300,000 crucian carp in stocking boost

The largest-ever stocking of crucian carp is set to help secure the future of one of the nation’s favourite species.
Around 300,000 thoroughbred crucians will soon be introduced to two popular venues as part of the already hugely successful National Crucian Conservation Project (NCCP).
Norfolk’s Rocklands Mere Fishery has already received 150,000 of these fish and Downham Market & District AA’s Lake One Fishery at Wallington Hall is the latest venue to be hand-picked by the Environment Agency to receive 150,000 fish donated by its Calverton Fish Farm in Nottingham.
The latest introductions are just two of many ongoing projects that have been launched as part of a joint venture between the EA and the Angling Trust in a bid to re-establish the species, which has been in sharp decline in recent years.
“This is truly fantastic news that will see the project not only help re-establish true crucians in the Norfolk area, but throughout the country as more waters are stocked,” said DMDAA secretary, Ian Harding.
“These crucians are from a pure stock taken originally from a lake near Holt and bred at Calverton – so you know true Norfolk strains can be caught here.
“In years to come we look forward to having prime crucian fishing, as well as providing a source of mature fish for other waters.”
The NCCP is the brainchild of well-known specialist and angling artist Chris Turnbull.
 “It’s been great to see so much interest from fishery owners in the project over the last year,” he said.
“Both Wallington Hall and Rocklands Mere have now taken on 150,000 crucian fry, which is the highest number of stocked crucians to go into any water since the project began.
“These are really encouraging signs, but there is still so much more to be done.”