We have had a busy summer at Fish and Fly and the purpose of this note is to update you on a few developments here and also to ask for your support with a new website www.fishactive.com we have launched in partnership with the Environment Agency. The purpose of this website is to enhance communication, education and compliance within UK fishing and to provide a local voice for county based fishing communities.
The hierarchy of angling bodies in the UK is complex and there are hundreds of organisations sharing the common goal of protecting our fisheries and of promoting all facets of angling. However there is no central independent online resource where information is pooled and where constructive discussion can take place especially at a local or even a regional level.
FishActive.com is designed to resolve that situation and whilst still evolving has been launched as a pilot scheme for Sussex with a debate on the recently launched South Coast Sea Trout Action Plan. This Plan has been prepared jointly by The Environment Agency, The Atlantic Salmon Trust and The Wild Trout Trust.
James Humphrys, Area Manager, Environment Agency, Solent and South Downs stated;
“The Environment Agency is pleased to be working with MacNab Media/Fish and Fly and others to provide coarse, game and sea anglers in Sussex with all the latest news, advice and developments in their patch through FishActive.com. We will take part in constructive forum discussions that we hope will ensure effective consultation between local and national angling groups, resulting in better fisheries and angling opportunities in Sussex.”
Richard Hewitt Deputy Chairman of MacNab/Fish and Fly added; “The key to this site is its independence and the fact there are no barriers to entry such as subscriptions etc. Anyone with an interest in angling in Sussex will be welcomed and encouraged to voice their opinions and to participate. We are looking forward to making a success of this pilot scheme.”
The ‘home’ page of FishActive (Sussex) features up to date news regarding local and national issues of interest to the entire angling hierarchy and to all anglers and commercial fishermen. The Discussion Board will enable and encourage debate on key issues and will give a true local voice and consultation arena to broaden knowledge and to provide a platform for constructive debate. In essence it will improve communication, education and compliance within angling.
Once the pilot scheme is established it is hoped the FishActive concept will be adopted more widely.
All members of our websites have access to the FishActive forum with the same log in details.
New Faces and a New Name
On a corporate note to accelerate the development of our Where to Fish website and also a new automated booking system for fisheries, guides, boats etc. we felt the need to add to our team and experienced publishers Graham Sherren and Robin Coates have joined the Company as Chairman and Commercial Director respectively. We are also in the process of changing our trading name to MacNab Media to allow Fish&Fly to develop as a website and ezine aimed at the international adventure angler rather than as an umbrella brand.
In addition Pete Short (ex key account director of angling at Bauer Media) has joined us as Sales Director and will be based with a small team in offices in Peterborough.
We would be very grateful if you would support the www.fishactive.com venture as it is a genuine attempt to provide an independent voice at a local level for all those interested in fishing.
Finally many thanks for your continued support.
MacNab Media/Fish and Fly Team
