IFS compliance officers now have the capacity to check angling licence details by smart phone. The IFS licence database is available to officers in the field and allows quick and easy access to validate information where angler is not carrying their licence. At times this has also alleviated the need for anglers to produce their licence at a later date as licence details can be confirmed on the spot.

Modern technology has also assisted officer’s deal with unlicenced anglers who claim they have a licence, with several infringement notices issued after officers were initially told by anglers that they had a licence but after checks on the database and further discussions it was confirmed that no licence had been purchased.