Salter is back fighting for fishing

Big names from the worlds of fishing and politics have this week welcomed the appointment of former parliamentary angling spokesman Martin Salter as the new National Campaigns Co-ordinator for the Angling Trust. Martin, who stood down from the House of Commons at the last election, has recently returned from ‘a fishing and writing sabbatical’ in Australia which saw him publish a landmark report – Keep Australia Fishing - on the challenges facing the recreational fishing sector. Martin has made good his pre election promise to return and campaign for a better deal for both anglers and for the fisheries on which our sport depends. This new, part time post has been made possible following donations from the Angling Trades Association (ATA) and two individual benefactors who support the Angling Trust.

Martin is to be based within the Angling Trust but will be working across the sector as a whole to promote greater unity and improved joint working. In addition to assisting in campaigning, fundraising and political lobbying, Martin hopes to help drive up membership and increase participation in both the AT and ATA.

National Campaigns Co-ordinator - Principal Roles:

* Supporting angling participation programmes
* Liaising with the angling trade and other representative angling bodies
* Parliamentary and Ministerial liaison and political lobbying
* Membership recruitment and engagement
* Campaigns and communication
* Raising the media profile of angling
* Strategy advice and policy development



Martin’s appointment has been strongly endorsed by those at the very top of angling in the UK.

Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon PM said:

“I am really pleased that Martin will be active in the Angling Trust working with the Angling Trades Association to promote angling across the UK. Over the years I have built a healthy respect for Martin’s knowledge and passion for angling. I look forward to working with him in his new role and to seeing more people of all ages on our river banks and lakes.”


Robin Morley, Sales Director of Daiwa UK, said:

" I am delighted that we have managed to secure Martin Salter's services to encourage, support and promote angling in the UK. Having known Martin for many years I know his passion for angling, not to mention his vast experience gained over the previous 13 years in Parliament, will prove invaluable in promoting angling to the level it deserves.

I would also like to thank all the UK tackle companies who have made this possible by their contributions to the Angling Participation Fund organised by the Angling Trade Association (ATA)"

Charles Walker MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Angling said:

“I believe that Martin Salter has been one of the most outstanding politicians of his generation when it comes to the championing of fishing interests. His depth and breadth of knowledge continues to be appreciated across the political spectrum, as does his campaigning zeal.”