Fishing News 2010

Latest Fishing News

Local and national fishing news and articles.
Latest news courtesy of the Environment Agency National Press Office.
Any news will be added as it becomes available.
If you would like to post an article for your fellow anglers to have a look at send it to jim@Fish-uk.com

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The Environment Agency has been working with staff at Holm Place Fishing Club on the Isle of Sheppey to improve fishing facilities there.
Published: 20-Aug-10

The organisation provided advice and £5,000 funding to enable the club to plant trees and improve the banks of the pond.

Further help has come from the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board which removed a large amount of silt from fishery. A number fishing platforms, designed by the British Disabled Angling Association, have been built to improve access to the site.

On the 31 July, following the improvement works on the fishery, the club held a fun day event focused on introducing people to the fishery and fishing and to raise money for charity. The club was able to assist over 20 cubs and scouts attain their fishing badge (which was developed with support from the Environment Agency). Other local community groups were also invited and many tried out fishing. The Environment Agency was on hand to support the day with fishing experts, and a display of fish caught on the day.

Neil Ballard, of Holm Place Farm, said “Everyone enjoyed the day and we received good reports from the various groups and individuals. The fly fishing demo was entertaining and interesting and the help given to the cubs and scouts was really good - they learned a lot. In addition to giving people the chance to try fishing, we raised over £900 which has been donated to Cancer Research.”

Environment Agency fisheries officer Alice Wilson said: “There are lots of great places in Kent to enjoy fishing. It’s a sport that allows you to appreciate and support your local environment, as well as having a lot of fun.

“You can visit our website for lots of helpful tips about where you can fish around the country, as well as how to buy your rod licence. These events give people a chance to try out fishing, but a valid licence is essential for any fishing outside of these organised activities. We hope more people become motivated by the sport and its benefits and take steps to improve their lifestyle with regular fishing.”

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Environment Agency investigating massive fish kill in River Line, East Sussex Southern
Published: 20-Aug-10

Environment Agency technical officers are working to find out what caused the almost complete loss of aquatic life in a stretch of the River Line yesterday (Thursday 19 August)
Members of the public contacted the organisation with reports of 40 dead trout in a tributary of the River Line near Battle. Fisheries Officer Jamie Benton immediately visited the site and walked a stretch of the watercourse, recording that all aquatic life had been killed over the 2km stretch, including bullheads and brook lampreys (protected species). Current estimations are that 100 - 200 trout, 40 brook lampreys and at least 5 bullheads were killed.

Southern Water Services reported to the Environment Agency on Monday 16 Aug that the Pumping Station, located upstream of the dead fish, failed on Saturday. Southern Water Services did not manage to repair the pumping station until 16 Aug at 11:30.

Initial investigations suggest that raw sewage caused the fish to die. Jamie Benton said: “It’s always upsetting when fish die on this scale. We are conducting a full and thorough investigation into this incident.

“We have taken samples from the river to see how bad the pollution is, in case we can use oxygenating equipment to rectify the situation. Sadly, we have concluded there is little further we can do as the pollution has already taken its toll in the environment. Southern Water Services have offered support and will tanker away remaining pools of sewage in the river around the pumping station.

“We welcome the public reporting the incident, which gave us an opportunity to deal with the incident swiftly. If anyone sees fish in distress or is aware of another environmental incident, we urge them to contact us immediately on our incident hotline 0800 80 70 60.”

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Agency disgust as illegal net kills otter and salmon on the River Teifi Wales
Published: 19-Aug-10

Environment Agency Wales officers are investigating after an illegally placed net on the River Teifi has killed a male otter and an eight pound hen salmon migrating to spawn.

The net, found in the Newcastle Emlyn area yesterday (Tuesday 18 August) was found as Environmental Crime officers patrolled the area.

As they went to remove the net, they discovered the dead salmon and the otter, which had become entangled in the net and drowned.

They are appealing for any information from people who may have seen something suspicious. If anyone has seen anything they can report it confidentially on 0800 80 70 60.

Illegal netting not only has the potential to harm wild, native species but has the potential to damage salmon and sewin stocks. This can have serious implications for the economy in the area through angling tourism and other fishermen.

Otters are an indicator of good water quality with their numbers on the increase in Welsh rivers.

Lyn Richards, Environment Agency Wales, said:

“This just shows how much damage these illegal nets cause. We are always angered when we find salmon or sewin caught in these illegal nets and killed as we know the impact it has on our native fish stocks. To find an otter killed by one of these nets just makes it worse.

“Poaching in all its forms has a serious effect on local wildlife and the economy. Our officers use information and their know how to target areas like this. We are determined to catch those responsible.

“If you are caught you could face fines of up to £5000 and / or three months imprisonment. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone involved.”

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Record fish count for Tyne North East
Published: 18-Aug-10

Record numbers of salmon have been recorded in the River Tyne – underlining its status as the best river for the species in the country.

Environment Agency officers say 9,240 salmon and sea trout were counted in the river during July, the best total for the month since records began.

The news follows a prolonged spell of particularly hot and dry weather when low levels of oxygen in the river water meant there were concerns over the welfare of adult salmon and sea trout returning to spawn.

The Environment Agency has kept an eye on migratory fish numbers in the river since 1996, when a fish counter was installed at Riding Mill, approximately 11km upstream of the tidal limit at Wylam.

Scientists from the Environment Agency use data from the counter to monitor fish populations in the river and to make decisions about how best to manage them in the future.

The equipment is funded by the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, as part of a monitoring agreement for the proposed new Tyne Tunnel project.

Phil Rippon, Fisheries Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency, said: “This year’s fish counts are very encouraging, especially in view of relatively poor runs of sea trout in recent years.

“We monitor rod catches of salmon and sea trout from rivers nationally, and the data shows the Tyne to be the best river in England and Wales.”

Fifty years ago very few salmon or sea trout were seen in the Tyne because the river was too polluted.

A survey as early as 1912 at the Quayside in Newcastle found that there was almost no oxygen in the Tyne. Surprisingly, fish catches continued at a low rate until after World War II - when zero catches were reported in 1951 and 1959.

Throughout the mid-1960s, salmon and sea trout rod catches started to recover. This is thought to have coincided with the closure of the ICI plant at Low Prudhoe, which was built in 1941 to produce ammonia for munitions and fertiliser.

More recently, the clean-up of the estuary has focussed on improving the amount of oxygen in the water, and Northumbrian Water and its predecessors have spent £150 million in building the Tyneside Interceptor Sewer and sewage treatment works at Howdon.

This year extra water has also been released from Kielder Reservoir on occasions, in an effort to encourage the fish further up river. This helps to improve oxygen levels in the water, which can be reduced during hot weather.

Releases of water from Kielder have been shown to help fish movement in the right conditions, but their use needs to be balanced against the natural flow and ecology of the river, safeguarding drinking water supplies and green energy requirements.

Phil Rippon added, “Data from our fish counter during the extra releases of water from Kielder Reservoir showed around 700 fish passed upstream during the first one, which began on 22 June, and 1,000 on the second release on 5 July.

“We are continuing to see record numbers of fish present in the Tyne during August and anglers are likely to benefit.”

Already this year almost 15,000 salmon and sea trout have been recorded migrating up river.

Anyone who wants to fish must have an Environment Agency rod licence and the permission of the land owners or membership of the appropriate angling club in order to do so legitimately.

Anglers are also reminded to fish responsibly and only take fish for their own use.

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Environment Agency uses CSI techniques to catch illegal anglers in Hampshire Southern
Published: 17-Aug-10

Environment Agency officers have been using high tech measures to target areas along the coast and at rivers in Hampshire that are vulnerable to salmon and sea trout poaching.

Techniques include night vision filming and covert surveillance. They have also stepped up the number of day and night time patrols being carried out to help them tackle illegal anglers.

In the past few weeks three men have been caught using nets inside netting exclusion zones and two men have been apprehended with illegally caught sea trout and had fishing tackle seized after they were found using prohibited instruments.

Paul Newman, Fisheries Technical Officer said ”We take poaching very seriously and all efforts are being made to protect these fragile populations of fish. Illegal fishing can devastate populations, both for the current season, and subsequent seasons. Our fisheries officers regularly patrol rivers, streams and lakes to ensure that fishing is carried out in a safe and legal way. Anyone found to be fishing illegally could face prosecution, up to a £50,000 fine and have their equipment, boats and vehicles seized and forfeited.”

Every year over one million people in the UK buy a rod licence from the Environment Agency, costing between £3.75 for one day’s coarse fishing to £72 for a full season’s Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. The money raised is used by the Environment Agency to improve rivers and lakes and fund the upkeep of the sport .

