Environment Agency: January Update
Hello from everyone at the Environment Agency.
We are pleased to be bringing you our first update of 2021! As we start the year, we continue to be on the ground patrolling areas and making sure people are fishing safely and legally. We have also been using sonar to rapidly detect any illegal traps and monitor our fish stocks. Our national fish farm has also been very busy with a Christmas restocking, with rivers across the country receiving a boost to their fish populations.
EA Calverton fish farm boosts fish numbers across the country
Over Christmas and into the new year, the EA’s national fish farm has been hard at work restocking fisheries across England. In the North East, over 26,000 fish were stocked – including chub, barbel, dace, bream, crucian carp and more. The East Midlands saw 3,000 18 month old fish stocked in the River Derwent in Derbyshire and the River Soar in Leicestershire. In the East of England, our fisheries officers picked up a range of fish including Tench, Bream, Barbel and Crucian Carp from the Environment Agency’s Fish Farm to restock the Nene and a number of Stillwater fisheries across the Welland and Nene Catchment.
This work is part of our ongoing commitment to develop, restore and create fisheries to boost opportunities for anglers. Our restocking efforts, funded by income received from the sale of fishing licences, primarily aid recovery following pollution incidents, providing a positive impact on our wider ecology and environment.
Over 26,000 fish were stocked by the EA over Christmas and New Year
EA crackdown on illegal activity continues
The Environment Agency will always prioritise protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment. Our commitment to this does not change while dealing with the effects of coronavirus. Our fisheries officers are out on the ground checking licences and carrying out intelligence-led patrols to prevent illegal and harmful activity, supported with information gathered by the Voluntary Bailiff Service.
In Lincs and Northants, EA staff have put a stop to illegal fishing attempts, recently retrieving illegal crayfish traps from the River Welland. These illegal methods can trap eels, protected native crayfish, water voles, otters and coarse fish. They are a significant risk to wildlife and fish stocks. We urge everyone to report any sightings of illegal nets or traps to our 24 hour incident hotline 0800 807060 so we can investigate. This is all part of our work to protect wildlife and the environment.
In Greater Manchester, we are currently undertaking an investigation into reports of an illegal stocking of tiger trout into a fishery. The intelligence we receive from your calls assists us in our ability to stop and prevent potentially harmful activity. Illegal stockings can lead to improper management of species which if allowed into the wider environment can pose threat to native fish.
We’re pleased fishing has been allowed to continue during the current lockdown and we are also glad to see the wellbeing benefits of this sport are being recognised. However, we must urge all anglers to act in a way that is safe and in compliance with the latest government guidance. For further guidance, see the Angling Trust's guide for anglers.
An illegal trap removed by the EA
Get Fishing Fund still open!
In December, we announced a new £100k ‘Get Fishing Fund’ to encourage more people to give fishing ago. The fund, which is distributed on our behalf by the Angling Trust, supports participation events and is available to angling clubs, coaches and fisheries but also to non- angling organisations such as schools, local authorities or charities based in England.
The fund is still open to applicants who are looking to develop an event when it is safe and legally permitted to do so. Apply at: grants.anglingtrust.net/online-application-forms/
EA deploys sonar survey boat in Lincolnshire
The Lincs and Northants team has a range of different boats that are used for our enforcement work and surveys. Our sonar survey boat has been out regularly over the last 12 months investigating critical flood defences as well as supporting our enforcement efforts. The high-resolution underwater images means the boat can check for nets/lines in the water and monitor fish populations more accurately across larger watercourses. We have recently been surveying the lower Welland in South Lincolnshire - no nets or lines were discovered and the results from the fish population survey results were good, a large shoal of overwintering bream were present in the section. The footage collected has been turned into a short documentary on the survey method and the results. Keep an eye out as this will soon be available on our Youtube channel. Remember to subscribe as further monitoring videos illustrating the work we do using sonar will follow!
The sonar boat deployed by the Lincs and Northants team
Environment Agency: December Update
Hello from everyone at the Environment Agency,
This month, we bring you our final update of 2020. Team EA had a busy year responding to the pressures of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic while remaining focussed and committed to protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment.
We have had an exciting month, with our teams in the North West reporting news of Arctic Charr sightings – a species once on the brink of extinction, but now thriving thanks to the hard work of our team and local partners. It has also been a month of discovery, with our teams in Kent freeing the long-buried Basted stream which will offer future habitat to wildlife and fish species as well as reducing the risk of flooding.
As always, across the country, our fisheries enforcement officers with support from the Voluntary Bailiff Service (VBS) have been out on patrol to investigate any signs of potentially damaging and illegal activity.
