Today (21 November) is World Fisheries Day, a global celebration of our oceans, rivers and lakes, and a powerful reminder of how vital sustainable fisheries are to the health of our planet and the livelihoods of millions.
Across the world, communities rely on fish for food, income and cultural identity. From coastal towns to inland hatcheries, small-scale fisheries form the backbone of aquatic food systems. In fact, artisanal fisheries (fishing that is family-based, employing small or no boats and simple and/or traditional methods) account for a staggering 40% of the global catch, yet often receive little of the attention, or protection, they deserve.
World Fisheries Day calls for action: to protect aquatic biodiversity, to secure better working conditions for fishing communities, and to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Hadlow College is Kent’s only rural and land-based college and has a range of specialist fisheries facilities.
These include Grove Farm Fishing Lake, which is a 2-hectare mixed coarse fishing lake and growing on ponds. It operates as a commercial fishery and fish farm, providing students with practical skills in carp husbandry, modern fisheries management practises and all aspects of fish farming and relevant legislation.
Students are taught by lecturers who have worked in the industry in various sectors and will develop a range of skills including practical fishery management skills and design, knowledge of fish biology and health, disease identification and treatment, management of aquatic environments and the interactions that occur. Angling knowledge and skills are also developed whilst considering a range of angling skills and opportunities.
If you are interested in studying the subject visit the Fisheries Management page of the Hadlow College website.