Buying a new rod licence is easy - around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them, they can be purchased over the telephone on 0870 166 2662, by direct debit or online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

(i) Two men were caught at the mouth of the River Meon, Hill Head, Fareham. 150m Gill Net Seized, both men interviewed under caution with a view to prosecution. Section 6 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA) offence.
(ii) Two men apprehended at Monks Brook close to its confluence with the River Itchen in Southampton. Both men fled the scene, however three Sea Trout and Fishing tackle was seized. Section 1 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA) offence.
(iii) One man was interviewed under caution for netting inside a fixed net exclusion zone at Lymington in the New Forest. Section 6 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA) offence.

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Improved angling access to River Wensum at Swanton Morley Anglian
Published: 17-Aug-10

Anglers on the River Wensum can now benefit from improved facilities at Burgh Common, Swanton Morley.

The Environment Agency has constructed six new fishing platforms on the common. Three of these are connected by a boardwalk, allowing easy access to the river from the nearby road for those of all abilities, including wheelchair users. Three stand-alone platforms have also been constructed within the site.

Work was planned with Swanton Morley Parish Council, who own the site and manage it for the benefit of local people. Burgh Common is one of the few stretches of the Wensum where rod licence holders can gain unrestricted access to the river for angling.

The new facilities are the culmination of a wider project, rolled out over the past few years as part of the River Wensum Restoration Strategy, to improve river habitats and angling on this stretch of river.

Habitat enhancements at the site have included the construction of shallow bays to improve survival of fish fry and raising of the river bed with a series of gravel glides and riffles to improve foraging and spawning habitat for fish such as chub, brown trout and dace.

Dr Rob Dryden, technical specialist for fisheries, recreation and biodiversity at the Environment Agency, said: “We are delighted to be working with Swanton Morley Parish Council to improve angling along this part of the Wensum. Poor access to the river is one of the issues highlighted by the Wensum Fisheries Action Plan group and this project represents a significant step in redressing the situation.

“The new fishing platforms and boardwalk will enable anglers to enjoy a beautiful stretch of river which has benefited from sustained restoration work by the Environment Agency, parish council and local fishing clubs.”

Roger Atterwill, Chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council, said: “Swanton Morley is blessed with many natural beauty spots and we are pleased that the environment agency has chosen to invest in one of them. Burgh Common is a quiet corner of the parish where local people can come to enjoy the tranquillity of the river. The new boardwalk and platforms will provide a welcome enhancement to the common, for both anglers and non-anglers alike.”

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Salmon make a comeback on River Valency South West
Published: 13-Aug-10

The Environment Agency has discovered record numbers of young salmon on the main river flowing through Boscastle

In 2004 the Cornish village was hit by one of the worst floods in living memory after the River Valency burst its banks. More than 70 vehicles were washed into the harbour and a number of local buildings extensively damaged. Miraculously no-one was hurt.

The flood waters also swept away salmon spawning grounds and most of the young fish in the River Valency at the time. This exceptional event, caused by a freak storm, resulted in local salmon and trout numbers dropping to a 20 year low.

The successful completion of the £5 million Boscastle flood defence scheme by the Environment Agency in 2008 has significantly reduced the risk of flooding in this popular Cornish village and helped tame the once turbulent River Valency.

A recent fish survey revealed surprisingly high numbers of young salmon. Environment Agency officers ‘electro-fished’ the area around Newmills and discovered the second highest density of salmon fry in the river since records began in 1987.

‘This is excellent news and shows the flood improvement works at Boscastle hasn’t hindered the movement of fish upstream. The results of this survey clearly demonstrates salmon and trout are spawning in the River Valency and producing good numbers of young, Salmon are highly sensitive to their surroundings and a good indicator of water quality,’ said Alan Cole for the Environment Agency.

The flood defence scheme included raising the main car park, constructing flood walls and deepening the river channel to create new pools. The pools were chiselled out of solid rock and a meandering channel created to replicate the natural form of the original channel and to ease the passage of fish up the river.

Shortly before work began the Environment Agency carried out a ‘fish rescue’ to enable contractors to move on site and minimise disruption to fish and other riverlife. A number of young salmon were re-located downstream to increase their chances of survival.

‘We are delighted Boscastle still has a thriving population of salmon after all the work that has taken place since 2004. It demonstrates how carefully planned and constructed works can benefit the environment as well as local communities,’ said Alan Cole.

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Environment Agency Wales appeals for information after dead fish found in River Alyn Wales
Published: 11-Aug-10

Environment Agency Wales officers are investigating after approximately 100 dead fish were found in the River Alyn near Caergwrle in north Wales.
The fish, mostly small minnows and sticklebacks (approx 1-3cm in length), were reported to the Agency earlier this afternoon at Caergwrle Weir.

Initial tests have found no visible pollution and oxygen levels appear to be normal.

Dave Powell, leading the investigation for Environment Agency Wales, said:

“We are asking for people if they have any information or have seen something suspicious that could have cause this.

“The fish we found are in a very concentrated area by the weir and, at the moment, we cannot find the cause of their death.

“We are taking samples and gathering as much information as possible to find out why they died and take any action if someone is responsible.”

If anyone does have any information they can contact Environment Agency Wales free on 0800 80 70 60.

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Crackdown on illegal poaching in the North East
Published: 11-Aug-10

Criminals in rural areas across the north east are seeing the net close in on illegal activities including game, deer and salmon poaching.

The Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement teams have been out to local police forces in Northumberland, Cleveland and Durham to find the most efficient ways to pool resources and catch offenders.

They have been working with wildlife crime officers on joint initiatives to combat rural crime such as theft of agricultural machinery and livestock, check vehicles for suspected fish poachers and identify anglers fishing without a licence.

Over the past 15 years, of serious poaching has been reduced to approximately 12-15 cases each year, from a high of more than 60. Reports on suspected poaching have reduced over the same period from a recorded average of 350 each year to around 120.

However, Kevin Summerson, special enforcement team leader said: “Whilst a lot of work has been done there is still a long way to go to reduce the amount of fish being illegally taken from the river.

“Over the past year we have successfully targeted areas including Blyth, Consett, Cleveland, Kielder, Hexham, Lesbury and Wolsingham.

“So far the operations have been very successful resulting in several prosecutions. Using our shared knowledge has saved time, money and staff resources.”

The work is part of a national initiative called ‘Rural Net’, set up to reduce wildlife crime. The initiative involves the police national wildlife crime unit, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, The Deer Society, the Angling Trust, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Action Against Wildlife Crime and the Environment Agency.

DI Brian Stuart from the UK national wildlife crime unit said “Poaching remains a wildlife crime priority. The activities are a nuisance to our rural communities. Fishing in particular is worth a considerable amount of money to local economies and it is imperative that police, the Environment Agency and others within our communities work to prevent and detect more criminals plundering the already burgeoned stocks. "

Fish poaching can occur throughout the year although can become more profitable from June through to November when salmon and trout stocks are more plentiful. Studies have shown that each salmon that is caught by rod and line can bring an extra £4,620 back into the local economy.

Anyone with information on these activities should call or contact their local wildlife crime officer or the Environment Agency’s 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 80 76 60.

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Environment Agency Wales appeals for information after dead fish found in River Alyn
Published: 11-Aug-10

Environment Agency Wales officers are investigating after approximately 100 dead fish were found in the River Alyn near Caergwrle in north Wales.

The fish, mostly small minnows and sticklebacks (approx 1-3cm in length), were reported to the Agency earlier this afternoon at Caergwrle Weir.

Initial tests have found no visible pollution and oxygen levels appear to be normal.

Dave Powell, leading the investigation for Environment Agency Wales, said:

“We are asking for people if they have any information or have seen something suspicious that could have cause this.

“The fish we found are in a very concentrated area by the weir and, at the moment, we cannot find the cause of their death.

“We are taking samples and gathering as much information as possible to find out why they died and take any action if someone is responsible.”

If anyone does have any information they can contact Environment Agency Wales free on 0800 80 70 60.

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Crayfish surveys will leave no stone unturned
Published: 10-Aug-10

No stone will be left unturned during a series of surveys to find a creature that has seen populations across Britain devastated since the 1980s.

The Environment Agency is currently carrying out surveys of white-clawed crayfish to discover the health of populations in the rivers of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Watercourses that will be included in the two-week project include the Upper Witham between Easton Bridge, near Colsterworth, and Barkston Gorse, north of Grantham. North Brook, near Rutland Water, upstream of the River Gwash and the River Ise, near Kettering, will also be studied.

The surveys will involve searching under stones at the bottom of the rivers using bare hands and an underwater viewer to find specimens of Britain’s only native crayfish.