14 illegal traps seized across Essex and Suffolk
Our team in the East has been exceptionally busy, working throughout lockdown to remain vigilant of any activity that could harm our precious fish species and wildlife. Between March and the end of November this year, the team has seized an impressive 14 illegal traps and successfully deterred opportunist anglers fishing illegally with regular patrols. We encourage anyone to get in touch if they spot anything suspicious.
Our enforcement officers in the North East have also been cracking down on illegal activity, joining forces with our team in Yorkshire to combat crime across their shared border. On the 18th November, the teams carried out a night-time operation targeting coastal streams in South East Cleveland and North Yorkshire as well as the River Esk. By sharing intelligence, the teams were able to protect fish entering streams at the coast which are more vulnerable to netting and gaffing.
Some of the illegal fish traps seized by the EA in December.
Operation Leviathan leads to 48 prosecutions
In the North west, our Fisheries Officers have been working alongside the Angling Trust and Merseyside Police Officers from the Wildlife and Rural Crime Team to crack down on illegal fishing and anti- social behaviour at local fishing hotspots.
Operation Leviathan was launched in 2015 and is managed by the Angling Trust with help from our officers and local constabularies to target fish theft, illegal fishing and any criminality associated with it.
Under this ongoing operation, our local Fisheries Enforcement Officers have been assisting in joint patrols and sharing intelligence with the local Rural Crime Team. Thanks to this latest investigation, 48 people across the North west have been prosecuted for offences such as anti-social behaviour and fishing without permission - 41 of which did not have a rod licence.
Income from rod licence sales is vital for the preservation and enhancement of our much-loved species and fishing hotspots. Fishing without a licence is not only illegal, but also takes away income that would otherwise be invested into our fisheries and angling communities.
We therefore greatly appreciate the information we receive via calls to our helpline. Your descriptions allow us to assess the appropriate course of action and direct our resources in the most efficient and impactful way. By carrying out enforcement underpinned by intelligence, we significantly increase our ability to put a stop to illegal and harmful activity. We can identify hotspots of potentially illegal activity which with the help of the Police and partners we can put a stop to. Recently our teams, guided by intelligence, were on the ground in Kent and South London checking licences. Working with the Police and local partners, we were able to put a stop to 45 anglers fishing without a licence.
The Operation Leviathan team, combining local Police and EA Fisheries Officers.
Arctic Charr rescued from the brink of extinction!
Last month, our North West team reported an increase in the population of Arctic Charr in Ennerdale Water in Cumbria. Arctic Charr are a rare British fish, restricted to lakes and rivers in the highlands of Cumbria, Wales and Scotland. Our team has been leading the Ennerdale Arctic Charr Restoration project which has seen numbers rise from a few individuals to hundreds of fish! Working with local partners, the Forestry Commission and Wild Ennerdale, the team first collected ova and milt (eggs and sperm) from remaining Arctic Charr to kick start spawning and then focussed on achieving the best natural conditions for the fish. Teams carried out a number of tasks and assessed several factors to achieve this, including barrier removal, gravel supply and water quality.
The next phase is underway and will include using high tech sonar equipment to passively monitor numbers during the annual migration of Arctic Charr in the autumn, limiting the need for our officers to disturb the fish.
The rare yet beautiful Arctic Charr.
Annual salmon spawning redd counts begin
We have started our annual Salmon spawning redd counts across Cumbria and Lancashire, and this year our teams are joined by the Ribble Fisheries Consultative Association. Having their support with additional sites is fantastic as we can cover a much greater area of water. We are also pleased to report that salmon have already started spawning on the Ribble and we’ve seen some large fish in several locations.
If you are out and about on the river bank have a go at looking for the redds. Once you know what you are looking for the redds are relatively easy to spot as the salmon dig a hole and then scatter gravel back across the eggs which leaves a clean spot on the river bed. But please take care not to disturb spawning salmon or their redds – salmon are easily spooked and wading across spawning redds will disturb and kill salmon eggs.
Project success on the River Stour
Last month, our team in the East returned to a river restoration project we completed in June to take a look at progress made so far. Despite only five months passing, the team were happy to already report the difference this project is having on fish and other biodiversity.
In June, our officers created a backwater on the River Stour in Stratford St Mary. A backwater is an aquatic habitat that connects to the main river and has two important functions depending on the flow. In high flows, the backwater becomes a refuge for fish to rest in until the normal flows return. In normal flows, the shallower water left in the backwater will warm up quicker than the main channel and act as a nursery area - promoting the growth of young fish. As this project develops, it will help increase the fish population and provide a good habitat for migratory eels.
Man made backwaters on the iconic River Stour will provide refuge for young fish.
