Anglers urged to help save fish stocks!
The UK is currently enjoying one of the hottest summers in years but as temperatures hit upwards of 30°C, angling clubs and authorities are taking measures to ensure their river fish remain safe.
The country has seen little or no rain over the last five weeks and this has started to impact on river levels and the fish living in them.
Some river levels have got so low that the Environment Agency has had to step in to intervene – and has recently carried out a fish rescue on a section of the River Teme in Worcestershire after a number of trout and salmon were cut off due to the receding water.
Jason Grant, a communications specialist for the EA, issued a report stating: “The rescue is part of annual response to reports of fish in distress due to natural processes that reduce oxygen levels in the water.
“Where necessary, fish will be rescued and transferred to another river.
“During dry spells it’s not unusual for some rivers and lakes in fast-responding catchments to deplete quickly, even during short periods of low rainfall, although they tend to recover quickly when the rain returns.
“At this time of year the Environment Agency is always ready to respond to pressure on rivers caused by low flows, and we continue to monitor the water situation.
“If anyone sees any fish in distress, or a suspected river pollution, we ask they please call 0800 80 70 60 so the Environment Agency can respond to protect the environment.”
River anglers are also being urged to take extra care when returning fish to the water during the hot weather.
The news comes after Angling Times received a number of reports of barbel being found dead on popular stretches of river.
The situation has become a cause for concern, particularly for the Barbel Society, which has now closed its river venues until conditions improve.
Chris Jones is the membership secretary for the Society, and he said: “Our waters are among some of the best remaining barbel fisheries in the country.
“The decision to temporarily close our waters was made by a unanimous committee decision on the July 6... in the best interests of the fish, our members and the fisheries themselves.
“As it happened, we were pleased that many of our members had already ceased fishing, and all have supported our decision.
“With such low dissolved oxygen levels, barbel will struggle to regain oxygen into their bloodstreams after the exertions of being caught.
“Further, normal reduction of river plant photosynthesis, or algal blooms, during low light and darkness means sub-surface plants consume more oxygen – only adding to the problem.
“We all know our barbel populations are suffering for a number of reasons, so it is imperative that we all protect what we have left.
“We will be monitoring the situation regularly so that our waters can be re-opened as soon as possible. In the meantime we thank our bailiffs for their daily efforts in policing this decision.”
3 tips to ensure fish go back strongly in hot weather
1) After the fight leave the fish in the net within the water for at least five minutes to allow for recovery.
2) Specifically with barbel, bream and chub, hold them around the belly and the wrist of the tail and point their heads upstream so that the water can enter their gills
3) Don’t release the fish into fast-flowing water – find a shallow area with moderate flow. Barbel in particular can take up to 30 minutes to recover. They should only be released when they start to swim strongly.