THE Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA) has appointed Mark Lloyd as its new executive director. It says this will enable the ACA to forge ahead with planned changes in its operations to become even more effective in making polluters pay for their actions.

Mark has been chief executive of Thames 21, a water-based environmental charity he helped found ten years ago.  Thames 21 is responsible for clearing up the waterways of the capital with the help of 4,000 volunteers.  It now turns over £1 million annually.

Commenting on the appointment, ACA chairman Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith said: “We were looking for someone to take the Association onwards. Mark has those excellent PR and organisational skills allied to fund-raising experience that will allow the potential of the Association to be unlocked.  With new challenges such as diffuse pollution and the Water Framework Directive, it is vital that there is a fully functional and independent organisation to keep polluters in check.

“Mark is just the enthusiast to do this for us.  Underpinning his genuine interest in clean waters is his love of angling.  He started fishing when he was 5 years old and formally protested about the canalisation of the River Yeo when he was only 10 years old.  He is leaving London for North Hereford shortly. Mark will be responsible for the Association’s PR and drive to recruit new members, in addition to the day to day running of the organisation. He will work alongside our experienced legal team.”