevent the spread of invasive species between waterbodies within Ireland
Promote awareness and understanding of invasive species risks
Support the uptake of practical biosecurity measures by the angling community

The Plan outlines a coordinated policy approach and identifies actions to be undertaken between 2022 and 2027.

Scope of the Plan

The Plan applies to recreational angling activities in freshwater and brackish environments, including:

Trout fishing
Salmon fishing
Coarse fishing
Pike fishing
Shore fishing
Wild fisheries
Stocked fisheries

Aquaculture activities are outside the scope of this Plan.

Who the Plan Is For

The Plan is intended for:

Individual anglers
Angling clubs and associations
National angling governing bodies
Commercial operators (e.g. angling tour providers)
Fisheries managers
Regulatory and public authorities

Key Objectives (2022–2027)

The objectives of the Plan focus on three main areas:

1. Increasing Awareness

Improving understanding among anglers and stakeholders of:
Invasive species risks
How species are transported via angling equipment
The importance of prevention

2. Promoting Good Biosecurity Practice

Encouraging routine adoption of practical biosecurity measures, including:
Cleaning equipment after use
Draining water from boats and gear
Thorough drying before reuse

3. Supporting Behavioural Change

Facilitating and normalising biosecurity as a standard part of angling activity through:
Guidance materials
Training and outreach
Partnership initiatives
Consistent messaging across the sector

Implementation

The Plan sets out actions to be delivered through collaboration between government departments, state agencies and the angling community. Progress will be monitored throughout the lifetime of the Plan.

Success depends on:

Awareness
Cooperation
Consistent application of biosecurity practices
Ongoing stakeholder engagement

Why Prevention Matters

Once invasive species establish in a waterbody, eradication is often not feasible. The ecological and economic impacts can persist for decades.

By embedding good biosecurity practices within angling activities, Ireland can:

Protect native biodiversity
Safeguard fisheries
Maintain the recreational value of angling
Reduce long-term environmental management costs

Preventative action remains the most effective response to the threat of invasive species.

Angling Pathway Action Plan