EA undertakes crucian carp restock to aid recovery
Last month, our fisheries officers in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire have transported 800 crucian carp from our national fish farm in Calverton to restock two fisheries – one in Northamptonshire and the other in Norfolk. To help promote population growth and avoid hybridisation, we have identified waters with few or no carp or pike present in which to restock crucian carp. The species is sadly becoming quite rare and so EA teams are working in full force to help boost the resilience of this vital species. We are also working with the Angling Trust and other partners on a National Crucian Carp Conservation project.
Both the Northamptonshire and Norfolk fisheries are on a 3-year restocking programme with the Environment Agency.
Crucians being stocked at Norfolk and Northamptonshire fisheries - the start of a three year programme.
Environment Agency: November Update
Hello from everyone at the Environment Agency.
We are pleased to be bringing you the latest updates from us! It has been another busy month for our teams as our officers patrol across the country and continue to seize illegal nets and traps, protecting precious fish species.
Despite colder weather setting in, fishing remains popular and our staff are hard at work protecting and improving the resilience of our fisheries. According to our latest stats, 36,851 people either bought or renewed their licence in October. Due to current restrictions, if you do go fishing you must ensure you are following the latest Government guidelines. The Angling Trust has put together a helpful advice page for anglers that can be viewed here.
Last month we also celebrated World Fish Migration Day, with technical specialist Charles Crundwell updating us all on progress made in improving Shad populations on the River Severn. Charles lends his expertise to the ‘Unlocking the Severn’ project which is led by the Canal and River Trust and supported by us as well as several other partners, including Natural England. As well as shad, it will help many fish species move up and down the Severn, improving stocks and fisheries.
Creating fish habitats and restoring our rivers
Income from rod licence sales funds vital fisheries work, including work restoring our rivers and nurturing fish habitats to allow our much-loved fish species to thrive. Team EA have been working hard on a river restoration project on the River Colne in Halstead. The work involves using natural material in the river, such as sand, gravel and rocks, to create river habitats for fish and biodiversity – it is a great example of the innovative techniques we use, which include mimicking natural processes to encourage river enhancement.
Calverton fish farm restocks fishing lake used in the rehabilitation of armed forces
Fish bred at the Environment Agency’s National Coarse Fish Farm in Calverton, Nottinghamshire have been used to restock a fishing lake at Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate.
Over the summer we launched a campaign to raise awareness of the wellbeing benefits that fishing offers all of us. At Stanford Hall, these benefits are already recognised, and fishing is incorporated into rehabilitation methods for veterans residing at the estate.
Over 10,000 fish were stocked into the lake, including 2000 bream, 2500 rudd, 4666 roach and 1300 crucian carp. Maintaining fish populations in the lake is essential to ensuring that there are enough angling opportunities at the site. We are pleased by the results and hope to see this take place annually going forward.
EA crackdown on illegal activity continues
In the North East, fisheries enforcement officershave been continuing their investigation into illegal nets being used on the River Wear. They apprehended a man on the beach at Ryhope, Sunderland, and seized an illegal net after receiving a report of illegal fishing. The net, measuring 25 metres long by 2 metres deep, was seized along with dead fish. The man was questioned and has been released while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile the team have also been working with Durham Constabulary to carry out joint patrols targeting illegal fishing and anti-social behaviour on the banks of the River Wear in rural Weardale. They targeted locations around Witton Park, Willington and Witton le Wear, where anglers were checked and suspicious activity investigated. Patrols will continue as part of the crackdown.
Elsewhere in Skinningrove, East Cleveland, fisheries enforcement officers seized an illegal fishing net across Kilton Beck which created an impenetrable barrier across the full width of the beck. This sort of illegal activity prevents migratory fish from reaching their spawning grounds and has a damaging impact on fish stocks.
The Environment Agency ethos has always been focused on protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment. Our commitment to this does not change while dealing with the effects of coronavirus. We take all reports of illegal activity very seriously, if you spot anything suspicious do not hesitate to get in touch. Our fisheries enforcement officers remain on the ground and will investigate suspected illegal activity.
EA staff perform rescue mission to save trapped baby sharks
An eventful month for our teams in the East of England, who alongside incident response work, elver monitoring, river restoration and parasite projects for fly fishing clubs, carried out a rescue mission to save three baby sharks. Officers rescued the two smooth-hounds and one starry smooth-hound after the sharks found themselves trapped in a borrow dyke in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex. The officers quickly hand netted the sharks and released them into the near-by estuary.
And in further positive news we have had an increase in eel sightings! Our East fisheries team are seeing an encouraging number of eels and elvers at local eel passes, particularly at the Judas Gap and Beeleigh in Essex. Our officers continue their weekly visits to eel passes, monitoring the migrating eels – this work is an essential part of our efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
Don’t forget to stay in touch!
You can stay up-to-date with the latest news and information from the Environment Agency on Twitter and Instagram at @envagency.
