As can be seen from the following table, the number of boats using our inland waterways owned or managed by British Waterways, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority over the last five years has risen and reflects the increasing popularity of boating. DEFRA does not keep records of boat numbers on waterways managed by other navigation bodies.
British Waterways Environment Agency Broads Authority Total 2002 26,426 33,127 12,782 72,335 2003 26,240 32,187 12,923 71,350 2004 27,078 31,342 12,917 71,337 2005 29,000 31,535 12,770 73,305 2006 30,905 31,864 12,841 75,610