The government is urging anglers to buy fishing licences.

Anglers have to have licences to fish in reservoirs and rivers.

Daily, weekly or seasonal licences are issued by the government and allow fishing in Ballure, Clypse, Cringle, Kerrowdhoo, Sulby and West Baldwin reservoirs, all of which are stocked with rainbow trout.

The reservoir fishing season runs from March 10 to January 31.

There has been an increase in prices this year, with an adult season licence costing £213.50; young people aged between 14 and 18 will pay £81 and it remains free to children under 14.

The money raised from the licences contributes towards activities such as anti-poaching operations and habitat conservation, enabling sustainable management of freshwater fisheries.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’The licences are excellent value for money and allow residents and visitors alike to fish in some of the most scenic reservoirs and rivers anywhere in Britain.’

One of the government’s policy aims is to ensure more people enjoy outdoor activities.

During the 2019 season, a survey of reservoir anglers was carried out by the government, with over three-quarters of respondents rating the quality of the reservoir fishery as either excellent or very good.

A summary of the survey results can be downloaded from the freshwater fishing page of the government website.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture thanked all respondents for their feedback, which will help to inform the future management and improvement of the reservoir fishery.

The 2020 ’other waters’ (rivers and lakes) season begins April 1 with adult licences costing £71 for a season, £28 for a week and £11.50 for a day.

The coarse fishing season runs January 1 to December 31 with season licences costing £11.50 for adults and again free for children.

Licences for the reservoirs and other waters go on sale Monday, February 24, and can be bought via www.gov.im, from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and from DEFA headquarters at St John’s.

Reservoir season licences at a concessionary rate, for those 65 and over or registered as disabled, can also be bought at post offices but are not available online as eligibility must be proved.