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Sweet smelt success on the Tyne

2nd April 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Sweet smelt success on the Tyne

It may be best-known for its salmon but a much more elusive fish has been found in the River Tyne.

The Tyne is the best salmon river in England and Wales, as well as a developing coarse fishery, but also is home to smelt, a once-abundant species which now is locally rare.

Officers from the Environment Agency carried out a one-off survey of the Tyne estuary to see if the elusive smelt was still present and breeding in the River Tyne.

New legislation in the Marine Bill is likely to extend the Environment Agency’s duty to protect smelt, so fisheries officers wanted to determine if the species was still present in the River Tyne.

A variety of different nets were deployed at Newburn in the Tyne estuary and amongst numbers of young salmon, sea trout and dace, eight smelt were caught. All of the fish were in breeding condition and confirmed the continued presence of this striking fish.

Environment Agency fisheries technical specialist Phil Rippon said: “We were delighted to record eight specimen smelt in the survey nets, we knew that smelt has been recorded occasionally by anglers in the 1970s and 1980s but we were unsure whether a breeding population still existed.

“The smelt is an unusual fish, sleek and salmon-like in appearance, with a characteristic smell of cucumber.

“The smelt is a small fish rarely exceeding 30cm in length and usually migrates into freshwater to spawn between February and May.

“They are known to spawn at the head of the tide usually at the first sets of rapids. The eggs are heavier than water and very sticky, settling on weed and stones. A large female may lay up to 40,000 eggs.”

Smelt have been recorded previously in the Tyne by anglers fishing for coarse fish. Local angler and long-time fish recorder David Hall, of Matfen, who has been reporting and collating information on smelt since the 1980s, said: “It’s great news that smelt are still in the River Tyne.

“Local anglers have been recording occasional catches for many years but now the Environment Agency has confirmed that the fish are still present and breeding within the river.”

Any anglers catching smelt on the Tyne are asked to carefully return the fish to the water and report their catch to the Environment Agency by emailing Robert.Stephenson@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Champion angler to receive coach training

31st March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Champion angler to receive coach training

Junior world angling champion Matt Godfrey from South Yorkshire is hoping to mentor youngsters in his favourite sport after signing up to become a qualified coach.

The 18 year-old, who is the only person to win the junior world championship three times, will be joining his dad Kevin on the two-day course and hopes that his expert tuition and experience will help to encourage others to take up a rod and line.

The Environment Agency is paying for Matt and Kevin’s training and is always keen to hear from others who have the experience and commitment to become a qualified coach.

Matt said: "When I first started fishing, I had loads of help from qualified National Federation of Anglers coaches who I have a lot to thank for what I have been able to achieve.

“By becoming a qualified coach myself, it will enable me to put something back into angling, and help develop young anglers in this fantastic sport.”

Environment Agency fisheries officer for Yorkshire Pete Turner said good coaches were needed to help attract people to the sport.

“Our research shows that people who attended one of our angling taster days have gone on to fish again during the following 12 months. This is good news and shows that there is interest out there from people to give the sport a go.

“Having a committed coach is vital to helping a novice angler get off to a good start. As well as teaching them the basics, they can show people how to handle the fish, and ensure that it returns to water in a healthy condition.”

Matt has already signed up to become a qualified coach with the Sheffield-based “Get Hooked on Life” which was established by Woodthorpe Development Trust in the city to promote activities, events and training for young people.

Karl Barton, Woodthorpe Development Trust Manager and chief executive officer of Get Hooked said: “Matt is a real catch for us. He has worked with us before and has a real talent when working with young people. We are incredibly pleased to be working with the Environment Agency and can’t thank them enough for their support. We want to inspire young people and having the three times junior world angling champion as a mentor will be brilliant.”

Curfew for illegal Elver fishermen

16th March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Curfew for illegal elver fishermen

Yesterday, Monday 16 March 2009, Gloucester men Lee Aaron Francis, age 27 years of Quedgley, Nathan Francis age 21 years also of Quedgely, and Karl Anthony Palmer, aged 23 years of Saul, each pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court to a charge relating to illegal fishing for elvers.

The charges were brought by the Environment Agency under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act. All three defendants were sentenced to a 6-week curfew order, effective between 20.00hrs and 07.00hrs each night, and ordered to pay £339.24 towards costs. The court also confiscated the nets they had been using illegally at the time of the offence.

For the Environment Agency, Romilly Edge told the court that, as the Government body responsible for enforcing and regulating fisheries legislation, the Environment Agency regularly inspects the elver fishery on the River Severn, to ensure that fishermen possess a valid licence, and are operating legally.

Elver fishing can be very lucrative, with elvers currently fetching in the region of £250 per kilo. At their peak in 2005, prices reached £525 per kilo.

In order to comply with legislation elver fishermen must have a valid elver fishing licence, which, at the time of the offence, cost £69 per year. There are also legal restrictions on the equipment they can use. They must not use a net with a frame size greater than 1.25 metres long by 1.0 metre wide, by 1.0 metre deep. A larger net gives an unfair advantage, enabling them to catch more than their fair share and reducing the number of elvers that can escape into lakes and rivers.

On 12 March 2008, the three defendants were seen using an illegally large net on the River Severn at the Pridings, Gloucestershire. When challenged by the bailiff they admitted that they owned the net jointly and that they did not have elver fishing licences. A bailiff cautioned the men and seized two nets, the illegally large net and a dip net, as evidence.

Speaking after the case, Environmental Crime Team Leader, Al Watson, said: “Fishing for elvers in this way is not only illegal but it is severely damaging to eel stocks. Many elver fishermen fish legally on the River Severn, but to do so without a licence and using illegal nets shows a total disregard for fellow fishermen, the law and the future of this species.“

Environment Agency seeks out advisors on angling and recreation

16th March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Environment Agency seeks out advisors on angling and recreation

Enthusiastic people with an interest in angling, recreation and the environment are being urged to make a difference by advising the Environment Agency in Yorkshire and the North East.

Officers are looking for new members to join the Environment Agency’s Regional Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee (RFERAC).

The committee provides a link between the Environment Agency, and people who use the region’s waters.

It meets three times a year during office hours, and in various locations around the region including Newcastle, York and Leeds.

Committee chairman David Stewart said: "The committee has a powerful voice that is listened to and acted upon at a local, regional and national level. If you share our passion for the environment and wish to make a real difference to the quality of life in Yorkshire and the North East, this is a place you can really help.

“Membership promises the chance to fulfil an important and fascinating role, advising and monitoring the leading public body that is responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.”

Committee members are not given a salary, but travel and other expenses for financial loss and childcare allowance are paid.

An application pack can be obtained from Brian Marley by calling 0191 203 4049 or sending an e-mail to brian.marley@environment-agency.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is 17 April 2009.

An informal selection evening will be held on 20 May 2009.

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First prosecution under new byelaw

16th March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

First prosecution under new byelaw

Two men have become the first to be prosecuted under new byelaws which prohibit the killing of female salmon on the River Eden and Border Esk.

Ian Hamilton from Darlington, County Durham and Nicholas Bankcroft from Astley, Manchester both pleaded guilty at Carlisle Magistrates Court today (13 March 2009), after being caught with female salmon by Environment Agency Bailiffs on 22 October 2008, on the Border Esk. They were each fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £100, and a victim surcharge of £15. The Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of two salmon seized by Fisheries Officers.

The byelaws were introduced in order to protect the salmon species during the breeding season.

The new byelaws came into effect in 2008. From 10 September to 14 October on the river Eden, and from 10 September to 31 October on the Border Esk, no female salmon or sea trout may be retained. They must be returned back to the river with as little injury as possible.

Keith Kendall, Fisheries Team Leader said, “These byelaws have been widely publicised, and are intended to increase the numbers of eggs laid by salmon and sea trout in the Border Esk and Eden. Anglers who breach the byelaws will face prosecution. It is important that we protect the salmon and sea trout population for future generations.”

In another prosecution, Paul Chambers and John Ostle, both from Marypor, pleaded guilty to using or possessing illegal instruments to take salmon. Mr Chambers also pleaded guilty to fishing for or attempting to take salmon during the close season. They both received fines totalling £300 and were also each ordered to pay costs of £100 each and a victim surcharge of £15. The Court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of various items seized by the Fisheries Officers..

On these offences Keith Kendall said “ The Agency take seriously the protection of spawning fish and during the spawning season carry out targeted patrols of spawning areas during the day and in the hours of darkness. Anyone caught acting illegally will face prosecution

Charges

Nicholas Bankcroft
That on 22 October 2008, you caught a female salmon from the Border Esk River in the area upstream of Longtown and failed to return it to the River immediately. Contrary to Byelaw 3 of the Border Esk Byelaws.

