NGO petition asks for fish-eating birds to to added to Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
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We've launched a UK Parliament petition asking the government to amend Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to list cormorants, goosanders and red-breasted mergansers as species that may be managed outside the close season. This would enable proportionate, licensed control to protect inland fisheries and migratory fish populations where serious damage is evidenced.
Anglers. Fishery Managers. Gamekeepers. We need your support.
The NGO has launched a UK Parliament petition asking the government to amend Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to list cormorants, goosanders and red-breasted mergansers as species that may be managed outside the close season. This would enable proportionate, licensed control to protect inland fisheries and migratory fish populations where serious damage is evidenced.
Cormorant numbers have risen from around 2,000 in the 1980s to over 65,000 today. Goosander and merganser populations have similarly expanded. These fish-eating birds are causing serious, documented damage to salmon, trout and coarse fish stocks across the UK.
Atlantic salmon are at crisis point: around 90% of principal salmon rivers in England are now classified as at risk, and declared catches are at their lowest since records began. Millions of pounds that are being invested in river restoration are being undermined by predation.
Current Natural England licensing is too slow and burdensome for fisheries managers to respond effectively. Adding these three species to Schedule 2.1 would enable targeted, evidence-based, licensed management — not an open cull — within existing close season protections.
Signing takes less than a minute, but it sends a powerful message that those who care for our rivers, fisheries, wildlife and countryside expect to be heard. If we reach 10,000 signatures, this means the Government must issue an official response. At 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Whether you're an angler who values healthy fish stocks and thriving rivers; a fishery manager working to protect fisheries; a gamekeeper or countryside professional, or simply someone who supports practical conservation, please sign and share.
Sign the petition here: NGO Parliamentary Petition
ENDS
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession.
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
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