Richard Chadd, of the Environment Agency, will be leading the work which will be carried out by members of various Environment Agency teams.

He said: “The native white-clawed crayfish is under threat from the American signal crayfish which escaped from fish farms, or was deliberately introduced into the wild, in the 1980s. The signal crayfish is bigger and more aggressive than the white-clawed and carries a fungus known as ‘crayfish plague’. Signals are immune to the fungus but the white-clawed is not and populations have been devastated as a result.

“The surveys will monitor the health of the population of white-clawed crayfish, which in the Upper Witham remains large and extensive, to see if our fears are founded that the population in North Brook has been destroyed.

“The survey of the River Ise will determine the current extent and size of the population which was thought to have been destroyed by crayfish plague in the early 1990s but was subsequently rediscovered.”

The underlying geology, type of habitat and water quality determine where white-clawed crayfish are found. Populations in the UK are associated with water bodies including canals, rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs, with chalk, limestone or sandstone deposits.

Richard said: “Predation by, and competition from, signal crayfish has the potential to eliminate white-clawed crayfish populations. Other non-native crayfish also have the potential to out-compete the white-clawed crayfish for resources. They are also susceptible to pollution and poor water quality.

“It is therefore vital that we closely monitor local populations to try to ensure the long-term survival of the species in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.”

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Young anglers enjoy Hexham’s new fishery
Published: 09-Aug-10

Young anglers have been enjoying the environmental benefits of Hexham’s flood defence scheme during a competition at the new Wydon Waters Fishery.

The junior angling competition celebrated National Fishing Month and was held at the fishery on 28 July. The results were:

1st Place - Jack Charlton - 1lb 14oz - presented with a trophy and £10 tackle voucher
2nd Place - Matthew Stokes - 11oz - present with £5 tackle voucher
3rd Place - Daniel Giles - 4oz - presented with £5 tackle voucher
4th Place - Andrew Telfer - 3oz - presented with £5 tackle voucher

The fishery, which opened in April 2010, was created as part of the Environment Agency’s £7 million flood defence scheme on the Cockshaw Burn.

Wydon Waters is primarily designed as a place to store water to prevent flooding in Hexham but brings additional benefits as a fishery and an area where people can walk and enjoy the countryside.

Twenty purpose-built fishing platforms have been installed, and over the past six months the Environment Agency has stocked the fishery with roach, tench, rudd and crucian carp.

Environment Agency fisheries officers have also created special spawning beds to provide fish with somewhere to lay their eggs. The spawning beds were made from rolls of coir matting (made from coconut husks) that were fastened to the sides of the lake using biodegradable plastic stakes. The coir matting will rot within two to three years, by which time natural vegetation will take over and provide spawning areas for fish.

Small fish, called fry, from this year’s spawning have been spotted in the water which shows that the fish have successfully bred.

The fishing rights are leased to Hexham Anglers Association which has worked closely with the Environment Agency to help develop the site and the fishery.

Phil Rippon, Environment Agency fisheries officer, said: “We created Wydon Waters Fishery to improve the environment as part of the flood defences protecting Hexham from the Cockshaw Burn.

“We’ve now got a fishery that should be largely self-sustaining. It is great to see these young anglers having a good day out fishing, and we hope that the fishery will continue to be used by the local community in the future.”

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Suspected pollution causes fish to die in River Ash
Published: 09-Aug-10

A blue substance entered the River Ash over the weekend and caused fish to become distressed and die.

Officers from the Environment Agency are currently investigating after large numbers of fish were killed on the River Ash.

The Environment Agency received a call from a member of the public earlier today (Sunday 8 August 2010) with a report that a blue substance was entering the River Ash.

An environment officer arrived at the River Ash in Shepperton to find at least eight different species of fish dead or dying.

Victoria Owen, a senior environment officer, said: “This is a serious incident but as the substance that entered the water has caused it to turn a blue colour, we have been unable to quantify numbers and the extent of the damage. We estimate that eight different species have been affected.

“Environment officers are on site investigating and monitoring the situation. It is too early to tell what extent of damage there may have been on the river.”

The Environment Agency believes it has traced the source of the suspected pollution and will oversee the remediation. The investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this stage.

Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

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Search is on for North East fishing champion
Published: 09-Aug-10

Anglers will be competing for the title of ‘North East Rivers Champion’ when the North East Rivers Championship begins on 15 August.

The championship started in 2004 with a tournament on the River Tyne, and for the past three years it has included fishing contests on the River Tyne and the River Wear.

The fishing tournament is one of the biggest in the area – and is set to be bigger after the Environment Agency announced that the competition will expand to include the River Tees for 2010.

As well as being fun for fishing enthusiasts, the tournaments also provide important data on fish stocks in the area – collecting data that is difficult and expensive to obtain by conventional survey methods.

During the competitions, each river is divided into 10 sections, with 10 anglers in each area. An Environment Agency fisheries officer records the numbers and species of fish caught in each section. The information is then used to show the current fish stocks in the river.

Previous surveys have shown that the Tyne is one of the best rivers for dace in the country. Other findings show that the growth rate of chub in both the Tyne and Wear is better than average for northern rivers.

The Environment Agency uses all of this data to inform future plans for managing fish in each river.

Robert Stevenson, Environment Agency fisheries officer, said:" These events are really important, not just because they are fun to take part in and great for promoting angling, but because they are a cost effective way of keeping track of fish stocks in rivers – which helps us identify where any action is needed in the future. My thanks go out to angling clubs and land owners who are important partners in helping organise the events.”

The dates for the competitions are:
Tyne: August 15 Wear: September 12 Tees: October 10

This year the Environment Agency created an overall series prize for the champion, a title which goes to the angler with the highest points total scored over the three events.

The Environment Agency has also secured sponsorship for the events by Maver (UK), which has agreed to supply more than £2,000 worth of tackle to support the other prizes available.

Tickets are priced £8 each, £6 of which goes to charity. It is anticipated that the event will sell out quickly with only a few tickets left available for the Tees and Wear championships. The Tyne championship has already sold out.

For more information including times and locations please contact the Environment Agency fisheries team on 0191 203 4266 or robert.stephenson@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Fish in distress - what to look out for
Published: 06-Aug-10

Over the last few weeks the majority of the British Isles has experienced some great summer weather but whilst many people are out enjoying the warm sunshine fish may be experiencing problems.

The Environment Agency is asking people to be vigilant during this time and to report to them fish in serious distress.

Lack of rain combined with warmer water temperatures can cause significant drops in oxygen levels in lakes, ponds and rivers. Coupled with any increased ammonia levels this can cause problems for fish. Excessive weed growth in the water can also cause dissolved oxygen levels to fluctuate.

All fish have a certain tolerance level for high ammonia and low oxygen but poor water quality causes them stress making them more prone to infections and disease - that can ultimately result in a fish kill.

Tom Howard, fisheries officer with the Environment Agency said: 'We rely on the eyes of the public to let us know of situations where there is a real risk to fish. Good fishery management techniques can help fishery owners prevent or at least predict any problems before they begin.'

Signs of Distress: All anglers should be encouraged to report signs of unusual behaviour to the lake bailiff or owner and not assume someone else will do it. Reporting early warning signs can mean the difference between a few dead fish and a significant fish kill. The telltale signs of fish in distress are seeing them gasping at the surface of the water, looking inactive at the edge of the water or swimming on their sides or upside down.
Oxygen levels: Monitoring water quality in a fishery is a key management technique to keep the fishery healthy. A simple oxygen meter will pay for itself over time. Monitoring once in the morning and again in the afternoon may give an early warning that oxygen levels are beginning to fall.
Aeration: Some permanent aeration equipment such as a paddle wheel aerator could be useful in a heavily stocked lake. These could save thousands of pounds spent on restocking after a fish kill. As a temporary measure, installing a pump to circulate and spray water onto the surface will also increase the oxygen levels.
Another practical step is to limit the use of ground bait. If each angler uses a kilo of bait per trip this soon mounts up potentially leaving large amounts of decomposing bait on the bottom. This process uses oxygen and creates ammonia which may be enough to create a problem.

To report serious problems call the Environment Agency emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Reports will be passed to a local fisheries officer who can advise what to do.

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Algal bloom causes fish kill in South East London
Published: 02-Aug-10

An algal bloom has left fish distressed and dying due to a lack of dissolved oxygen in two South East London lakes.

Over 1,000 fish have died and hundreds more were left gasping for air at the surface after an algal bloom caused oxygen levels to plummet in two South East London Lakes.

Environment Agency fisheries officers attended Southmere Lake, Belvedere Road, Abbey Wood after receiving calls from members of the public. They found the dead and distressed fish on Sunday (1 August 2010). The algal bloom is believed to have been caused by the long period of warm weather.

