Abolish the Close Season on rivers

Rejected 17 signatures

What the petition asks

We would like the Government or Parliament to acknowledge that the river close season is out-dated and that indeed fish populations would now carry MORE protection (from predation and poaching) if anglers were on the bank. We call for the Environment Agency to be pressurised to abolish it in 2026.

The current close season for coarse fish in English rivers has been in force since 1878 - 149 years ago. The world has changed. Fish populations in rivers are now under huge pressure from predators that were not present then, including cormorants, which have been driven inland by overfishing. And from poachers, who can operate undisturbed from March 15th to June 15th inclusive. Tackle shops are closing at an alarming rate. The industry needs help and we believe there is a thirst for change.

Why it was rejected

It was about a matter for a local council or devolved government, not the UK Government or Parliament.

We can't accept petitions that call for action at a local level. Close seasons are set by local byelaws.

You could raise your issue with a local councillor who represents you. You can find out who your local councillors are, and how to contact them, by entering your post code here: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors
 

Timeline

14 Mar 2025	Petition opened for signatures
8 Apr 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 17

Status Rejected

Rejected 8 Apr 2025

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