Ian Hamilton
That on 22 October 2008, you did catch a female salmon from the Border Esk River in the area near Longtown and failed to return it to the River immediately. Contrary to Byelaw 3 of the Border Esk Byelaws.

Paul John Chambers

That on 1 December 2008, you did fish for, or attempt to take, salmon from the River Ellen, near Bull Gill Village, during the annual close season for rod and line, contrary to section 19(2)(b) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

That on 1 December 2008, you did have in your possession a treble hook intending to use it to take or kill salmon, contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

John Carl Ostle

That on 1 December 2008, you used a light for the purpose of taking or killing salmon on the River Ellen, near Bull Gill Village, contrary to section 1(1)(a)(v) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

That on 1 December 2008, you had in your possession a gaff intending to use it to take or kill salmon, contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

Norway and UK share salmon-management secrets

13th March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Norway and UK share salmon-management secrets

Norwegian fishery managers and scientists will be visiting the Environment Agency’s salmon and sea trout facilities in Northumberland on Friday, 13 March, to pick up lessons on the best way of establishing their own facilities back home.

The Norwegians are on a fact-finding mission, following a severe flood in 2006 in one of the best-known salmon rivers in Norway, the Verdal River, which is feared to have badly affected the juvenile salmon population and disturbed salmon spawning and feeding areas.

Part of their guided tour will be to the Environment Agency’s well-established and successful salmon hatchery at Kielder Water, at the headwaters of the River Tyne. The hatchery rears salmon from eggs in order to restock rivers such as the Tyne, Yorkshire Esk and Trent. It has been important in supporting the recovery of the River Tyne, the best salmon river in England and Wales.

The Norwegians are in the process of establishing a new hatchery, and want to visit the Kielder facility to pick up tips on the Environment Agency’s success.

As well as looking at the rearing facilities, the visitors will be able to see the new Kielder visitor centre, part of the recent improvements that are helping the hatchery to build on its reputation for innovation and excellence over the past 30 years.

At Riding Mill, near Corbridge in Northumberland, they will see fish counters and video technology, filming the fish as they swim past underwater. The information is being used to monitor the health of the Tyne’s salmon and sea trout populations, as part of a wider investigation on the impact of the Second Tyne Tunnel development.

Environment Agency ecology officer Niall Cook said: “We aim to share our good practice in salmon management and monitoring with our guests, and explain how we have helped make the Tyne the best salmon river in England and Wales. We’ll also take the opportunity to gain a Norwegian perspective and learn from our visitors how they do things.”

In 1959 there were no rod-caught salmon on the Tyne. Recent years have seen all-time records, with more than 4,000 salmon caught. This is the biggest recovery increase of any salmon river in the UK.

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Angling MPs give thumbs up to new rod licence

12th March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Angling MPs give thumbs up to new rod licence

Two high profile angling enthusiasts put political differences aside last week when they met to take their first look at the Environment Agency’s new look rod licence.
Martin Salter MP (Lab), chair of the all party parliamentary angling group and passionate advocate of anglers’ rights, and Charles Walker MP (Con), vice chair of the group, met in the House of Commons post office to admire the new designs.

click to enlarge
Pictured L-R: Charles Walker MP, Tricia Henton (Director of Environmental Protection.
Environment Agency), Kevin Seller (Post Office Ltd) and Martin Salter MP.

Martin Salter said: “Income from rod licences provides a vital source of funding for important work by the Environment Agency to improve our rivers, fisheries, and fish habitats. The new credit card style licence is convenient and waterproof and look good too. With more anglers buying licences year on year, I am sure this will prove an attractive innovation.”

Charles Walker said: “This is a great step forward and there is no excuse for people not to buy and carry their rod licence.　 If you love your sport you will pay to support it.”
The Environment Agency’s new credit card sized licence replaces the old-fashioned paper version which has seen few style changes since it was introduced in the 1860s. The licences are now water resistant – helpful for anglers – and feature fewer personal details on them, to reduce the risk of identity theft. The changes make the rod licence cheaper to administer, freeing up more licence money for fisheries improvement works.
2009/10 rod licences are now available at all Post Offices in England, Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland;
online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish ; over the phone on 0844 800 5386 and by direct debit.

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence

Suffolk man dodged court at high price

2nd March 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Huge fine for illegal angler

Suffolk man dodged court at high price

David Porter of Heath Estate, Great Waldingfield, Sudbury, was fined £150 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £700 by Swaffham Magistrates Court on 20 February, after failing to turn up for a hearing.

Mr Porter was unable to produce a rod licence when challenged by an Environment Agency bailiff last June at Catch 22 Fishery in Norfolk. Mr Porter later informed the court that he wished to plead not guilty to the charge of fishing without a valid rod licence and also that he would be unable to attend the hearing. He was advised that the court could find him guilty in his absence if he did not attend.

Environmental Crime Officer Rupert Pyett said: ‘The onus in law is for the angler to prove that he is correctly licensed to fish. Mr Porter was unable to do this. The court was informed that there was no record of a current valid licence on the Environment Agency database.’

The amount of costs awarded in this case reflect the fact that two Agency staff were required attend court to give evidence.

Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence, readily available for inspection when fishing. Full season licences are due for renewal on 1 April 2009. Short term licences valid for either 1 or 8 days are also available. Licenses can be obtained from any Post Office, by direct debit by calling 08708 506 506, telesales by calling 0844 800 5386 or online from

Environment Agency boosts fish stocks in Oxford

18th February 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Environment Agency boosts fish stocks in Oxford

The Environment Agency, Littlemore Angling Society and ‘Careful Anglers Respect Ecology’ Angling Club, Marsworth Moat have joined forces to help boost fish stocks and get local children involved in fishing in Sunningwell Lake, Oxford.

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, 19, February Environment Agency fisheries officers will be removing a variety of fish including: perch, roach and rudd from Marsworth Moat to help re-populate Sunningwell Lake and improve fishing on the water.

Following a thorough health-checking procedure, including checking for parasites and other diseases the small fish from Marsworth will then be stocked into Sunningwell Lake to improve fishing for Littlemore Angling Society and local youth groups.

Fisheries Officer Jenni Balmer said: “We are trying to help anglers manage aquatic environments using good ecological principles. The aim for lakes and ponds is to promote a balanced population of mixed fish species reflecting a healthy, sustainable environment. To achieve this, fish populations may require active management to encourage the appropriate mix of species and sizes.”

Littlemore Angling Society has agreed to grant Oxford’s Angling Development Officer, Ian Horrocks, access to their water to teach local children the joys of fishing.

The Environment Agency, Active ten20 and Oxford City Council have jointly funded the angling development officer’s position to promote angling amongst Oxford residents. The aim is to encourage wider participation in the sport, especially amongst children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to discover its heath and recreational benefits.

Angling Development Officer Ian Horrocks said: "This is a great opportunity for the angling development project to be able to use a water environment that is centrally located and accessible to the majority of the local people. I would like to thank Littlemore Angling Society who have been very supportive of the project".

More than 4 million people over 12 years old, in England and Wales went angling last year. This has led to 20,000 jobs in support industries and a total spending of up to £2.75 billion each year on the sport; often in rural areas. Angling can help people to build self-esteem and improve their general sense of well-being. It can also be used as a powerful and cost-effective way of tackling anti-social behaviour, educational under-achievement and youth crime.

New look rod licence brings benefits to anglers

13th February 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

New look rod licence brings benefits to anglers

New system means more investment in fishing and river quality

The UK’s oldest and most popular participator sport is being brought bang up to date with a new look rod licence – and a raft of other changes too.

From 2nd March anglers buying their 2009/10 rod licences will notice a few changes - the most obvious being the licence’s stunning new look. The Environment Agency has ditched the old fashioned paper licence and opted for a modern water resistant credit card sized licence – creating the look and feel of a club membership card. Drawn by Wales-based artist David Miller, the coarse fishing licence features a perch lunging for a baited hook, while the salmon licence shows a silvery grey salmon. The licences feature fewer personal details on them, to reduce the risk of identity fraud should the licence be lost or stolen.

The new licences are still available through the post office, online, over the phone and by direct debit, but will no longer be issued on the spot. Instead, each customer will be given a unique reference number at the point of sale, which will allow them to fish immediately. The licence will arrive in the post within seven days.

Short term licence holders – one and eight day licences – will no longer be given a licence. Instead they must take their reference number along with them which can be checked by a bailiff if required.

Mat Crocker, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency said: “The new-look rod licence will deliver real benefits to anglers. The system is now cheaper and quicker to administer – which allows us to spend more licence money on habitats improvements and fish stocking, while keeping the increase in rod licence fees to a minimum.”