Three Environment Agency aerators are in the water at the Southmere lake to reoxygenate the water. This morning all the aerators and pumps are still in operation and there are now several thousand small fish and many larger carp within the oxygenated plume. There are also eels present which are in decline in the UK.

Two prize carp that were about to die were removed from Southmere Lake last night and placed in an Environment Agency holding tank (photos available on request) and appear to be responding well.
Other species in the lake include roach, bream, tench, small perch, silver fish, large carp, eels and large pike.

Fish were also found distressed and dying as the result of an algal bloom at nearby Burgess Park lake, Camberwell on Friday (31 July 2010). Environment Agency officers visited Burgess Park this morning where local anglers continue to man the aeration equipment and monitor the site.

Environment Agency technical specialist Tom Cousins said: “This is a serious incident which has affected a large number of fish. Many hundreds have already died and it seems the incident has not yet run its course.

“From past experience we know that reoxygenating the water is the most effective way to help the fish after an algal bloom and the fish are responding to this well so far. We could really do with some rain, wind and cooler weather to help naturally aerate the water.

“We will continue to do our utmost to help by providing advice, equipment and assistance in this incident which is upsetting to local residents and anglers at both lakes. Environment officers will continue to monitor the situation, at both lakes.

“We would like to thank members of the public for informing us of this incident promptly. We are working closely with local anglers who are providing valuable practical support . Anglers help fund the Environment Agency’s Fisheries service through the rod licence income.

Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

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Pro Celebrity Charity Fishing Competition & Exhibition

‘THE BIG FISH’ pro celebrity charity fishing competition & exhibition

held on Saturday 31st of July 2010 at Suffolk water park, Ipswich.

NEXT EVENT 6th & 7th AUGUST 2010. Venue to be arranged

“Despite some of the most horrendous weather of the summer- a barrage of constant rain from 8pm Friday till 3pm Saturday-the show still went on.”

FRIDAY 30TH JULY

28 hardcore carp anglers gathered outside the Suffolk Water Park tackle shop at 4:30pm to draw pegs for one of the biggest National prize tournaments in the UK. With a top prize of around £4500 of top sponsor kit and 2nd & 3rd both offering around £1500 each there was a huge bustle of expectation as each anglers drew a number and one by one decided where they would bivvy up for the next 24 hours. Fishing through the night until 3pm the following day each angler set out their stall to catch the single biggest fish and win the top prize.

Dom Morgan
(Event organiser and Jodi’s Dad)

www.thebigfish.tv

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE > . . . . ‘THE BIG FISH’

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Pollution causes serious fish kill - at least 700 trout were killed at a Surrey fish farm
Published: 26-Jul-10

Officers from the Environment Agency are currently investigating after at least 700 trout were killed at a Surrey fish farm.

The Environment Agency received a call from a member of the public earlier this week with a report that a substance believed to be sewage was entering the River Tillingbourne. An environment officer arrived at the Tillingbourne Trout Farm in Abinger Hammer to find hundreds of fish dead or dying.

James Liney, an Environment management team leader, said: “This is a serious incident which is obviously devastating for the owner of the Tillingbourne Trout Farm where we estimate 700-800 trout have been killed.

“Environment officers were on site on Tuesday collecting evidence and sampling, and we have staff taking further samples from the river and doing some ecological monitoring today (Wednesday).

“We don’t believe that the pollution incident has had any serious effect on the River Tillingbourne but has sadly had a major impact on the trout farm.”

The Environment Agency believes it has traced the source of the pollution and will oversee the remediation. The investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this stage.

Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

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Protected eels, hundreds of fish and thousands of shrimp killed by a sewage leak into the River Crouch in Essex
Published: 23-Jul-10

Hundreds of fish and thousands of shrimp were killed by a sewage leak into the River Crouch in Essex last August, a judge heard today (Thursday).

Anglian Water Services was fined £27,000 and ordered to pay full Environment Agency costs of £27,837 after pleading guilty to seriously polluting the river at Wickford.

At Basildon Crown Court the judge heard that among the 666 fish killed were 187 eels, a protected species in danger of decline, particularly in East Anglia.

Others killed included large perch, chub and flounder as well as smaller flounder, bullheads and stone loach. Several thousand dead young fish were also seen but were too small and numerous to count.

Mr Mark Watson prosecuting said the pollution affected at least 2km of the River Crouch which flows through protected environments with local, national and international conservation status.

He said that whilst Anglian Water believed a transient fault with the electricity supply caused the pumps to fail at Long Meadow Drive Sewage Pumping Station, there was no evidence as to why the system failed on this occasion. The company had not been alerted by its measuring equipment on site and only knew of the pollution when alerted by the Environment Agency.

During investigations carried out by Agency officers, sewage was seen overflowing from a manhole and discharging under the nearby A132 road bridge, turning the river grey. A survey of sewage pipes in the area revealed some holes and cracks as well as misplaced joints.

Mr Watson told the court that whilst there was no method or proving the pathway between the different sewage systems, it was clear that liquid from the foul drainage system could have got into the surface water drainage system as neither systems were impermeable.

Anglian Water records showed that two alarms at the sewage pumping station were failing and clearing between 8.43am and 7.48pm on the day of the pollution, he said, but other alarms had not alerted the company that the sewage pumps had failed.

An Anglian Water manager told investigating officers that there was a high level sensor at the Long Meadow site but it was not active due to a power fluctuation earlier in the day. He said pumps at the site had been replaced and required more power. He also told them that some changes had been made at the site since the pollution.’

After the hearing Environment Agency officer David Free said: ‘This incident was one of the most serious types of incidents we deal with, causing a major impact on the fish and invertebrate populations in the river.

‘We are grateful to the members of public that reported the problem which enabled the discharge to be stopped before further damage was caused.

‘Following this incident we will continue to work with Anglian Water to look at ways of avoiding such incidents in the future.

‘In the event of any incident likely to result in pollution of surface or groundwater we can be contacted via our 24-hour emergency telephone hotline on 0800 807060.’

Anglian Water Services pleaded guilty to:
On or about 17 August 2009 you did cause poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter controlled waters, namely the River Crouch in Wickford, Essex.
Contrary to section 85(1) and section 85(6) Water Resources Act 1991.

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Ordered to pay more than £52,000 after virtually wiping out all the fish living in a tributary of the River Thames
Published: 22-Jul-10

Slough company and director fined for polluting local watercourse with detergent

A Slough company and its director has been ordered to pay more than £52,000 by Bracknell Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday 21 July 2010) after virtually wiping out all the fish living in a tributary of the River Thames.

DS Holdings Ltd, trading as Envirogreen – a waste carrier and its director Neil Stewart – of Henley Road, Slough, Berkshire, both pleaded guilty to a total of five offences under the Water Resources Act 1991, Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2007, and the Hazardous Waste (England and Wastes) Regulations 2005.

The offences included causing pollutants to enter the Chalvey Ditch near Cippenham, operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit, failing to keep a record of the hazardous waste transported and failing to complete a hazardous waste consignment note.

The company was fined £23,600 and ordered to pay £15,000 costs and £8,170 compensation to the Environment Agency with a £15 victim surcharge. Mr Stewart was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

The court heard that a tanker belonging to DS Holdings Ltd accidentally discharged approximately 4,500 litres of hazardous chemicals into the Chalvey Ditch in Cippenham in September 2009. The discharge caused near total fish mortality in the watercourse as far as its confluence with the River Thames. The fish killed included pike, an eel, perch, chub, dace, sticklebacks, roach, gudgeon, ruffe and bullheads. It also caused major damage to the macro invertebrate (river insects) population.

Environment Agency officers responded and attended the site where the pollution was initially reported by a member of the public. Officers found that the stream had turned blue-grey, was covered in foam and smelled of detergent. They also found a large quantity of dead fish and other affected wildlife downstream.

The officers followed the trail of pollution and eventually arrived at DS Holdings Ltd in Henley Road, where there was a smell in the air similar to that in the drains and streams. Numerous drums and containers of wastes were stored on site including waste oils, pesticides and drums marked as containing hazardous substances.
When questioned by the Environment Agency, the managing director of DS Holdings Ltd, Neil Stewart, admitted that a leak had occurred from one of the drums. He also said there had been a much larger spill from a road tanker being used to transport hazardous wastes, including cleaning products and liquid soaps, from a site in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, to another site for treatment and disposal. The tanker was temporarily parked at the Slough site when the hazardous liquid accidentally leaked from a blocked valve. The tanker driver tried to dislodge the blockage, but the valve opened and 4,500 litres escaped before it could be closed. The driver cleaned up the resulting spill by washing it down a drain, which unfortunately leads to the Chalvey Ditch.

