Our freshwater habitats are in crisis. This fact is no longer up for debate and is reflected in the public concern now focused on water pollution.
Today, the Angling Trust launches the 2nd Annual Report from the Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) — the nation’s largest regular citizen science water pollution initiative that is transforming how anglers understand, and respond to, the pollution crisis in our rivers.
Launched in May 2022 as part of the Angling Trust’s Anglers Against Pollution Campaign, the WQMN now boasts a network of 775 trained volunteers from more than 300 angling clubs, who together have submitted nearly 10,000 water samples across England and Wales. This new report analyses data collected between July 2023 and July 2024, providing an essential snapshot of water quality at a pivotal moment for environmental policy and public trust in regulation.
Please watch:
Jamie Cook, CEO, Angling Trust & Fish Legal comments; “Our freshwater habitats are in crisis — and as they have for over 75 years, anglers are leading the response. Through the Water Quality Monitoring Network, 775 volunteers have collected over 10,000 samples to expose pollution and demand change. Across the country, anglers are using their citizen science data to build effective campaigns to protect rivers — pressuring politicians, challenging polluters, and shaping conversations with regulators, farmers, and water companies. This is grassroots citizen science delivering national conservation impact.”
A Picture of Decline
The report’s findings are stark. Only 14% of rivers in England currently meet ‘good ecological status’ as defined by the Water Framework Directive, and WQMN data suggests we’re falling further behind.
Of nearly 4,000 samples analysed from July 2023 to July 2024:
- 45% exceeded Nitrate levels of concern (≥5 ppm), and
- 34% breached the threshold for Phosphate pollution (≥0.306 ppm), with both chemicals contributing to damaging eutrophication.
- In some catchments, the pollution was even more entrenched:
- 14 sites in the Medway catchment were monitored at least 8 times per year. EVERY SINGLE ONE breached the upper limit for good ecological status.
- Of 22 sites in the Warwickshire Avon catchment, 86% exceeded safe levels.
Anglers as Stakeholders in River Recovery
The WQMN is not just about data—it’s about impact. Angling clubs are using this evidence to hold polluters to account and work with regulators at the catchment level and beyond. Case studies included in the report show how anglers, when treated as legitimate stakeholders, can directly shape river governance and habitat restoration.
Looking Ahead: Turning data into insights and starting still water testing
As we publish this report, the WQMN is preparing for its next phase. Already in 2025, we have expanded the network to include estuaries testing and later this year will be trialling testing of still waters, scaling up our efforts and deepening our understanding of freshwater and coastal water quality.
About the Report
Analysis for the 2023–2024 WQMN report was led by Dr Eleanor Kean (Independent Environmental Researcher) and Dr Liz Bagshaw (Associate Professor, University of Bristol). Additional analysis, primarily on Nitrate pollution was carried out by the Angling Trust. All work is grounded in real-time data gathered by over 775 volunteers in rivers across England and Wales. Volunteers used waterside chemical test methods that have been independently error checked against statutory laboratory analysis.
More information:
Peter.Devery@AnglingTrust.net Tel: 07301245168