Rod licence sales generate over £23 million in revenue each year, which the Environment Agency ploughs directly back into the sport.

The fee helps pay for habitat improvement works, fisheries research, monitoring and advice to owners on fish stocks. It also funds the specialist equipment used in fish rescues and enforcement to protect fish stocks, as well as the Environment Agency’s fish farms. These farms provide hundreds of thousands of fish which are stocked to improve popular angling spots and rivers across England and Wales.

Improved river quality over the past decade has also helped boost fish stocks for the sport. Thanks to better water quality and improved habitats, sites that were devoid of fish just a decade ago are now supporting good numbers of fish and a variety of species.

Environment Agency research shows that freshwater angling in England and Wales generates around £1 billion to the UK economy every year.


Licence Type	Coarse Fish	Salmon
Full annual	£26	£70
Concessionary annual	£17.25	£46.50
Junior annual	£5	£5
Eight day licence	£9.50	£22.50
One day licence	£3.50	£7.75

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New byelaws to close the net on salmon poachers

2nd February 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

New byelaws to close the net on salmon poachers

New laws and old increase protection for precious salmon and sea trout stocks

Breakthrough measures to protect precious salmon and sea trout stocks have been announced by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government. The new Environment Agency byelaws, which will make tagging of net-caught salmon and sea trout obligatory, came into force on 31 January.

The new byelaws mean that:

it is an offence to sell rod-caught salmon or sea trout in England and Wales (regardless of where they were caught)
the carcasses of all net-caught salmon and sea trout must be individually tagged after capture and the details of the fish caught recorded in an annual log-book.

Under these new byelaws all salmon and sea trout caught by licensed net fisheries in England and Wales must have a uniquely numbered tag affixed soon after capture. The tags resemble cable ties and are threaded through the mouth and gills of the dead fish and permanently fixed by way of a tamper-proof lock. This will significantly aid anti-poaching enforcement work by the Environment Agency as any fish exposed for sale as wild-caught must be carcass tagged - if it is not, then it is likely to be illegally caught.

These new laws will act to reduce the opportunity for poachers to sell on illegally caught fish and will also reduce the number of fish caught and killed by a minority of licensed anglers who previously have offered their catch for sale. However, anglers will still be able to catch and kill fish for their own consumption or to give to friends.

Mat Crocker Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency said: “Fishmongers and those in the catering industry are key to the success of these measures. We already warn them against handling salmon and sea trout in suspicious circumstances, that may have been caught illegally or out of season. These byelaws will make it easier for them, as any fish offered to them must be tagged. We would warn anyone dealing in wild salmon and sea trout not to accept untagged wild fish. The tag also guarantees that the purchaser is buying a genuine wild fish”

In further good news for salmon and sea trout, measures put in place to protect stocks ten years ago have been renewed by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government until 2019. Under these renewed byelaws:

all salmon caught by rod and line before 16th June each year must be returned to the water with the least possible injury;
salmon anglers may only fish with artificial fly or artificial lure before 16 June;
the start of the fishing season for salmon and sea trout net fishers is 1st June. Local exceptions apply to some named net fisheries that target sea trout and may fish from an earlier date, but any salmon caught by these nets must be returned with the least possible injury.

Mat Crocker, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “We need to ensure that the stocks of these fantastic fish are properly cared for. So I am personally very pleased that the protection given 10 years ago has been renewed for the benefit of anglers, net fishers and the environment.

“We estimate these measures to have resulted in 2,500 additional spring salmon per year spawning in English and Welsh rivers. Retaining these byelaws for a further 10 years will further protect and enhance these vulnerable stocks. These renewed measures, teamed with the new ban on the sale of rod caught fish and carcass tagging of net-caught fish, will help us achieve our goal of more salmon and more sea trout in more rivers.

“We have received widespread support for the extension of these byelaws to maintain the protection of spring salmon and help restore stocks.”

Spring salmon are salmon entering our rivers before 1 June. They are particularly prized for their large size.

There has been international concern about the state of this component of the salmon run for a number of years. The causes of the decline in spring salmon are complex but include changes in climate and land management practices.

All catches and details of tags must be recorded in a log-book, which must be submitted to us at the end of the season. This replaces the current monthly returns net fishers had to make.

It is illegal to use an Environment Agency tag on imported net caught fish and farmed fish. Environment Agency tags can only be used on fish caught in licensed net and trap fisheries in England and Wales.

We will be sending each net fisher a set of tags and log book with their 2009 licence during February.

A recent estimate of the value of salmon to the English and Welsh economy equates to a present value of £6 billion. Eighteen of our salmon rivers have been designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), under the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC with salmon as a named qualifying species.

Suffolk anglers fined - Licence dodgers pay the penalties

30th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Suffolk anglers fined

Licence dodgers pay the penalties

Harlow Magistrates Court has imposed fines and costs totalling more than £650 on eight anglers who were caught fishing at locations across Suffolk without being correctly licensed. The anglers were caught by Environment Agency bailiffs on routine patrols last summer.

Anthony Tonkins of Sudbury
Stewart Read of Bulmer, Subury
Craig Lane of Assington, Sudbury
Tom Miller of Sudbury
Edward Moore of Sudbury
Paul Parker of Ipswich
Robert Page of Ipswich
Darren Page of Ipswich

Total

£83
£33
£67
£117
£33
£175
£33
£110

£651

The defendants were also ordered to pay a further £75 each, amounting to £600, towards the prosecution costs.

Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence before fishing. Licenses can be obtained from any Post Office, by direct debit by calling 08708 506 506, telesales by calling 0844 800 5386 or online from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

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Essex anglers fined - Licence dodgers pay the penalties

30th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Essex anglers fined

Licence dodgers pay the penalties

Harlow Magistrates Court imposed fines and costs of almost £3,000 on 23 anglers who were caught fishing at numerous locations across Essex without being correctly licensed.

The anglers were caught by Environment Agency bailiffs on routine patrols last summer at venues that ranged from Gloucester Park, Basildon in the south, Newland Hall Fishery in the west, and Green Lane Farm, Weeley near Clacton in the east.

The individuals were fined as follows:

Barry Wakefield of Maldon £175
Mark Houghton of Lt Totham, Maldon £50
Nathan Rivers of Tollesbury, Maldon £127
Jermaine Freeman of Gt Notley, Braintree £117
Deme Freeman of Gt Notley, Braintree £117
Paul Butcher of Stisted, Braintree £33
Benjamin Coyle of Harlow                             £110
Daniel Newmarch of Harlow                          £33
Andrew Shevrin of Chingford                          £175
Jameson Ellis of Romford                             £200
Matthew Gray of Buckhurst Hill                     £53
David Mansworth of Broxted, Dunmow           £175
Geoffrey Woodman of Basildon                     £127
Jason Winch of Basildon                              £175
Lewis Rook of Basildon                                £33
Nathan Sutcliffe of Colchester                       £175
Adam Morkham of Halstead                         £175
Daryl Bartlett of Rayleigh                             £175
David McCarthy of Canvey Island                  £175
Tommy Berrabe of Grays                             £175
Stephen Smith of Rochford                          £147
James Dayson of Clacton                            £117
Carl Bloomfield of Chelmsford                       £80

Total: £2,919

The defendants were also ordered to pay a further £75 each, amounting to £1,725, towards the prosecution costs.

Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence before fishing. Licenses can be obtained from any Post Office, by direct debit by calling 08708 506 506, telesales by calling 0844 800 5386 or online from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. We are responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.

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Company causes devastation to fish population in Cardeston Brook

29th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Company causes devastation to fish population in Cardeston Brook

On 26 January 2008, S.I.M.L. Holdings Limited of Morton, Oswestry, pleaded guilty at Oswestry Magistrates’ Court to one charge relating to the pollution of Cardeston Brook. This incident took place in the village of Ford near Shrewsbury and killed approximately 2000 fish.

The charge was brought by the Environment Agency under the Water Resources Act 1991. S.I.M.L. Holdings were fined £5,500 and ordered to pay costs of £5,350.39.

The Cardeston Brook passes through Cardeston and Ford and feeds into the River Severn. The Brook has a high quality of water and there were large numbers of salmon present before the incident.

For the Environment Agency, Jill Crawford told the court that on 11 September 2007 the Environment Agency received a report from the public of dead fish in the Cardeston Brook, Ford. Large numbers of dead fish were seen in the area and it was observed that there was a polluting matter which appeared a reddish brown colour. This discharge was traced back the S.I.M.L. Holdings chicken farm at Crossgates, Ford.

The following day polluting matter was still seen entering the brook. Environment Agency officers discovered that the source was from a drain on the S.I.M.L. Holdings site. The discharge was caused by an accidental loss of effluent to surface water drains.