D S Holdings, trading as Envirogreen, did not have an environmental permit to store hazardous waste brought to the Slough site as part of the company’s waste carrier business.

Neil Martin, investigating officer for the Environment Agency, said: "I am satisfied that in passing sentence today the court has recognised the awful impact of this pollution in Slough.

“The pollution had a devastating effect on the area. Thousands of fish were killed in the Chalvey Ditch along with an unknown number of invertebrates along a four-kilometre stretch, and it may take years to recover.”

The Environment Agency has carried out surveys to gauge the impacts of the pollution. A biological survey revealed that the release of detergents into the ditch had a major impact on both the fish and macro invertebrate population for two kilometres, with nearly 100 per cent mortality of all groups. Four kilometres downstream of where the pollution occurred, one third of the freshwater shrimp and about one quarter of the burrowing mayfly that inhabit the area had also died.

Mr Martin added: “My message to companies which transport, store or treat any sort of waste is simple - transport and store it safely and with the appropriate permits, ensuring that it cannot leak. We will not tolerate the pollution of our rivers and neither will the courts.

“We will continue working on our pollution prevention campaign in the Slough area, talking to local business about managing their waste properly and providing advice with the aim of stopping this sort of incident happening again."

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Pollution causes fish kill. Hundreds of dead fish were found on a 5km stretch of river in north Hampshire
Published: 22-Jul-10

Officers from the Environment Agency are currently investigating after hundreds of dead fish were found on a 5km stretch of river in north Hampshire.

Officers from the Environment Agency are currently investigating after hundreds of dead fish were found on a 5km stretch of river in north Hampshire.

The Environment Agency received several calls today (Wednesday) from members of the public who had seen pollution, believed to be sewage, entering the Silchester Brook near Silchester, Hampshire. Three environment officers and two fisheries officers are currently at the scene. Among the species of fish which have died are perch and trout.

Environment officer Ben Govan said: “This is a serious incident which has affected a long stretch of the Silchester Brook.

“Environment officers are currently on site collecting evidence and sampling, and we have staff taking further samples from the river and doing some ecological monitoring.

“We would like to thank members of the public for informing us of this incident promptly, and will fully investigate the causes and impact of what has clearly been a serious incident.”

The Environment Agency believes it has traced the source of the pollution and will oversee the remediation. The investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this stage.

Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

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Illegal fishing nets that had the potential to devastate local fish populations in Chichester Canal confiscated
Published: 19-Jul-10

The Environment Agency, with the help of local anglers and the Chichester Canal Trust, recently seized a number of illegal fishing nets, that had the potential to devastate local fish populations in Chichester Canal.

Fisheries Officer Mark Bennett said “In recent years we have had several reports from responsible anglers of the use of illegal equipment to catch fish. These methods have the potential to harm wildlife and seriously damage fish stocks, ruining the sport for enthusiasts.”

He went on to say “The Environment Agency is committed to stopping illegal fishing and we encourage anglers to report any suspicious nets, traps or set lines they come across by calling our Incident Hotline on 0800 807060. We take illegal fishing very seriously and will look to prosecute perpetrators to the full extent of the law. Our fisheries officers regularly patrol rivers, streams and lakes to ensure that fishing is carried out in a safe and legal way. The use of illegal nets, traps and set lines can attract fines of up to £50,000.”

Every year over one million people in the UK buy a rod licence from the Environment Agency, costing between £3.75 for one day’s coarse fishing to £72 for a full season’s Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. The money raised is used by the Environment Agency to improve rivers and lakes and fund the upkeep of the sport .

Buying a new rod licence is easy - around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them, they can be purchased over the telephone on 0870 166 2662, by direct debit or online at

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

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Bridgwater elver fisherman ordered to pay over £1000 for using illegal net on River Parrett South West
Published: 05-Jul-10

A Bridgwater man has been fined £500 and disqualified from elver fishing for a year after he was caught fishing illegally on the River Parrett in Somerset

Environment Agency bailiffs caught Matthew Palmer using an illegal elver dip net on a tidal stretch of the River Parrett on February 15, 2010. They were on a routine fisheries patrol just downstream of the M5 motorway bridge when they saw the defendant.

The net was attached to a rope and float and was being used as a fixed engine, a net that operates itself. The whole apparatus, that included a long pole, was fixed to the river bank by a stake.

This method of fishing increases the catch of elvers, but has a serious impact on the environment. Elvers are an endangered species and in recent years their population has plummeted.

As well as reducing elver numbers this type of illegal fishing adds to the decline in stocks of adult eels. Elvers are also a valuable source of food for natural predators such as otters, kingfishers and heron.

The Parrett plays a vital part in the life of elvers, or baby eels. They enter this stretch of freshwater after a long journey from the Sargasso Sea near Mexico.

A fixed engine also has a serious impact on the wider aquatic environment because it indiscriminately catches large amounts of other species that become trapped and crushed in these nets. As a result, it is illegal to attach any other instrument to an elver dip net.

These nets give offenders an unfair advantage over law-abiding fishermen. At the time elvers were selling at £220 per kilogram and Mr Palmer would have gained financially from his actions.

‘Illegal fishing enables people to catch more than their fair share of elvers. It harms the environment by removing food for other creatures and is unfair to law-abiding elver fishermen. We will not tolerate fixed nets and will prosecute anyone we catch using them on the River Parrett,’ said Richard Dearnley for the Environment Agency.

Matthew Palmer, of King George Avenue, Bridgwater was fined a total of £550 and ordered to pay £500 costs by Bridgwater magistrates for offences under The Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and the National Eel Fishing Byelaws 2004. He was also disqualified from holding an elver licence for a year.The case was heard on June 25, 2010.

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‘Eel’ be back - thanks to new river passes

Published: 02-Jul-10

A critically endangered fish which has seen its numbers sink dramatically over the past 30 years has been passed a lifeline by the Environment Agency.

Four new eel passes have been created on the River Nene, River Steeping, Kyme Eau and River Glen to help the creatures migrate around flood defence structures that would otherwise block their path.

The passes have been installed at Castor Mill, near Alwalton, Cambridgeshire, and at three sites in Lincolnshire: Havenhouse Tidal Sluice, on the River Steeping near Skegness, Bottom Lock on the Kyme Eau near Chapel Hill, and the River Glen at Surfleet Seas End, near Surfleet.

The specially designed structures will help young eels – elvers – swim upstream of the obstacles and also allow mature eels to migrate back to the sea. A further pass has been installed on the River Witham at Bargate Sluice, Lincoln, and there are plans to put one on the Maxey Cut, near Peterborough.

Caroline Tero, Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said: “Impassable river barriers have contributed to the recent drop in the numbers of eel and elver seen in our rivers. Barriers can lower the survival rate of juvenile eels moving upstream and also prevent adult eels from returning to the sea to spawn.

“The new passes increase the habitat available to the eels and make it much simpler for them to get around the man-made barriers.”

European eels have suffered a massive decline in numbers since the 1980s. It is thought the number of young eels entering rivers in the UK and the rest of Europe has fallen by 95 per cent.

The eel passes, which cost £11,000, were funded by Defra as part of the Environment Agency’s Eel Management Plan.

The Eel Management Plan aims to prevent a further reduction in eel numbers by enabling more of the creatures to mature and leave the rivers to return to their spawning ground in the Sargasso Sea. Measures being taken include better regulation of eel fishing, installation of eel passes and screening at water intakes, improving habitats, re-stocking and increased monitoring.

Currently, eels and elvers support economically important fisheries in the UK and Europe.

Caroline said: “The eel is of ecological and economic importance at all stages of its incredible life. It is vital that action is taken now to prevent their possible extinction. By installing passes on rivers in Lincolnshire and elsewhere, we can help these critically endangered creatures fulfil their lifecycle and support the environment and economy.”

Notes to editors:

All European eels share the only known spawning ground in an area of the Sargasso sea, south of Bermuda. Eel larvae follow the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift to return to Europe metamorphosing into glass eels when they reach the continental shelf. Glass eels are attracted to freshwater and enter UK rivers in spring, historically in great numbers

After an average of six years for males and nine years for females, eels begin to mature, stop feeding and become silver in colouration. Silver eels swim downstream towards the sea to begin the long migration of 5,500km back to the Sargasso Sea, where they spawn and die.

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Access berm for drain anglers Anglian

Published: 08-Jul-10

Work has begun (5 July) on the banks of the North Forty Foot Drain to create a new low level berm to make access for angling easier and safer.

The Environment Agency and the angling community of Boston are working in partnership with Black Sluice Drainage Board to carry out the work to improve the stretch for anglers and wildlife.

