Trent barbel are the UK's biggest
Barbel in the River Trent are growing 20 percent faster than those in other UK rivers, Angling Times can exclusively reveal.
The findings come from extensive research compiled by the Environment Agency, which used scale samples collected by anglers to show that the growth rates of barbel and chub in the Trent are significantly higher than the national average.
Since June 2017, volunteers from the River Trent Barbel Survey Group have been out fishing 10 locations on the middle and lower river in a bid to catch as many barbel as possible. Once a catch was made, a scale sample was taken by the angler – using a scale removal kit – and sent off to the EA for analysis.
A total of 76 scale removal kits were issued to volunteers and the findings have revealed the first true understanding in River Trent barbel growth.
Karen Twine and Ryan Taylor from the East Midlands Fisheries Team explained the results in more detail.
“As of the end of February 2018, the returns highlighted that 257 barbel were caught by the anglers, which when added to our brood-stock collections from the River Trent provided us with a total of 355 barbel – each of which have had a scale removed and measured,” said Karen Twine.
“The scale samples, along with the questionnaires, also revealed the length and weight of each barbel and chub, the number of barbel and other species caught, which location they were caught at and the time frequency between each catch. “
“This study alone has found that barbel and chub in the River Trent grow faster than the national expected growth rates, with barbel growing approximately
20 percent faster than average.”
Not only have River Trent barbel been growing faster but the scale sample returns have revealed that those caught were aged between three and 14 years old, with the average age at nine years.
The weights of the barbel catches ranged between 1lb 8oz and 15lb 4oz, with an average of 7lb 8oz.
Furthermore, the results revealed that both male and female barbel had a higher growth rate compared to the national average, although the male barbel very rarely exceeded 8lb in weight.
Ryan Taylor added: “The preliminary analysis of the data collected so far is positive, suggesting that the barbel populations on the River Trent are doing well.
“However, there is still a need for further information from anglers fishing all sections of the Trent. We would like anyone who has taken part in the study to send in their data, and anyone interested in the taking part next year to please get in contact.”
“We understand that conditions haven’t been favourable for fishing, but we are hopeful to have a few more returns now that the season has closed. It is likely that new information, especially from areas with little or no data, will have a big impact on final results for the year.”
The EA report in numbers
- 76 Total number of scale removal kits issued
- Number of barbel caught: 257
- 355 Final number of barbel surveyed with brood-stock figures
- Location that produced the most barbel, Averham to Cromwell: 174
- 15lb 4oz Biggest barbel caught by the Barbel Study Group volunteers
- Average age of River Trent barbel: Nine years
- 7lb 8oz Average weight of Trent barbel caught in survey
We asked respected fish scientist and big fish angler Dr Paul Garner to explain why the Trent barbel might be showing such extraordinary growth rates. He said: “A number of factors may have contributed to the increases, the first being the sheer amount of natural food available to the fish. The Trent is a vast waterway that is extremely rich in invertebrates for the barbel to feast on.
“Secondly, from below Nottingham up to Newark you’ll find a number of weirs on the river which are providing warm, oxygenated water for the barbel to thrive in. The Trent is also deep with not a particularly fast flow, meaning that the barbel don’t have to swim against the current all the time, so can put on a lot of weight in a relatively short period of time.”