On 13 September 2007 approximately 2000 dead fish, including juvenile salmon, were collected from the Cardeston Brook. An Ecological Survey found that there was serious effect on the invertebrate life of the brook for approximately 300m.

Speaking after the case Paul Williams, an Environment Agency Officer involved in the investigation said: “The activities of S.I.M.L. Holdings caused a high quality watercourse in Ford to become polluted. We will not hesitate to prosecute those who pollute the environment and risk harming the fish and aquatic life that live in our rivers.”

In mitigation, the court heard that S.I.M.L. Holdings put early guilty plea, gave full cooperation and took prompt remedial action.

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Scales map salmon health

27th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Scales map salmon health

Anglers in the North East are helping to monitor the fish populations in one of the country’s most important rivers.

Fishing enthusiasts have helped to provide vital information to the Environment Agency about salmon and sea trout stocks in the River Tyne by collecting scales for examination.

Under magnification, marks on the scales can be read – in a similar way to rings on a tree trunk – to show stages in the fish’s life cycle, its age in winters, and how long it has spent in the sea and freshwater.

With the new season about to start next month, anglers are again being invited to join the efforts to monitor the wellbeing of the fish returning to the Tyne to spawn. This Angler Scale Reading Programme is expected to continue for the duration of construction of the second Tyne Crossing.

“Anglers are giving us invaluable support in our work to monitor the salmon and sea trout stocks in the Tyne,” said ecological appraisal officer Morton Heddell-Cowie.

“Collecting just a few scales from the salmon or sea trout they catch give us a massive amount of information.”

Last year more than 300 samples were collected by anglers and some of those who took part in the programme met earlier this month to hear how the fish scales they provided were read for data and how this information is being used.

Samples can be taken from fish anywhere on the river and all sizes of fish caught can provide samples. Only three to five scales from each fish are needed.

The Environment Agency has a factsheet for anglers to explain how scale samples can be easily and safely taken without harming the fish. Environment officers also collect samples throughout the fishing season from 1 February until 31 October.

Each sample submitted by an angler is rewarded by a certificate and everyone who took part in last year’s programme was entered into a prize draw. Draw winners were John Arthur, from Hexham, who received a Hardy Swift fly rod, donated by Hardy & Greys Limited, and Robert Keeney, a member of Hexham Angling Association, who was presented with a fly box and selection of salmon flies, donated by Bagnall & Kirkwood Limited.

The Tyne Rivers Trust and the Salmon & Trout Association also supported the programme during 2008

Click on images for larger view


Salmon	Salmon scale	Sea trout scale

Britain’s largest water company prosecuted for 5km river pollution

26th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Britain’s largest water company prosecuted for 5km river pollution

Thames Water wipes out 20 years of painstaking river restoration in one day

A water company whose careless operational practices decimated the aquatic life in an iconic urban river has today, Monday 26 January, been fined £125,000 and ordered to pay £21,335 in clean up and investigation costs.

Thames Water Utilities Limited, Britain’s largest water company, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to allowing a large quantity of industrial strength chlorine to spill into the River Wandle from its Beddington Sewage Treatment Works near Mitcham, South London in September 2007.

It took three days for Environment Agency officers, helped by members of the Wandle Trust and local angling clubs, to remove some two tonnes of dead fish from the river. An experienced Environment Agency officer at the scene said that it was the worst pollution incident he had ever dealt with.

Croydon Crown Court heard that on 17 September 2007 Environment Agency officers received reports from local residents and anglers of hundreds of dead and distressed fish in the River Wandle in the Mitcham area. The residents also reported a strong smell of chlorine, and the water turning a milky colour. Local people along the river attempted to rescue some of the distressed fish by transferring them from the river into buckets of clean water, but they were too late. One local man rescued a large number of eels, but found they were bleeding from the gills and they all later died.

The pollution spread downstream for nearly 5km and had a catastrophic impact, killing the majority of the fish in the river, including chub, roach, dace, gudgeon, barbel and eel. It also bleached and killed much of the normally green vegetation that grows along the channel bed. It affected the Wandle’s highly valued recreational areas such as Poulter Park, Ravensbury Park and the National Trust site at Morden Hall Park.

The River Wandle is a well known chalk stream and tributary of the River Thames that flows through parts of Mitcham, Morden, Wimbledon and Wandsworth in South West London, cutting a green swathe through these heavily urbanised areas. Historically the river has suffered extreme pollution and was officially declared a sewer in the 1960s. But over the last 20 years it has become a vibrant rich habitat due to better environmental regulation, a fish stocking programme and huge local enthusiasm for the river which has resulted in a vast improvement of water quality.

Before the pollution in 2007 the Wandle had become well known as one of the best urban coarse fisheries in the country which supports wide a variety of species. It could take up to 10 years for the river to fully recover and the fish stocks to return to pre- incident standards.

Handing down the fine at Croydon Crown Court Ms Recorder Wickham described the incident as “A 5km tragedy for the River Wandle”.

Environment Officer Peter Ehmann – who was one of the first on the scene, said: “This pollution effectively wiped out 20 years of painstaking restoration work on the River Wandle. For many years individuals and organisations, including the Environment Agency and the Wandle Trust, have achieved great improvements to water quality and aquatic life in the Wandle. This incident is a major set back to all their hard work.”

A Thames Water Utilities Director was formally interviewed by Environment Agency officers on the 28 November 2007 and confirmed that sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) was released from Beddington Sewage Treatment Works during a cleaning operation of the tertiary treatment plant.

A Thames Water scientist on site noticed the strong smell of chlorine in the outlet channel and instructed the staff cleaning the plant to stop their work, before informing the site manager. The site manager decided that ‘very limited damage’ would occur to the environment and they would deal with the incident internally. The Environment Agency was not informed. It was not until members of the public reported the incident to Thames Water more than an hour and a quarter later that they realised the severity of the pollution.

After the sentencing Mr Ehmann said: “We are pleased that the court has recognised the gravity of this incident and hope that other operators to ensure they have appropriate procedures in place to better protect their local environment and community.”

Ed Mitchell, Head of Environmental Protection regulation at the Environment Agency said: “A pollution incident of this size and nature is rare now due to tighter and more effective environmental legislation, regulation and greater public awareness of the environment. However, we still take rigorous enforcement action against any company polluting the environment, no matter how large or small the scale of the incident. We successfully prosecuted 176 companies in 2008, totaling over £2 million in fines. We successfully prosecuted 209 individuals; including 19 company directors.”

"The Environment Agency is putting pressure on water companies in England and Wales to invest more in maintenance to improve the environment and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. In 2007, water companies were responsible for one fifth of all serious pollution incidents – many of which were caused by poorly maintained, overloaded or ageing sewerage infrastructure."

In sentencing Thames Water the Court took into account the company’s early guilty plea and its work with the Environment Agency on the River Wandle since the incident.

Thames Water Utilities Ltd appeared at Sutton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 4th December 2008 and pleaded guilty to a single count of causing polluting matter, namely sodium hypochlorite, to enter controlled waters on 17th September 2007 contrary to sections 85(1) and 85(6) of the Water Resources Act 1991. The sodium hypochlorite entered the Beddington Main Effluent Carrier (MEC) from the Defendant’s Beddington Sewage Treatment Works (STW) before entering the River Wandle, a tributary of the River Thames.

Thames Water reported an annual turnover in 2008 of £165.818million. The fine imposed represents less than 0.1% of the company’s annual turnover.

Thames Water has been prosecuted on many occasions by the Environment Agency, although there have been no pollution incidents from Beddington Sewage Works which have previously resulted in prosecution. However, the company does have several previous convictions, which arose from accidents involving chemicals at other sewage works.

The river Wandle supports a great variety of wildlife including chub, barbel and eel, it is also a very popular location for walkers. The popularity of the River Wandle has seen groups such as the Wandle Trust set up, whose purpose is to preserve the wildlife and habitat that it supports.

Significant Environment Agency resources were deployed in the investigation and the cleanup of the incident. At the height of the incident 11 environment officers were on site.

Since the incident, Thames Water has pledged £500,000 over a five year period to support local environmental improvements and has paid compensation to local angling clubs of around £10,000.

Crackdown on illegal angling

26th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Crackdown on illegal angling

Unlicensed fishing costs five anglers almost £1500 in fines and costs

Great Yarmouth Magistrates recently imposed fines of £180 on Ian Hayes and £350 on Daniel Simmons for fishing at Aldeby Hall Fishery, Norfolk, without the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence. Both anglers were from Great Yarmouth and had to pay a further £75 each towards the prosecution costs.