Coir (coconut fibre) rolls which have been planted with native marginal aquatic plants will add both aesthetic appeal and conservation benefits for such species as water vole.

The North Forty Foot Drain is a popular semi-urban fishery managed by the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board and frequented by local anglers who fish for roach, tench perch, bream and pike.

The partnership scheme has been joint funded by the Environment Agency (£4,500) and the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board (£3,700).

Local anglers have welcomed the improvements which are along 500m of the left bank and are planning to run a series of angling matches and coaching sessions for local young people and junior angling club sections.

Reuben Page, of the Environment Agency Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team, said: ‘This initiative demonstrates the advantages of interested groups working together.

‘Angling is one of a very few participation sports which does not discriminate, no matter what the ability or level of skill. Anyone can enjoy this rewarding and therapeutic sport which can bring physical, emotional and social benefits to those taking part.’

The work is expected to take about eight days

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Churnet survey will reveal pollution impact Midlands

Published: 01-Jul-10

On Tuesday 6 July, the Environment Agency’s Central Midands Fisheries Team will be carrying out a survey of fish stocks in the River Churnet following a pollution incident in December 2008 which killed over 700 fish, including more than 300 brown trout.

Churnet survey will reveal pollution impact
On Tuesday 6 July, the Environment Agency’s Central Midands Fisheries Team will be carrying out a survey of fish stocks in the River Churnet following a pollution incident in December 2008 which killed over 700 fish, including more than 300 brown trout.

The survey will be carried out up-stream of the road bridge on Abbey Green Road, Leek, Staffordshire to find out if the trout population is showing signs of recovery and to estimate the population of brook lampreys.

To obtain this information our highly qualified and experienced fisheries officers lightly stun the fish in the river with an electric current for long enough to catch them in a net. They are then placed into oxygenated water until they can be measured.

A sample is taken of the scales of each trout captured. These samples are sent for examination at the National Fisheries Laboratory to find the age and growth rate.

All fish are returned to the river unharmed.

Fisheries Officer Mick Buxton says “This stretch of the River Churnet was affected by a pollution incident in December 2008 and we need to know what long term impact, if any, there has been. A healthy population of fish and invertebrates is a good indication of a healthy river so this survey will tell us how well the river is recovering.

“Generally, our rivers are the healthiest they have been for 20 years, but we need to do even more to meet stringent new standards under the European Water Framework Directive. We're working with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality.”

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Environment Agency hooks a bumper catch of angling cheats Midlands

Published: 30-Jun-10

Environment Agency hooks a bumper catch of angling cheats
Over last weekend, 26 and 27 June 2010, Environment Agency officers were out and about checking rod licences in targeted fisheries in the Midlands region which are known to have a higher-than-average evasion rate.

Officers expectations turned out to be well founded. They visited lakes and pools in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire where they found a whopping 11% of anglers were not able to produce a licence and there was no record of them having made a purchase.

Environmental Crime Team Leader for fisheries Al Watson said "This is a worrying result and one that we hope will not turn into a trend. We realise that the recession and the World Cup could dent licence sales and even reverse some of the strong sales last year"

He went on to explain "Every licence evasion means less money to spend on protecting and improving the nation's fisheries. It is wrong that most pay and some choose not to. The weekend's results show that its not worth trying to cheat your fellow anglers. At just £27 a licence is still great value."

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Environment Agency rescue stranded Teme fish Midlands

Published: 30-Jun-10

Tomorrow, Thursday 1 July 2010, the Environment Agency will be carrying out the second phase of a fish rescue on the River Teme between Leintwardine and Knighton.

Environment Agency rescue stranded Teme fish
Tomorrow, Thursday 1 July 2010, the Environment Agency will be carrying out the second phase of a fish rescue on the River Teme between Leintwardine and Knighton.

Falling river levels on the River Teme, caused by the recent hot dry weather, have seen some sections of the river flow through rather than over the gravel beds. This has left fish stranded in isolated pools where they are at risk of suffocating due to lack of oxygen.

This is a natural event and occurs from time to time on this part of the Teme. We have been monitoring the welfare of the fish for some days and, yesterday, fisheries officers took urgent action to save over 1,000 fish. They included about 60 brown trout, 40 salmon and 1,000 of various other species.

More fish will be rescued tomorrow. They will need to be carefully stunned using a light electric current and transported to other parts of the river where they will be released safely into deeper water.

Fisheries Technical Specialist Chris Bainger says: "Time is running out for these fish and, if we do nothing they will die. The recent hot dry weather has caused river levels on the Teme to fall, leaving them stranded.

“Tomorrow, we will rescue more fish and take them to a safe location. This is part of the work we do to protect fish and conserve fish stocks during these weather conditions. It is made possible by the contributions of anglers through their rod licence fees.”

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New byelaw to protect coarse fish from 'light-fingered' anglers South West

Published: 29-Jun-10

The Environment Agency has a new weapon in its armoury to combat the illegal removal of fish from the region's ponds, lakes and canals

New byelaw to protect coarse fish from 'light-fingered' anglers
The Environment Agency has a new weapon in its armoury to combat the illegal removal of fish from the region's ponds, lakes and canals

A new byelaw came into force on June 1, 2010 making it an offence for anglers to remove any coarse fish they catch in local waters. A growing number of carp, pike and other species are being removed and either eaten or used for re-stocking other waters.

Previously, it was the responsibility of a fishery owner to prevent fish from being illegally removed, but the rules were difficult to enforce. Anglers making off with their catch were technically committing an act of theft.

The new byelaw gives the Environment Agency additional enforcement powers and ‘light-fingered’ anglers now run the risk of ending up in court and being fined.

Fisheries targeted by anglers with a taste for freshly-caught carp, tench or pike include the Tiverton Canal in Devon where law-abiding anglers are concerned at the number of fish being removed from their local club water. In some cases the fish are larger specimens vital to the local breeding stock.

‘While we are happy to see anglers enjoying a day’s sport, they must return their catch to the water unharmed and not be tempted to take it home for dinner. On the Tiverton Canal fish are mainly being removed for the table as opposed to re-stocking other waters. It is causing resentment and bad-feeling among law-abiding anglers,’ said Nick Maye for the Environment Agency.

The unlicensed taking of fish for re-stocking is also illegal because it can spread fish diseases between waters and wipe out stocks. ‘We will be stepping up our riverbank patrols and won’t hesitate to prosecute anyone we find illegally taking fish,’ said Nick Maye.

The Agency is working with local angling clubs to raise awareness of the new byelaw and help safeguard fish stocks.

Pike was regularly served up in the Middle Ages and carp were ‘farmed’ in special ponds at monasteries. Apart from eels, coarse fish are rarely eaten in the UK today. Anyone fishing UK stillwaters must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence that prohibits the illegal removal of coarse fish without the owner’s permission .

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Water company fined for polluting Sussex river with raw sewage Southern

Published: 28-Jun-10

Southern Water was fined £3,000 after it admitted polluting 2km of a Sussex stream with raw sewage, killing up to a hundred brown trout and devastating the fish population for the second time in five years.

Water company fined for polluting Sussex river with raw sewage
Southern Water was fined £3,000 after it admitted polluting 2km of a Sussex stream with raw sewage, killing up to a hundred brown trout and devastating the fish population for the second time in five years.

On Friday 25 June, Crawley Magistrates’ Court heard that the Environment Agency received calls from members of the public after dead fish were seen in the Sunnyside Stream in East Grinstead on 30 August last year (2009).

Environment officers who went to the site found nearly 100 dead brown trout along 2km of the stream. Water sampling take at the site found that dissolved oxygen in the stream was as low as 25 per cent along the stretch and there were traces of ammonia in the water.

Officers traced the source of the pollution to a sewer pipe in nearby Brooklands Park. Subsidence below the pipe led to it buckling and eventually breaking, which led to the sewage getting into the stream.

The court heard that a similar incident in September 2005 occurred along the same sewer line running through Brooklands Park. That killed nearly 500 fish in the same stream, and it is probable that the fish population was still recovering, which led to less deaths on this occasion.

The company knew that the sewer was in an environmentally sensitive location, and a Hawkeye remote telemetry system was installed in 2008. This triggers alarms if flows exceed or fall below certain thresholds. However, in this instance, because the leak was a slow one the system did not pick it up.

Environment Agency Area Manager James Humphrys said: “The Environment Agency tries to take a constructive approach to regulation and avoid unnecessary prosecutions. This was clearly a serious incident which affected the health of the stream and led to the deaths of around 100 brown trout. The stream is also home to brook lamprey, which are a protected species.

