Fish Legal

Who we are

Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across the UK are among the richest and most cherished habitats supporting diverse species of fish, mammals, insects, and plants—they are also some of the most vulnerable. Our rivers and other water bodies have historically suffered from pollution, over-abstraction, and host of other impacts which can prove devastating to fragile water ecosystems.

Fish Legal fights to protect all inland and coastal waters in the UK from pollution and other damage. We use the full range of the law—common, statutory, public, and criminal—and we have a long track record of winning cases and securing compensation to enable our members to restore their waters.

Our solicitors (both English and Scots-qualified) represent Fish Legal’s member clubs, fisheries, and riparian owners in seeking compensation from offenders who cause pollution or other damage to rivers and still waters—the compensation we win goes back to those members to carry out habitat work or re-stock the waters.

We obtain injunctions to prevent activities which threaten to damage the aquatic environment and, if broken, offenders can find themselves in contempt of court and can even be jailed.

Funds raised by Fish Legal as well as funds donated by individuals, angling clubs, and federations are effectively pooled so that no one person must foot the costs of bringing defendants to court.

Our sister organisation, the Angling Trust, is the national governing body for the sport of angling in England as well as a leading voice in the protection and enhancement of the aquatic environment—working alongside partner NGOs to advocate greater environmental protection, lobby for positive change, and influence policy development.