The Magistrates also imposed fines on Cameron Black and Dean Harper, both from Great Yarmouth, for offences committed at Hall Farm Fishery at Burgh Castle, Norfolk. Black was fined £240 with prosecution costs of £75 for being in possession of an unlicensed rod with the intention of using it for fishing. Harper was fined £150 with £50 prosecution costs for fishing without the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence and for leaving his rod with baited hook and line unattended.

Daniel Eyre from Norwich was fishing at Mill Road Fishery, Stokesby, Norfolk. The same court imposed a fine of £200 with £75 costs for unlicensed fishing and failing to state his name and address.

Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence before fishing. Licenses can be obtained from any Post Office, by direct debit by calling 08708 506 506, telesales by calling 0844 800 5386 or online from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence

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'Carry On up the Witham’ with Betty the Bream

26th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Carry On up the Witham’ with Betty the Bream

Ongoing fish study has enlightening results

Environment Agency fisheries scientists have been closely monitoring bream in one of the largest freshwater fish migration studies that has ever been done.

Over the past two years, the Environment Agency has been monitoring the movements of bream in the lower River Witham between Bardney Lock and Boston. Adult fish weighing between 4-6lbs had small acoustic tags surgically implanted, which send out coded ultrasonic ‘pings’ to receivers that log the fishes movements as they travel up and down the river.

However, one particular fish - fish 251 - or ‘Betty’ as she has been named, has secured the attention of fisheries staff with her very regular patterns of behaviour. Originally tagged at Tattershall Bridge in February 2007, she soon moved up to the Bardney area where she spent the rest of the year. During the spring and early summer she spent every night in the main river, and each day at 7am sharp she would move into the Sincil dyke for the day, returning to the main river at 7pm. Betty kept up this regular pattern of behaviour right through the spring and summer months, only changing her routine during high flow events.

Ecological Appraisal Officer, Chris Gardner, from the Environment Agency said: ‘This project has really opened our eyes to the mobility and dynamic behaviour of fish stocks in the Lower River. Understanding patterns of habitat use by fish will help us target river habitat improvement projects and manage the river better for the benefit of fish stocks, which will in turn benefit anglers.”’

Traditionally, tracking the movements of tagged fish was carried out manually and would be labour intensive, but new technology allows movement to be monitored 24/7, 365 days a year, automatically.

The project has generated a huge dataset with more than 1.2 million fish detections recorded in its first two years. Analysis of the dataset has revealed some significant findings, which will be used to influence the management of the river and target fisheries habitat improvement projects.

Tracking larger numbers of fish than has traditionally been done has given fisheries staff a picture of fish behaviour at the population level rather than just the individual level.

The tracked bream appear to have preference for the areas around Bardney and Tattershall, and will frequently move the large distance of 15+km between these areas quite quickly, often travelling overnight.

From the study, it appears to be quite common for the bream to travel long distances in the main river channel, with movements of over 20km in one or two days often recorded. One fish travelled 18km in 36 hours whilst another moved nearly 120km up and downstream in a month.

Generally speaking, the study has shown the bream population tends to be crowded into one or two small sections of the river over the winter months. In the spring, they are highly mobile and active using the side channels of the river. They travel a lot through the summer and early autumn months before moving back to their favoured areas for the winter.

The results have broken new ground in fisheries science, showing when and how fish use the side channels off the main river. Some of the side channels were entered by the tagged fish only when water temperatures rose in the spring, presumably in search of spawning habitat. Other side channels are used more regularly for foraging and as shelter habitat when the river level rises with floodwater and flow rates in the main river increase.

The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. We are responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.

2009 set to be a bumper year for fishing

2009 set to be a bumper year for fishing

Record number of rod licence sales last year as credit crunch bites

More than 1.3 million people took to the rivers in 2008 fully armed with a fishing rod and licence in a bid to find credit crunch-friendly entertainment that won’t break the bank.

Rod licence sales hit a record high last year and are predicted to increase by a further 26,000 this year as cash-strapped consumers seek out cheap alternatives to increasingly expensive trips to the cinema, football and theatre.

At just £25 for a full year’s coarse fishing licence, and with rod and line packages starting from around £30, fishing is becoming the price-savvy consumer’s pastime of choice, coming in at under £5 a month. Annually, that’s £40 cheaper than a monthly trip to the cinema (without overpriced snacks), over £300 cheaper than a monthly theatre ticket, and over £500 cheaper than a premier league season ticket.

Mat Crocker, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Angling is one of the most popular participator sports in the world – and is a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly pastime that everyone can enjoy. It brings huge social and community benefits as well as contributing to the conservation and biodiversity of our waterways.

“Environment Agency research also shows that anglers generate around £1billion in revenue every year – a vital contribution to the UK economy. “

Rod licence sales generate over £23 million in revenue each year, which the Environment Agency ploughs directly back into the sport.

The £25 rod licence fee helps pay for habitat improvement works, fisheries research, monitoring and advice to owners on fish stocks. It also funds the specialist equipment used in fish rescues and enforcement to protect fish stocks, as well as the Environment Agency’s fish farms at Calverton and Leyland. These fish farms provide hundreds of thousands of fish which are stocked to improve popular angling spots and rivers across England and Wales.

Improved river quality over the past decade has also helped boost fish stocks for the sport – for example, salmon numbers in England and Wales have increased by 40,000 in the last ten years thanks to better water quality and improved habitats.

Buying a new rod licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the telephone on 0870 166 2662. Alternatively buy online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.

The first rod licences were issued in the 1860s for the newly created fishery districts. Much like today, they were available to buy at the post office. The cost of a licence varied across the districts and a licence had to be purchased for every district in which you fished. A national rod licence was introduced 1992, allowing anglers to fish anywhere in England and Wales with just one licence.

For more information about fishing in England and Wales visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.

Price wars – how does angling fare?

Activity	Cost
Angling (rod licence £25 and £30 rod and reel)	£55
Monthly cinema trip (without snacks)	£96 (+£41)
Monthly theatre ticket (mid priced £30 seat)	£360 (+£305)
Premiership season ticket	£600 (+£545)

Improvement works by the Environment Agency in 2008 included:

In partnership with the Barbel Society, 3,000 marked barbel were release into the middle reaches of the Dorset Stour. This stocking was the second of a three year plan to boost juvenile recruitment in the fishery. A similar project on the Upper Great Ouse this year, saw 1,500 marked barbel stocked into the river at Radwell and Sharnbrook in the first year of a three year project.

After 10,000 fish were killed following a pollution incident in the River Soar in Leicestershire in July 2006, more than 24,000 new fish were stocked into the river during its recovery. In November 2008, Environment Agency fisheries staff released a further 5,000 baby fish into the river in the next phase of the planned re-stocking programme.

Over 2,000 easy-access fishing platforms have been erected in England and Wales in the past two years – making fishing in popular locations accessible for people of all physical abilities.

Anglers invited to fisheries workshops

8th January 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Anglers invited to fisheries workshops

The Environment Agency is inviting local anglers and fisheries to one of three free fisheries workshops to be held along the River Severn over the next few weeks.

There are 50 places available at each workshop on a first come first served basis. The workshops will take place between 10.00am and 16.30pm at:
Welshpool on Saturday 31 January 2009
Tewkesbury on Saturday 7 February 2009
Bewdley on Saturday 14 March 2009

The aim of the workshops is to give angling clubs and fisheries the chance to find out what is happening within a number of angling-related organisations, including the Environment Agency, and hear about projects along the river.

A number of speakers will give presentations on:
Access / Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Severn River Trust
Get Hooked on Fishing (GHOF), Young Anglers’ Project (YAP) and Coaching Events
Funding Opportunities

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and talk to the local Fisheries Team.

Fisheries representatives and local anglers who would like to attend one of the workshops should contact Joan Allen via 08708 506 506 for an application form. Confirmation of each place, along with map and agenda, will be sent by post.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Lyn Fraley on 0121 711 5829/5855
(these numbers can also be used during an emergency to contact a duty press officer)

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

500 fish were killed when ammonia fertilizer ended up in a ditch

12th December 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Anglian Press Release

"More than 500 fish were killed when ammonia fertilizer ended up in a ditch that runs into the River Dove near Eye, Suffolk. Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court today (Fri) fined APT Farming Ltd £8,000 and ordered the company to pay £3,300 costs after it admitted causing the pollution on 28 February. The company was also ordered to pay £2,600 compensation to the owners of Wickham Hall for the restocking of the lake."

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Grayling return to the River Erewash

11th December 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Grayling return to the River Erewash

This morning (Thursday 11 December 2008), the Environment Agency Fisheries Team, based in Nottingham, introduced 500 one year old Grayling into the River Erewash at Toton and Long Eaton as part of a rehabilitation scheme in partnership with the River Erewash Foundation. The Grayling were supplied by the Environment Agency’s own fish farm at Calverton.

