I like the fact that I have earned recognition for my work over many years, but everyone applies for their own reasons - find yours and harness that desire!
Sam Chapman CEnv
Environment Agency, Fisheries Technical Specialist
What does an average day look like in your career?
My current role is more desk based than some of my previous roles and I am usually found responding to emails, reviewing technical drawings or reports, or advising colleagues. I also get away from my desk to see potential construction or habitat improvement sites, provide advice or sign off the installation of fish passes or screens.
How did you get to where you are now?
I joined the Environment Agency in a fish survey role straight from university and progressed internally from there – through a recreation role then various local and national fisheries roles before landing here as a Fisheries Technical Specialist in the West Midlands. I work as part of a great team that has a huge amount of experience and enthusiasm for protecting and improving the environment, with a particular focus on fish.
In what way does your role consider and protect the environment?
I am part of a team that protects fisheries and fish populations through habitat protection, habitat reconnection through barrier mitigation, and prevention of harm through commenting on statutory permitting applications (planning, EPR, abstraction etc).
Ultimately, we are an environmental regulator, but we mostly achieve environmental protection and potentially improvements through persuasion, encouragement, compliance checking, and partnership working rather than enforcement.
We also have access to funds from rod licence income that use to improve fisheries for anglers. We seek to work in partnership with others to leverage better outcomes for anglers and the environment.
I love the variety and the surprising range of unusual questions that continue to crop up, even after years in this and similar roles.
What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?
It is hard to pick 3 for my role in general, as it varies so much. In the last week or so I have probably relied most on legislative knowledge, lifecycles and habitat preferences of various species, and familiarity with our internal operational instructions.
How has your focus on environmental impacts changed over the course of your career?
The focus has changed over time, but the biggest change has probably been the way that our work now uses protected species and sites as keystones in decision making.
One of my main foci is now the European eel, which is Critically Endangered. I also get involved in flood defence plans, major infrastructure works, the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme (WINEP) and other large schemes.
My work often involves talking to colleagues in other areas or national teams to share ideas and develop best practice.
What part of your job do you find the most exciting?
I love the variety and the surprising range of unusual questions that continue to crop up, even after years in this and similar roles.
What are your 3 top tips for those applying for CEnv?
Do it! Again, picking 3 would be difficult, but keep a record of your CPD activities even before you apply, and start on your report as soon as you can. Getting started is the hardest part, but progress is easier if you’ve got initial ideas to edit – just bullet points to start with, you can expand it later. Don’t be put off by the process and reach out to others that may have been through the process already.
Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a CEnv?
I like the fact that I have earned recognition for my work over many years, but everyone applies for their own reasons – find yours and harness that desire!
Profile correct as of March 2026.
Sam Chapman CEnv’s registration:
Sam Chapman is registered as a CEnv via membership of the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM).
Useful links:
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