Keeping the fish fed during lockdown

FISHERIES nationwide are stocking up on pellets to keep their valuable stocks fed during the lockdown period.

Fish are at their hungriest now and are looking to feed up prior to spawning, so keeping them in top condition is essential.

One such fishery preparing a lockdown feeding programme is Stafford Moor in Devon. Owner Joanne Coombes says:

“We’ve just paid over £1,000 to have a tonne of pellets delivered. It’s important we keep our livestock fed while anglers aren’t fishing and putting bait in.”

Advice has been released by the Institute of Fisheries Management to other venues anxious about the uncertain months ahead. It recommends a regular but limited feeding programme of quality pellets and frequent water quality checks.

The IFM says:

“It is important that fishery managers consider the implications of the loss of anglers’ baits in waters with limited natural food or high stock densities. However, there is a greater risk from over-feeding than under-feeding, so we recommend that managers are very cautious with any feeding regime.”

For the full guidance document, search ‘Institute of Fisheries Management’ on Facebook.