The Erewash, which flows from Kirkby in Ashfield to the Trent confluence at Attenborough has suffered problems in the past. Improvements in water quality have led to improved fish populations and even reports of otters along its banks.

Following consultation, the Environment Agency, the Wild Trout Trust, the Grayling Society, local councils and other site users agreed to carry out today’s trial stocking of grayling to assess the potential for sustainable trout and grayling populations within the lower river.

The water quality, assessed in line with standards for trout and grayling, is suitable.

The fisheries department look to return next year to survey the stretch and assess growth and survival of the grayling stocked.

The breeding and release of these fish is funded by anglers through rod licence money. The more anglers buy rod licences, the more work we can do to improve angling for the future.

A Christmas stocking with a difference…

8th December 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

A Christmas stocking with a difference…

Christmas has come early on the River Thames this year as the Environment Agency delivered a stocking packed with 1,250 barbel to the Thames River last week.

The batch of 18-month-old fish was released in three areas along the river as part of an Environment Agency project to give the declining barbel population a boost.

The fish have been marked with a small orange spot in the translucent skin adjacent to the eye. The marks will help the Environment Agency keep track of how the population is developing in the coming years.

Anglers are being asked to do their bit by reporting any catches of barbel which have the distinctive orange spots. Working closely with local anglers the Environment Agency will be able to build a more complete picture of the fish’s movements and survival rates.

Environment Agency fisheries officer Lizzie Rhymes said: “Our aim is to see these barbel flourish in areas of the Thames where numbers have declined. When the fish reach maturity, we hope they will spawn successfully and continue to boost barbel populations.

“The stocking is part of the Upper Thames Barbel Project, which we started in 2005. The project identified areas of the Upper Thames where barbel populations are threatened. We have also begun a programme of habitat restoration to improve and create new spawning grounds. Stocking juvenile barbell in the river is designed to complement this work.”

Barbel, which can live up to 25 years, indicate high quality river habitat. However, the species faces many pressures which threaten populations in the River Thames. These pressures include a lack of suitable spawning grounds, and an inability to reach important habitats as a result of impoundments.

To spawn, barbel require shallow gravel areas with fast flows. Hatching larvae use still shallow bays to feed and avoid predators. As juveniles grow, they use faster flows on shallow gravels. These habitats are required if larvae are to survive their first critical winter. In rivers without suitable spawning grounds nearby, adult barbel will migrate over 30 km to spawn.

The fish have been bred at the Environment Agency fish farm at Calverton, near Nottingham, which produced half a million fish last year. They were released on Thursday, 4 December, between Buscot and Newbridge. This follows on from last year’s stocking programme which targeted the upper reaches of the River Thames between Hannington Bridge and Cricklade.

Lizzie Rhymes added: “We plan to monitor these barbel during our annual fisheries monitoring programme. However, we are also asking all anglers fishing the River Thames to look out for these marks. If anyone is lucky enough to catch a barbel, and it is marked, we would like to hear about it.”

“We carry out more than 500 fish stocking transfers every year. Other stocking programmes this winter will be taking place on the river Cherwell, Great Brook, Enbourne, and Thame. Species due to be stocked into these rivers include: chub, dace, roach and bream.”

If you catch a barbel, please contact Chris Bell on 01491 828358.

Spectacular salmon caught on River Camel

5th December 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Spectacular salmon caught on River Camel

2008 looks set to be a record year on Cornwall’s salmon rivers with the capture, this week, of a super-sized fish on the River Camel.

Weighing 25 lbs and measuring a metre in length (101 cms), the impressive fish is the biggest salmon caught on the Camel in living memory. To most anglers it would be a ‘fish of a lifetime.’ It was caught by rod angler, David Browse from Hampshire on a mid-section of the river.

The hen fish had returned to spawn in the river of its birth. It was still bright silver in colour suggesting it had not long arrived from the sea. Such a large salmon is known as a ‘multi-winter’ fish and would have spent much of its life at sea. It is probably around five years old. Once photographed, the super-sized salmon was returned to the water unharmed.

The capture of such a specimen fish suggests the Environment Agency’s salmon conservation policy is paying dividends. Rod anglers now routinely return most of the salmon they catch to safeguard stocks and help boost fish numbers. This system is known as ‘catch and release.’

This latest fish was landed only a fortnight after a specimen 20lb salmon was caught on the River Fowey. The Camel, Fowey and Tamar are among the top salmon rivers in the south west benefiting from conservation measures and habitat improvements undertaken by the Environment Agency and other partners such as the West Country Rivers Trust.

‘All the signs suggest this year’s run of salmon is going to be one of the best for 20 years. Rod catches are likely to be very high which is good news for anglers, but even better news for the environment as it shows Cornwall’s salmon rivers are in very good health,’ said Simon Toms for the Environment Agency.

‘It is particularly encouraging so many anglers now practice catch and release as this helps protect salmon stocks. It is especially important large hen salmon such as this fine fish are returned as they have the greatest spawning potential,’ said Simon Toms.

This latest fish is still a long way short of the British rod caught salmon record of 64lbs landed by a Miss Georgina Ballantine on the River Tay in 1922.

www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk

Over 50 in court over rod licence dodging

27th November 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Over 50 in court over rod licence dodging

Buying a rod licence is much cheaper than ending up in court, say Environment Agency Wales, as 52 individuals are set to be prosecuted in the next month.

The illegal anglers were all caught by the Agency’s Enforcement Officers patrolling rivers and fisheries across Wales.

Illegal anglers are damaging the sport for law abiding fishermen in Wales. Last year, Environment Agency Wales ploughed £300,000 of rod licence funds back into the sport.

The money from the sale of rod licences is used to increase the amount of fish in Welsh fisheries, improving facilities, creating access for disabled anglers and introducing people into the sport.

Environment Agency Wales is also carrying out projects to improve the habitats for fish so that they can breed and grow successfully.. This work is delivered by the Agency-led Sustainable Fisheries Project, which receives funding each year from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Agency is carrying out work to complete fish passes at many weirs throughout Wales. The weirs stop fish, including salmon and sea trout, from reaching their spawning grounds.

The new fish passes, some complete and others still under construction, will mean fish populations recovering in stretches of water higher up the river.

Andy Schofield, Strategy and Policy Manager, Environment Agency Wales, said:

“Our officers patrol fishing spots across Wales and they will ask to see your licence. If you haven’t got one – you will be prosecuted.

“The average fine an illegal angler will pay if they get caught is £150, and they will be left with a criminal conviction. A licence for coarse fishing for a whole season is only £25. Is it worth the risk ?

“The money we get from licence sales is invested back into the sport, creating better places for people to go fishing and more fish to catch. Illegal anglers really do spoil it for everyone else.”

Any angler aged 12 years or more who fishes any water in England and Wales is required to hold a valid rod licence. Licences are available from every Post Office, on-line from the Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish or by calling the Agency’s ticket ‘telesales’ on 0870 166 2662.

Illegal anglers are listed for prosecution at the magistrates’ courts in:- Aberystwyth (3) please note these cases are in November, Barry (1), Mold (2), Merthyr Tydfil (5), Abergavenny (4), Chester (11), Hereford (3), Swansea (3), Cardiff (8) and Wrexham (12).

Licence fees for 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009

Non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish)

· Full annual £25.00
· Concessionary annual £16.75
· and eels Junior annual £5.00
· 8-day temporary £9.00
· 1-day temporary £3.50

Salmon, migratory trout (sea trout), non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish) and eels

· Full annual £68.00
· Concessionary annual £45.00
· Junior annual £5.00
· 8-day temporary £22.00
· 1-day temporary £7.50

Children under 12 years of age do not require a rod fishing licence

Anyone who sees pollution, illegal tipping of waste, poaching, fish in distress or danger to the natural environment can contact the Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, calls are free and will be treated in the strictest confidence.

We are an Assembly Government Sponsored Body protecting and improving the environment in Wales for present and future generations. We are responsible for managing flood risk, dealing with pollution incidents, reducing industry’s impacts on the environment, cleaning up rivers, coastal waters and contaminated land, and improving wildlife habitats.

More information about the Agency is available on the world wide web at:-

New weir boost for Brown Trout on River Lee

24th November 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

New weir boost for Brown Trout on River Lee

A new Environment Agency weir on the River Lee at Amwell, near Ware, has been helping to boost brown trout populations and improve the wildlife of an internationally important nature reserve.

The weir has been placed at the southern end of Great Hardmead Lake, a former flooded gravel pit which forms part of Amwell Nature Reserve – which is renowned internationally due to the number of wintering water birds which visit it.

