Radio plea saves carp
An angling club is celebrating a major victory after BBC Radio Two’s coverage of its protest against a planned fish culling operation helped save the lives of over 600lb of carp.
Listeners of the popular Jeremy Vine Show last Tuesday, heard the story of Bristol’s Henleaze AC, who faced the prospect of having fish killed at their Henleaze Lake, after the swimming club that share use of the venue gave the green light to the removal of carp to rectify issues raised by their members over stock management water clarity.
Health checks had previously revealed the lake’s fish had a grade two parasite which prevented them from being transferred to any other water. As such it was initially believed there was no other option than to humanely destroy the 58 carp that had been removed from the lake.
But after hearing the interview with passionate local angler Shaun Pine on BBC Radio 2 the owner of Mainstream Fisheries LTD came to the rescue, agreeing to take the carp to his Lincolnshire-based facility that specialises in treating fish infected with grade two parasites.
“I got straight onto the Environment Agency as I couldn’t let these carp die when I have the ability to treat them and give them new homes,” said company director Carl Francis.
“They put me in touch with the guys at Aquatic Environmental Solutions Europe who were carrying out the electrofishing work at Henleaze Lake and they were delighted to work with me.
“There’s no doubt that the protest and radio coverage saved the lives of those fish,” he added.
Shaun Pine who led the protest was delighted with the outcome.
“It’s been a hard road for the club and myself as this is a problem we’ve faced since 2009. Knowing that these fish don’t have to be killed is a dream come true,” he said.
“I’m so glad that the media coverage brought Mainstream Fisheries LTD to the rescue and the club is now looking forward to working with the Henleaze committee, the swimming club and AES Europe to ensure this fishery continues to thrive and give joy to so many people.”
To listen to the BBC Radio Two interview use this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jmh2f