“This is the second time the stream has been spoiled by sewage pollution, and we are pleased the court has given Southern Water a hefty financial reminder to all water companies and other businesses that they must take their environmental responsibilities seriously. “

Southern Water pleaded guilty to one charge of polluting a water course in breach of Water Resources Act. The court fined the company £3,000 and ordered it to pay £4,833 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

For further information please contact the Environment Agency Southern Region Press Office on 01903 832235 or 01903 832364. If you are calling out of normal office hours please call our duty press officer on 07699 740 959.

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New survey of Severn fish stocks

Wednesday (16 June).
Today (Wednesday 16 June 2010), to coincide with the start of open season, the Environment Agency has started a new survey of coarse fish populations in the River Severn between Shrewsbury and Bewdley.

We are asking anglers fishing along this stretch of river for their help to enable us to develop a picture of the stocks of fish and how far anglers come to fish there.

Anglers may be approached by Environment Agency officers for information about their catch and their day’s fishing.

We will be asking them:

where they have been fishing that day and for how long
what coarse fish they have caught and how many, including the species and size
how long it has taken them to catch the fish
what methods they used to catch the fish
We are also interested in knowing where anglers travel from to fish on the River Severn so that we can develop a picture of how far people will come to fish these waters.

Fisheries Officer Chris Bainger says “Electro-fishing, our usual method for establishing fish stocks, is not effective on the River Severn as the river is too big so we are asking anglers for their help in establishing how well stocked the River Severn is along this stretch. The information will be used only to allow us to get a picture of how many coarse fish live here and how far anglers will come to fish these waters.

“Don’t be surprised if you meet our Fisheries Officers and, if you are approached, please give them as much information as you can so that we can ensure that coarse fish stocks in the river meet the needs and expectations of its anglers now and in the future.”

The survey is expected to continue for at least the next twelve months and is part of our work to improve river quality under the Water Framework Directive.

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The coarse fishing season on rivers kicks off

Wednesday (16 June).

Anglers across the country are getting ready for the start of the coarse fishing season on rivers beginning this

The Environment Agency is reminding anglers that they must have a valid rod licence to fish and that fishery bailiffs will be on patrol. Anyone caught fishing without a rod licence or breaching other byelaws could be fined up to £2,500.

In the East of England and Lincolnshire almost 240,000 rod licences were sold last year, with Environment Agency bailiffs checking nearly 20,000 anglers for licences at 4,000 locations. The Agency was pleased to find that that over 97% of anglers checked had valid licences, with the money raised through rod licence sales invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers.

Roger Handford, Environment Agency Regional Strategic Specialist Fisheries said: “The new season on rivers remains an exciting date in many anglers’ diaries. We are working hard to protect and improve the fish stocks in all our rivers.

“Income from rod licence sales is reinvested into our fisheries work and providing improved angling facilities. Last year we spent over £500,000 on projects, with a similar amount planned to be spent this year.”

Throughout the East of England and Lincolnshire there are varied and interesting fishing opportunities included in the Environment Agency’s ‘Where to Fish Guide’ which gives details of local fisheries and angling clubs. This can be downloaded from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fisheries.

Rod licence fees are essential in improving and maintaining fisheries. The Environment Agency has recently undertaken work on the River Ise, Great Eau and Staithe Beck, which includes a new spawning habitat and fish passes for eels and other species.

The Agency has created a new fishery for angler coaching in Peterborough, in partnership with the Nene Park Trust, and is studying in detail the fish stocks in the River Welland and investigating the impacts of silt and sediment with the Game Conservancy Trust and the newly formed local Rivers Trust.

In addition, the Environment Agency has recently been undertaking work on the River Stour in Essex; this has included installing fish passes for eels and other species.

The Agency has improved access for anglers on the Norfolk Broads by constructing new angling platforms, and is studying the behaviour and survival of roach and barbel stocked into the River Wensum in order to understand where these species spawn and how they are affected by activities such as weed cutting and sluice operation.

The Environment Agency has also worked closely with South Cambridgeshire District Council to improve 2km of habitat on the river Cam and has installed new easy access angling platforms on the Upper Ouse near Milton Keynes.

20 barbel have been electronically tagged on the Great Ouse as part of a detailed investigation by Hull International Fisheries Institute. The fish will be tracked over the next two years to see where they live, and the habitat they prefer at different times of the year.

An annual rod licence for the 2010/11 season costs £27 for non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels or £72 for salmon and migratory trout. Concessionary licences, which cost £5, are available to juvenile anglers (aged 12-16). Anglers under 12 do not require a licence.

Anglers over 65 and anyone with a Blue Badge parking concession or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance also pay the concessionary adult rate of £18 (non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels) and £48 (salmon and migratory trout).

One and eight-day licences for occasional anglers are also available for £3.75 and £10.

Licences can be bought using a credit or debit card by calling the Environment Agency’s telesales line on 0844 800 5386.

Alternatively, they can be obtained from any Post Office or via the internet at

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence

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Phone for fish in distress

Published: 15-Jun-10

An appeal has gone out for people to be vigilant for fish in distress as they can often be helped if the Environment Agency is informed soon enough.

Fish breathe by taking in dissolved oxygen from water through their gills. In summer, heavy rain combined with warm temperatures can cause very low dissolved oxygen levels in watercourses. This can result in distress in the fish population and even death.

The tell tale signs of fish in distress are fish gasping at the surface of the water, looking inactive at the edge of the water or swimming on their sides or upside down.

Members of the public are being asked to report any sightings on the Environment Agency incident hotline number 0800 80 70 60 so that officers can investigate.

Fish can often be saved if they are helped quickly. Low levels of dissolved oxygen can be raised with the use of aerators or hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down and releases oxygen into the water, to help save fish in distress.

Samantha Sharpe, Environment Agency environment officer said: “Fish in distress are a sign of poor water quality. If anyone spots numbers of fish in distress they should contact our hotline, with a clear description and the location of the problem. This information is crucial to our being able to act quickly to save the fish and look for the cause of the problem.”

Different species of fish can tolerate different levels of dissolved oxygen, for example trout need a much higher water quality than pike but they all have limits and are harmed by rapid changes in the quality of the water.

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Young anglers excel at London Youth Games

Published: 11-Jun-10

The London Borough of Enfield have won the gold medal in the angling at this year’s London Youth Games. Enfield won the award after catching 229lbs 4oz of fish at the event at Tylers Common Fishery near Romford, on Saturday 29 May.

The team’s most prolific individual was Matt Oliver who reeled in a whopping 167lbs 12oz of fish on the day, a junior record for the Ash Lake at the venue. Oliver also took the overall individual prize on the day. Hillingdon were silver medallists with 136lbs 2oz and Greenwich took bronze with 102lb 6oz.

The event, supported by the Environment Agency, was an excellent opportunity for children of all ages to compete at angling. Fisheries staff were at the Games to see first hand the achievements of the youngsters from all across the capital as they fished for carp, roach, bream, tench, rudd and perch.

The London Youth Games provide a great chance for children to take part in the sport, even if they lack suitable angling and coaching facilities in their home boroughs. In total 44 young anglers representing 18 London boroughs competed in the final.

Each mixed team comprises up to 3 anglers from each borough aged between 7 and 18, with one junior Year 9 and under and two seniors Year 12 and under. The seniors tackled the venue’s Horseshoe Lake, whilst the juniors fished the Ash Lake. The London Youth Games is Europe’s largest annual youth sports event. In 2009 around 47,000 kids took part in 30 sports from all 33 London boroughs.

As befits the ambitious angler, individual winner Matt Oliver spoke about ‘the one that got away’, he said: “I caught lots around the edge. My favourite catch was an 8lb common carp and I lost one that was about 15lb. It’s important for me to win because I really enjoy fishing. I like representing the borough. It’s good to show I do something for the community.”

Emma Barton, a fisheries officer from the Environment Agency said: “We are always keen to introduce more young people to angling and the London Youth Games is a great opportunity to see young people interacting with the sport. We are really pleased to have been a part of this very impressive event and hope that it will encourage many more young people to take up angling and enjoy their local fisheries and waterways.

“The London borough of Enfield performed brilliantly on the day, and it was particularly exciting to see such high standards during the competition. We look forward to meeting more young anglers down at the river bank or at fisheries in the future.”

Angling provides young people with the opportunity to engage with their local environment in a positive way. The Environment Agency works in partnership with local authorities to develop sustainable fisheries and open up the sport to youngsters from a wide range of backgrounds by providing advice and assistance with funding and coaching. The Environment Agency actively encourages young people to participate in angling and is involved in a number of projects to promote the sport, for example organising events at urban lakes and providing free coaching. The Environment Agency also supports professional coaching schemes such as the Catch 21 London angling programme run by the environment charity Thames21, which particularly focuses on deprived areas.

