Submitted on Friday 14th March 2025
Rejected on Tuesday 8th April 2025
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: local (see below for details)
Abolish the Close Season on rivers
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.
You can't sign this petition because it was rejected. But you can still comment on it here at Repetition.me!
The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
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: www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors
216.73.217.50 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:30:48 +0100