The lake, which is managed by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT), is fed by several springs of high quality water which flow consistently throughout the year. The surplus water is discharged into the River Lee – a river popular with anglers for its brown trout.

In addition to the new weir, the discharge pipe from the lake has been moved 300m upstream - benefiting fish & invertebrates. Fifty tonnes of gravel has also been placed at the discharge point to create a spawning ‘riffle’, which will improve trout spawning success and overall habitat diversity.

The Environment Agency & HMWT worked together on the design of the weir – which consists of a small door, hinged at ground level, which can be raised or lowered via a gear controlled by a turn-key. This allows water levels to be controlled very precisely to provide just the right depth of water for ducks to feed.

Jim Seymour from the Environment Agency said: “The aim of this project was to conserve and improve the wild stocks of brown trout on the River Lee. As a result of a concentrated program of removing barriers to migration and habitat enhancement we have seen a tangible increase in the trout population."

Tim Hill, Conservation Manager for the HMWT said, “The new weir will enable the Trust to set water levels in Amwell Nature Reserves to provide optimum conditions for wildlife throughout the year. During the winter we keep water levels high to provide for ducks but from late spring onwards the level is dropped to expose insect-rich muddy shorelines and provide shallow water which provides feeding ground for ducklings and wading birds as well as spawning habitat for fish.”

The project was a partnership between the Environment Agency, Amwell Magna Fishery, and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, in consultation with The Wild Trout Trust.

4000 fish arrive at new home in Neath community fishery

20th November 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

4000 young fish including carp, tench, rudd and roach will today (20 November) arrive at their new home at Gnoll Country Park Pond in Neath.

Environment Agency Wales have transported the fish over the last 24 hours, to be stocked at the community fishery from their hatchery in Calverton, Nottingham.

The fishery was developed earlier this year in an £89,000 collaborative project between the Agency, Neath Port Talbot Council and Skewen Angling Club.

The new fishery boasts six ‘all ability’ angling platforms for easy access and a central island creating a habitat for wildlife and nesting birds.

The lake was previously used as a public swimming pool and a boating lake, and the latest investment now provides a new amenity for the local community.

Neath Port Talbot Council and Skewen Angling Club will also be present at the stocking. The angling club are now responsible for the day to day management of the fishery.

The young fish, each between 3cm and 8cm in length, will provide a stock of fish that will hopefully last for generations to come. The fish to be stocked are 1000 crucian carp, 1500 roach, rudd 1000 and 500 tench.

Dave Charlesworth, leading on the project for Environment Agency Wales, said:

“This new fishery is a great facility for local people. Angling provides real social benefits, especially for young people, who can find a new hobby that will stay with them for years to come.

“The funds to set up the fishery comes from rod licence fees collected from anglers. We re-invest the money back into the sport to create more opportunities and better facilities.

”This investment has created a great new spot for local anglers, and for anyone else who wants to get out there and have a go at fishing.”

Colin Crowley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

"This is an excellent example of the council working in partnership with Environment Agency Wales and the voluntary sector, through Skewen Angling Club, to improve facilities in the county borough for residents and visitors."

Anyone who sees pollution, illegal tipping of waste, poaching, fish in distress or danger to the natural environment can contact the Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, calls are free and will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Environment Agency to help salmon make leap into the Derwent

19th November 2009 Environment Agency - Press Release

Environment Agency to help salmon make leap into the Derwent

Salmon are leaping back to the River Derwent in North Yorkshire and Environment Agency officers are hoping to work with anglers and organisations to make sure the fish are here to stay.

More than seven tonnes of salmon were recorded in the Ouse and Derwent catchments during 1946, but pollution and access to spawning grounds have meant that numbers have dwindled over the decades.

Now the migratory fish are back, and fisheries officers based in York are talking to landowners and anglers about how to encourage more salmon into the Derwent and its tributaries.

Fisheries team leader John Shannon said: “Last year a group of twelve anglers organised by the Salmon and Trout Association caught eight salmon in one day on one of the Ouse catchment rivers which is an incredible result. This reflects the work that has been done to open up the access to the Ouse river system and the improvements in water quality, in the Yorkshire area.

“Now we want to focus on improving access for the salmon to the Derwent by looking at obstructions to migration in the river such as Barmby Barrage, and the effectiveness of the fish passage along the full length of the river at locations such as Kirkham Weir.”

He believes the wet summer has also contributed to swelling salmon figures because high river flows have helped salmon over the obstructions.

Salmon need clean water to survive, and their presence in a river is one of the best indicators of water quality.

Kevin Sunderland has been researching the decline in salmon in the Derwent and helped to form the Derwent Salmon Group which is working with the Environment Agency on improvements.

He said: “The salmon is the king of fish. If a salmon can run the length of the river, it is likely that the river is in a good condition, and other species like eels and lamprey will be able to do the same. These species then attract other species and the river become a magnet for wildlife.”

Yorkshire Water has invested heavily in water quality improvements which has cleaned up the rivers in the region’s southern catchments, and as a result, these improvements have flowed into North Yorkshire’s rivers.

Blue barbel released into River Great Ouse

18th November 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Dye-marked barbel released into River Great Ouse

What: Restocking river Great Ouse with 4,000 fish including 750 dye-marked barbel

When: 11.30am Friday 21 November

Where: River Great Ouse, Radwell Bridge, Radwell, Beds, MK43 7HU

Who: Environment Agency staff and Vauxhall Angling Club members

On 21 November, the Environment Agency is, for the first time on the River Great Ouse, releasing 750 dye-marked barbel as part of a monitoring programme.

Overall, 4,000 fish of different species are being released into the upper reaches of the Great Ouse at Radwell to restock the river. Of these, the 750 barbel have been marked with a blue dye on their bellies so they can be tracked as they move around the river system.

Not enough is known about the distribution and habits of barbel. To learn more about them, the Environment Agency is working with local angling clubs so that when anglers reel in a dye-marked barbel, they can report the details of their catch.

James Hooker, an Environment Agency Fisheries Officer, said: “This is the first time we have used dye to track barbel on the Great Ouse.

“The fish suffer no ill effects and with the support of clubs like Vauxhall Angling Club, we expect to get a fuller picture of barbel habits and behaviour.”

The Agency is asking anyone catching a barbel with a blue spot on its belly to photograph it and send the photo with the time, date and location of the catch to James Hooker.

This information will help plot how far they have moved, how long they live and will go to support a three year study into the future prospects for barbel on our local rivers (announced two weeks ago).

Dave Maple, from Vauxhall Angling Club, said: “This is fantastic news. We really appreciate the Environment Agency’s help and support with the restocking.

“Our members will be only too pleased to help with the barbel monitoring as we all want healthy rivers with healthy fish populations.”

All 4,000 fish – including chub, dace and roach - have been reared at the Environment Agency’s national fish farm at Calverton in Nottinghamshire.

Anglers’ photos of the fish should be sent to:

James Hooker
Environment Agency
Bromholme Lane, Brampton,
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire,
PE28 4NE

Or emailed to: ian.hirst@environment-agency.gov.uk

The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. We are responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.

Elver fisherman fined for using illegal net

11th November 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Elver fisherman fined for using illegal net

On 17 November 2008, Mr Lee Green aged 32 of Naunton in Gloucestershire, was found guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court of fishing for elvers (baby eels) without a licence and failing to state his name and address when caught.

The charges were brought by the Environment Agency under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Mr Green was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £418.46.

For the Environment Agency, Claire Andrews told the court that on 20 March 2008 fisheries officers carried out a routine inspection on the River Severn at Rodley, upstream of Westbury on the Severn. Mr Green was witnessed using an elver dip net, for which a licence is required to lawfully operate. Fishing without a valid licence gives its user an unfair financial advantage and reduces the amount of elvers able to escape into lakes and rivers.

The fishing for elvers is very lucrative, fetching up to £250 per kilogramme. The Environment Agency carries out regular inspections of the elver fishery on the River Severn, to ensure that anglers both possess a valid licence, and are operating legally in the area.

When officers approached Mr Green and asked for his name and address he provided false details. When questioned further he admitted that he did not have the appropriate licence and that his name was in fact Lee Green.

Speaking after the case Bill Burleigh, an Environment Agency officer involved in the investigation said: “This was an expensive day for Mr Green. Avoiding a £69 licence fee has cost him well over £1,000. It's not fair that some people get away with it whilst the majority of law-abiding fishermen pay licence fees. Elver stocks are under increased pressures every year and it is important that the fishery is properly regulated to ensure its sustainability for future generations."

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The Environment Agency Barbel Study

28th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

In search of baby barbel

Three-year study gets under way

The Environment Agency is about to start a three year research study to look at breeding habits and movements of baby barbel in the Upper Great Ouse river.

