The National Federation of Sea Anglers, founded in 1904, is recognised by the Government and the Sports Council as the Official National Organisation for sea anglers, and is provided with Grant Aid for development programmes.

It is administered by a National Executive (Standing Committee) comprising Officers and Divisional Representatives.

Regional administration is by thirteen Divisions, each with its own committee, who deal with local problems, provide a service to regional Affiliated Clubs and Personal Members, and many of whom organise competitions, leagues and 'fish of the month' competitions. The Divisions are provided with support and financial assistance from Head Office.

The NFSA has a full time Development Officer, David Rowe, at Head Office in Newton Abbot, with two administrative staff.

With over 550 Affiliated Clubs, 2,000 Personal Members and a number of Associate Federations or Organisations, the NFSA boasts a total membership of over 37,000 keen sea anglers.

The NFSA are members of:

- World Governing Body, CIPS, through its sea section, FIPS-M.

- European Anglers Alliance, FAA, which lobbies the EC to protect European environment and fisheries.

- Angling Governing Bodies Liaison Group, AGBLG, together with the National Federation of Anglers and Salmon & Trout Association, addressing matters which affect all disciplines of the sport.

- Sea Angling Liaison Committee of Great Britain and Ireland, SALC, looking after the sports demands on the National and International front.

What the NFSA does:

- Represents sea angling view on the Water Recreation Division of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, CCPR, in London. Also has representatives on the majority of Sea Fisheries Committees, which now have increased responsibility on environmental issues.

- Work includes areas such as pollution, dumping of industrial waste and dredging of shingle, and bye-laws impinging on fishing activities. However, the NFSA relies on 'eyes and ears' reporting facts of similar intrusions.

- Encourages Juniors through annual Junior Championship, Junior Specimen award scheme and a 'Junior of the Year' award following nominations from Clubs for not only angling skills but also the junior most helpful to his/her Club.

- Part-sponsors a Safety at Sea Code approved by Department of Transport & Industry. Also develops code on Bait Gathering.

- Persuaded MAFF to establish Bass nursery areas after getting the Bass on the protected list of the White Fish Authority. Requests Government for conservation measures to protect fish stocks.

- Seeks sponsorship for, and selects the official teams to represent England at Home and World Championships for Boat, Shore, Ladies Shore, Junior Shore, Big Game and Casting.

- Processes all claims for British Records for Sea Fish for ratification by British Record (rod-caught) Fish Committee, of which NFSA is secretariat.

- Operates a Specimen Fish Award Scheme, which is second to none, providing certificates and medals to recognise specimen fish. Also organises National Festivals, the Guernsey National Shore Angling Championships (with the final held in Guernsey), and compiles a National Match List.

- Provides advice to Affiliated Clubs seeking grants from the National Lottery, and those applying for Sports Council Grant Aid for building club headquarters to buying club boats.

- Provides block Third Party Public Liability Insurance for Clubs, (currently at a cost of £12) saving the clubs at least £80, thus covering the cost of their affiliation. Personal Members all have £2 million Third Party Public Liability Insurance to cover their angling activities anywhere in the world. Other insurance is available to cover trophies, at attractive rates to members.

- NFSA activity is reported quarterly in the Federation's Journal. The NFSA also produces a Diary which includes daily tide times, useful angling and divisional contacts, Record Sea Fish list, divisional specimen sizes,minimum fish size limits, fish identification pictures, trophy lists, fishing hot spots, and other useful information for the sea angler.