This from the Gov....

http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page13673.asp


The UK Government recognises the importance of Recreational Sea Angling
(RSA) and the substantial contribution it makes to the UK economy, and we
are ensuring that sea anglers' needs are increasingly considered as we
manage and develop fisheries policy.

The Marine Bill will equip fisheries managers with powers that may be
necessary for a more active approach to managing recreational fisheries in
the future. This includes proposals to introduce a recreational sea angling
licence, which would be similar to that operated by the Environment Agency
for freshwater angling. The Government would expect that any proposed
licensing scheme would need to clearly demonstrate the benefits for sea
anglers, with revenue being used to improve recreational sea angling. It is
the Government's intention to ensure that any use of the proposed powers to
introduce a licensing scheme is subject to a full consultation to gather a
full range of views.

Licences are also being considered within the context of the RSA Strategy,
where it forms part of an overall package of measures for sea anglers. To
ensure that this work is taken forward in partnership with all those who
have a stake in fish stocks, the Strategy is being developed by
representatives across a range of sectors. It has recently been endorsed by
Defra's Inshore Fisheries Working Group who have recommended a full
consultation later this year to capture a wide range of views.


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