Over recent years the Great Ouse has become synonymous with barbel – a fish featured on the Queen’s College, Cambridge, Coat of Arms. An ancient fish, it is important to rivers, but at present there isn’t much known about its breeding habits.

Working closely with the Upper Ouse Fisheries Consultative Association (UOFCA), the Environment Agency is keen to find out whether there are young barbel in the Great Ouse.

Ian Hirst, fisheries specialist, said: ‘The popularity of fishing for barbel has grown over the past decade but we are struggling to understand where the young barbel are coming from.

‘We hope this study will use local knowledge, feedback and advice from UOFCA members to help us build a clear picture of the barbel in our river and ensure there are plenty of fish for future anglers in the Great Ouse.’

Trevor Johnson, chairman of UOFCA and chairman of the Milton Keynes Angling Association, said: ‘Anglers in Milton Keynes and the Upper Ouse area are very happy to help lead the way in finding out more about the barbel in our river.

‘We have a long history of working in partnership with the Environment Agency which has always benefited angling and fisheries’.

The project, costing around £50,000, will last for three years.

Anglian Water fined a total of £150,000

28th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

Anglian Water Services Ltd (Anglian Water) has today (Tues) been fined a total of £150,000 for four times allowing illegal discharges from its sewage treatment works in Newmarket to the No 1 Public Drain – on one occasion bringing about the death of 1,200 fish.

Ipswich Crown Court yesterday heard that the offences before them had occurred because of operational and management failures and failures to respond to alarms. The investigations undertaken by the Environment Agency continued over a period of more than 12 months and Anglian Water’s attitude contributed to the length of time it took for the case to come to court. The company was also ordered to pay £28,973 Environment Agency costs.

The first of the offences took place in January 2006 when the level of ammonia discharged was more than twice the absolute level allowed and happened when the works were unattended.

The Environment Agency’s pre-programmed sampling at the sewage treatment works recorded the offence on January 17 and when officers investigated they discovered there had been a serious and ongoing problem with ammonia levels in the two weeks leading up to the breach. It was also established that the then manager of the site, either by himself, or through other employees of the company, had subsequently removed, destroyed and falsified information in the site log book which recorded levels of ammonia in the discharge.

Prosecuting for the Environment Agency Miss Angela Morriss told the court that an Anglian Water member of staff acted as a whistleblower and informed senior management of the situation. They have since sacked the manager.

She said that the log book used for recording data had no numbers or references on its pages which would have alerted anyone to the removal of pages, pages were perforated and could be torn out easily without detection and there was no computer back-up or duplication of information which could regularly be audited.

‘Whilst the company disassociates itself from the behavior of this manager, it had placed him in a senior position in relation to the works and failed to act upon concerns arising from its performance appraisal system,’ she said.

The second offence in July 2006 happened while Anglian Water was still being investigated for the first offence.

The Environment Agency had calls from members of the public who had seen dead and distressed fish in the Soham Lode, a progression of the Newmarket No 1 Public Drain. During the following 48 hours, 1,200 dead fish were removed from the river by Agency officers and the public.

An Agency officer found the water to be very turbid, noted an occasional smell of sewage and could see several thousand fish at the surface appearing sluggish and in distress.

Later that evening Anglian Water contacted the Environment Agency to ask for information on reports of dead fish on the Soham Lode. The following morning there were even more calls from people who had seen dead fish around Soham.

‘Members of the public living on or near the Soham Lode would have seen dead fish floating in the water close to their property,’ said Miss Morriss.

‘Some found it intolerable and one person had left a note to passers-by warning them against allowing their dogs to swim in the watercourse,’ she said.

Within a few days it had been established that the cause of the pollution was Newmarket Sewage Treatment Works which had allowed large amounts of improperly treated sewage to discharge into the watercourse when a pump failed.

The Crown Court was told that one pump in the works had been switched off inadvertently and the other had tripped. An alarm had then been ignored and settled sewage had been discharged for about fifteen and a half hours.

‘Anglian Water was aware of the failure by 11am on 28 July but did not report the matter to the Environment Agency until 31 July,’ said Miss Morriss.

‘At the time Agency staff were out investigating this matter as a pollution incident notified to them by members of the public and expended time and resources which could have been better directed to mitigating the impacts of the pollution and collecting evidence about the cause of the fish kill,’ she said.

On 4 September 2006 there was a further breach at the Newmarket Sewage Treatment Works (STW) while the investigations into the first two offences was still ongoing.

The third incident related to waste water with excessive amounts of ammonia - almost twice the absolute limit set in the company’s discharge consent - being discharged into the No 1 Public Drain again. On this occasion it appears that a piece of metal had sheared off within the works and caught under a valve, preventing the correct operation of some part of the treatment works.

Anglian Water technicians who attended the site discovered that there had been an alarm two days earlier but the control centre technician had been advised to ignore this particular alarm and only report the situation if it came on again. ‘For inexplicable reasons the technician took this to mean he should ignore this alarm every time it occurred and did so,’ she said.

The situation continued over different shifts with the alarm continually being ignored for two days. It was only discovered by Anglian Water staff making a routine visit who took action and alerted the Environment Agency.

Anglian Water asked the court to take into consideration, when sentencing, a fourth offence which took place in April this year when all incoming crude sewage was discharged straight into the Newmarket No 1 Public Drain with only preliminary screening – in similar circumstances to the second offence.

On this occasion an ammonia alarm installed after the first three incidents had been switched off because it was not working so the company had not been alerted to the overflow from its works.

The court was told that since the offences, Anglian Water had tabled measures to deal with the problems identified at the Newmarket STW and had installed an ammonia alarm at the works. Procedures had also been tightened up.

After the hearing; Environmental Crime Team Leader, Phil Henderson said: ‘What is most concerning is that this was not a one-off unforeseen failure at a sewage works, rather it was a series of three separate incidents, all forseeable, during 2006. Each of these incidents was characterised by significant failings on the part of Anglian Water.

‘The first incident involved the manager removing and destroying data, then coercing employees to falsify records to hide the fact the works were not operating within legal limits. The subsequent two events, one of which caused a major fish kill on the Soham Lode, were due to a large extent to Anglian Water’s failure to respond appropriately to automated alarms at Newmarket STW.

‘We are pleased that the court viewed these offences as serious and has fined the company accordingly. The public should be assured that we will investigate such offences thoroughly to ensure that water companies comply with legislation put in place to protect our environment. We now look to Anglian Water to demonstrate that they have learnt from these incidents and ensure that there is no repetition in the future.’

Anglian Water had earlier pleaded guilty at Mildenhall Magistrates’ Court to:

1) On or about 17 January 2006 at Newmarket, Suffolk it did breach the conditions of a consent to discharge, issued to you by the Environment Agency, in that it did allow a discharge from its sewage treatment works to the Newmarket No 1 Drain containing ammonia in breach of the upper tier or absolute limit imposed by its consent.

Contrary to Section 85(6) of the Water Resources Act 1991

FINED £40,000

2) On or about the 27 July 2006 at Newmarket, Suffolk it did cause poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter controlled waters namely the Newmarket No 1 Public Drain.

Contrary to Section 85(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991

FINED £80,000

3) On or about 4 September 2006 at Newmarket, Suffolk it did breach the conditions of a consent to discharge, issued to it by the Environment Agency, in that it did allow a discharge from its sewage treatment works to the Newmarket No 1 Public Drain containing ammonia in breach of the upper tier or absolute limit imposed by its consent.

Contrary to Section 85(6) of the Water Resources Act 1991

FINED £30,000

Anglian Water had also asked the court to take into account one further offence at Newmarket Sewage Treatment Works of causing trade or sewage effluent to be discharged into controlled waters, namely the Newmarket No 1 Public Drain, on or about 13 April 2008.

Environment Agency announces new Head of Fisheries

28th October 2008 Environment Agency - Press Release

The Environment Agency has today (Tuesday 28^th October) named Mathew Crocker as its new Head of Fisheries.

Mathew, a keen angler who has worked for the Environment Agency since it was formed in 1996, takes over from current Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans. He will begin his new role on 1^st November 2008, for one year.

Dafydd, who has been Head of Fisheries for over four years, has taken up a year’s assignment in the Anglian region of the Environment Agency.

Speaking on his priorities in his new role Mat commented: “Dafydd has made huge strides as head of fisheries, including persuading government to modernise freshwater fisheries legislation through the Marine Bill.

“I look forward to building on Dafydd’s work by making the most of the forthcoming legislation changes which will help us better tackle illegal fishing and practices which could damage the environment.

“I also look forward to taking the opportunities presented by the Water Framework Directive to create a better quality environment where fish will thrive.”