Today (Thursday 18 June) is National Go Fishing Day, the perfect excuse to swap screens for streams and enjoy the tranquillity of one of the UK’s favourite outdoor activities.
This annual celebration encourages people to slow down, spend time in nature, and try their hand at casting a line in a local river, lake, pond, or coastal spot.
The UK fishing industry continues to play a valuable role in the national economy. The Marine Management Organisation reported that UK vessels landed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of sea fish, worth around £1 billion, in 2022. In addition, recent agreements with the EU and Norway have secured hundreds of thousands of tonnes in fishing opportunities, valued at hundreds of millions of pounds, helping sustain the sector for the future.
Market analysts, including IBIS World, predict steady growth for the UK’s marine fishing industry over the coming years, with its current value estimated at over £1 billion.
As Kent’s only rural and land-based college, Hadlow College offers specialist fisheries training through facilities such as Grove Farm Fishing Lake, a 2-hectare mixed coarse fishing lake and growing-on ponds that operate as both a commercial fishery and fish farm. Here, students gain valuable experience in carp husbandry, modern fisheries management, and all aspects of fish farming, supported by expert staff with real-world industry backgrounds.
Courses also cover fish biology and health, disease identification and treatment, aquatic environment management, and a wide range of angling techniques. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, students develop the skills needed to succeed in this rewarding field.
If you are interested in studying the subject visit the Fisheries Management page of the Hadlow College website.