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Environment Agency saves Tame fish

Published: 11-Jun-10

Swift action by the Environment Agency saved the lives of thousands of fish in the River Tame near Lea Marston this week.

Heavy downpours over Birmingham on the evening of Wednesday 9 June flushed large quantities of water from hard surfaces such as roads and pavements into the River Tame. This water caused oxygen levels in the River Tame to fall significantly during the early hours of Thursday 10 June.

During dry weather, surface water drains such as road gullies in towns and cities collect all sorts of pollution, such as leaked oil from vehicle engines and a general accumulation of debris from roads, and the torrential rain washes this into the river.

Our officers were monitoring the situation and acted quickly to raise oxygen levels in the river by dosing it with hydrogen peroxide.

Conditions in the river improved significantly downstream at Kingsbury as a result of our actions and the river has now stabilised. There have been no reports of dead or distressed fish.

Urban run off resulting from similar heavy storm rainfall last summer led to the deaths of thousands of fish in the River Tame. In a major exercise towards the end of 2009, the Environment Agency re-stocked the Tame with 24,500 fish to replace those which died in urban pollution incidents such as this

Environment Management Team Leader Keith Boyle says “People can help protect the environment and wildlife by making sure that as far as possible only rainwater goes down surface water drains such as road gullies. Fixing engine oil leaks and making sure substances such as oil and chemicals do not find their way into the drains will go a long way towards improving the water quality in our urban streams and rivers.”

The Environment Agency is committed to improving the quality of rivers and lakes in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive - see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33106.aspx. The River Basin Management Plan is about the pressures facing the water environment in this river basin district, and the actions that will address them. It has been prepared in consultation with a wide range of organisations and individuals and is the first of a series of six-year planning cycles.

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Help stitch together a picture of fisheries crime

Published: 25-May-10

The Environment Agency has launched an operation to protect fish stocks across Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire against criminals.

Operation launched to reel in criminals
Operation Tapestry aims to tackle large-scale illegal fishing activities such as netting and the use of long-lines - a fixed unattended line with one or more baited hooks attached - as well as illegal movements of fish from one body of water to another.

Tapestry is being led by the Environment Agency’s Environmental Crime Team. The operation will gather intelligence that will be used to build up a picture of where illegal activities are taking place and deploy resources to catch those who are responsible.

Environmental Crime Officer Mark Rumble said: “We need to reel in the perpetrators of these crimes. Some of these fish are worth quite a lot of money. A big specimen carp can be worth up to £5,000 and a lot of carp are illegally imported from Europe where they grow bigger. One diseased or parasite-carrying fish introduced into another fishery can have a massive impact on that fishery.”

As well as targeting people who illegally remove fish from lakes and rivers, Operation Tapestry will also help to protect eels. Eel numbers have crashed by 95 per cent since the 1980’s yet they are often caught here illegally for shipping abroad to be sold throughout Europe and the Far East.

A dedicated information hotline has been set up on 01522 785894 for people with information and intelligence about illegal fish movement or removal. If, however, a crime is in progress, witnesses should ring 0800 807060 to report it. Supporting information such as vehicle registration numbers and any other evidence is very useful.

Mark said: “The Environment Agency recognises there is a problem with this sort of activity and we have launched Operation Tapestry to gather the evidence we need to do something about it. We will still respond to incidents when they happen but will also now be recording information to build up a picture of where we have problems and identify those responsible.

“This type of crime threatens the livelihoods of law-abiding fisheries owners, the future of angling and the environment. Illegal catching and movement of fish can introduce disease and pose a danger to aquatic mammals and other creatures that may get caught as a result of the trapping methods used.

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Environment Agency technical officers are currently investigating after at least 300 trout were killed in a stretch of the East Looe River, near Liskeard, Cornwall
Published: 24-Aug-10

Environment Agency technical officers are currently investigating after at least 300 trout were killed in a stretch of the East Looe River, near Liskeard, Cornwall yesterday (Sunday, 22 August).
The Environment Agency was alerted after a call was received from a member of the public saying a large number of dead fish were found floating in the river.
Environment Officers arrived at the scene to find hundreds of fish dead or dying and a stretch of the main river from Liskeard down to the tidal limit affected by the incident.
Dead fish were collected from a 2.5km stretch of the East Looe River. A total of 190 sea trout and 136 juvenile trout together with a small number of salmon were found.
Jon Snowden, from the Environment Agency, said: ‘This is a serious incident which is obviously devastating for the fish population on this stretch of the river where we estimate at least 300 trout have been killed. We are conducting a full and thorough investigation into this incident.
‘Our environment officers were on site on Sunday collecting evidence and sampling, and we have staff taking further water and sediment samples from the river today. We will also be carrying out an ecological survey.’
The Environment Agency continues to investigate the possible cause of the pollution and is awaiting results from the samples sent to the laboratories.
‘We welcome the public reporting the incident, which gave us an opportunity to respond to the incident swiftly. If anyone has any information about the fish kill or sees further fish in distress, we urge them to contact us immediately on our incident hotline 0800 80 70 60,’ added Jon Snowden.
Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s 24 hour emergency hotline on 0800 807060.

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Environment Agency bailiffs will be out in force over the August Bank Holiday visiting waters in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. They will be checking that all anglers have a valid rod licence and are using legal methods.
Published: 24-Aug-10

Rod licence checks
Since 1 April 2010, Environment Agency bailiffs have checked about 1,300 anglers for licences at more than 500 locations across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. A few have been found to be taking a chance and fishing without a licence – consequently, they have been issued with offence tickets and may appear in court.

Chris Reeds, of the Environment Agency, said: “All the money the Environment Agency receives from rod licence sales is ploughed back into making our fisheries better, so the people who don’t buy a licence are just cheating their sport and other anglers.

“We take rod licence evasion very seriously and anyone thinking of fishing without one should watch out, because there will be a bailiff about.”

Anglers must be in possession of a licence before fishing and must be able to produce it when requested by an Environment Agency bailiff or other authorised person.

Licences may be bought from post offices, via the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish) or by dialling 08701 662662 (telesales). They run from 1 April to 31 March and two are required if an angler is using three or four rods.

Anyone caught without a valid rod licence can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500.

Income from rod licence sales is used by the Environment Agency to fund vital work to maintain healthy fisheries. These include the National Fisheries Project Programme which invests around £2-million per year into local fisheries projects, designed to improve angling opportunities for anglers of all abilities nationwide.

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Fishing tournament off to a flyer
Published: 23-Aug-10

Anglers are preparing for the next competition in the North East Rivers Championship.

The contest got underway on Sunday, 15 August, with the 7th annual fishing match on the River Tyne, the first tournament in a three-river series in the north east.

The other two tournaments take place on the Wear on Sunday, 12 September, and on the Tees on Sunday, 10 October.

The Tyne match showed the river is a real stronghold for dace and has good populations of chub, roach and gudgeon.

One hundred anglers fished the match, and there were 34 double figure weights.

Tyne results:
1st Darren Howgate with 61lb 12oz
2nd Mick Potter, 35lb 14oz
3rd Charlie Burnside, 34lb 12oz
4th C Setterfield, 34lb 4oz
5th Peter Close, 33lbs 8.5oz

Niall Cook also won a prize for catching the heaviest eel – weighing in at 14oz. Twenty-seven eels were caught and returned during the match. This is a good result as eel numbers are currently in serious decline.

The North East Rivers Championship is pioneering in England and Wales as it also provides important data on fish stocks, which is difficult and expensive to obtain by other survey methods.

At the Tyne match, the Environment Agency collected data about the population of coarse fish and also about the numbers of brown trout.

Early indications show that there were more small dace present than in previous years, which could show an improvement in coarse fish breeding.

Previous surveys have shown that the Tyne is one of the best rivers for dace in the country, while the river is already renowned as the best salmon and sea trout river in England and Wales.

During the Tyne match, 72 rod licence checks were also carried out, and no-one was found to be without a licence.

Environment Agency fisheries officer Robert Stevenson said: “These events are really important, not just because they are fun to take part in and great for promoting angling, but because they are a cost-effective way of keeping track on fish stocks in rivers – which helps us identify where any action is needed in the future.

“My thanks go out to angling clubs and landowners, who are important partners in helping to organise the events.”

The Environment Agency also decided to create an overall series prize for the North East Rivers championship this year, with prizes for the angler with the highest points total scored over the three events.

Maver (UK) has sponsored the events and has supplied more than £2,000 worth of tackle for prizes.

Six hundred pounds in ticket sales from the Tyne tournament was donated to the Tyne Rivers Trust.

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