Environment Agency: October Update
Hello from everyone at the Environment Agency,
We are pleased to be bringing you our latest updates! Team EA had another busy month and our latest stats show that people across the country are continuing to buy rod licences, so it looks like this summer’s trend for angling continues.
Our fisheries officers in Cambridge and Bedfordshire have been using a multi beam sonar to create visual depth maps of stillwater fisheries. The data produced shows anglers which areas of the lake to target when fishing and will help angling clubs manage their fisheries in future.
Our lead environmental monitoring officer for Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk has also released this year’s River Gipping fisheries report as a Youtube video with helpful infographics on the latest status of fish populations as well as explaining how rod licence money is spent in the area – a must watch!
Across the EA our teams have also been on the ground carrying out essential enforcement activity with the help of local organisations, volunteer bailiffs and information from incident reports.
Illegal net activity foiled by Environment Agency patrols
Although the leaves have started falling and temperatures have dipped, our Lincs and Northants teams have spotted plenty of anglers taking to the waters. Our fisheries teams have been carrying out enforcement patrols and responding to incidents reported to them.
One such incident involved a large gill net left in a Lincolnshire river. After a local angling club contacted us regarding an illegal net that had been retrieved by the voluntary bailiff service, the net was promptly collected. Our fisheries enforcement officers are also working with the club to establish joint patrols in the area to prevent further illegal activity in the future. Our teams in the West have also been busy removing illegal nets from the Great Ouse as well as working with a local angler who contacted us when he discovered two illegal traps while fishing.
EA responds to incident involving a large gill net on a Lincolnshire river.
Illegal nets and traps pose a serious risk to our fish stocks and wildlife. The choice made by some people to fish illegally could cost us valuable species that we all care about. Particularly vulnerable stocks such as salmon must be managed carefully and this unregulated activity, puts their survival at risk. Nets and traps pose as dangerous hazards to other wildlife inhabiting the area and could cause harm.
Our fisheries officers use patrols to gain local intelligence on an area, follow up on any reports made and provide a visible presence as they police angling activity along the water. Our teams are always keen to talk to potential witnesses - anglers, walkers, locals and others on the waterside but we will always ensure that any activity is carried out in line with the latest government social distancing guidance.
Our patrols are based on intelligence received via the emergency hotline – 0800 80 70 60. For example, recent attempts to illegally remove fish from club waters were stopped after a local bailiff shared information of an angler in the area. A subsequent patrol led to enforcement officers finding the suspect who was searched and removed from the club waters.
Enforcement officers also conduct boat patrols during this part of the year to look for illegal nets and instruments. In recent weeks our North East teams have joined forces with Northumbria Police to continue their crackdown on illegal activity. The reports we receive from the public and the work of our officers is vital to protect and help promote healthy fisheries and resilient fish stocks. Following the latest report, our fisheries enforcement officers seized a 25 metre net from the beach at Ryhope, Sunderland.
If you suspect illegal fishing activity remember to report it via our 24/7 hotline number, 0800 807060, it’s also very helpful if the reports are made at the time the suspicious, potentially illegal activities are being observed. This allows our fisheries staff to assess information and accurately prioritise and investigate reports. Please remember to stick to the facts when reporting. One of our teams will follow up while ensuring they adhere to government guidelines. Our commitment to protecting our environment does not change while dealing with the effects of coronavirus.
First major fish pass opens at Bevere weir
This month, the Canal and River Trust (CRT) announced the opening of a fish pass which for the first time in over 170 years, gives fish free passage past the weir at Bevere. This milestone is part of an ongoing major conservation project called ‘Unlocking the Severn’ which is taking place along the UK’s longest river. This project, led by CRT, is in partnership with Severn Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency and Natural England.
At Bevere, the fish pass is made up of a 100m bypass channel, allowing fish to swim up a gradually sloped rock-ramp channel around the weir. The water is slowed and flow broken up through the installation of blocks at the base of the bypass channel. This creates optimal conditions that fish, such as the endangered twaite shad, can swim through with ease.
Environment Agency specialists continue to consult on what is one of the largest river connectivity projects of its kind ever attempted in Europe. The fish pass at Bevere is the first of four significant fish passes that will be installed on the River Severn with our help.
Don’t forget to stay in touch!
You can stay up-to-date with the latest news and information from the Environment Agency on Twitter and Instagram at @envagency.
Team Milo MGM Bait-Tech win Angling Trust Winter League at Tunnel Barn
Team Milo MGM Bait-Tech have won the Angling Trust Winter League at Tunnel Barn Fishery with 8 points over the 6 rounds.
Back Left (James Lawler / Trevor Hodges / Mark Pinch / Dave Craggs / Adam Jones Snr / Gary Smith / Steve Bellion / Paul Roberts)
The young team amassed an impressive 20 individual section wins as well as many framing weights with all of team contributing to the success. Gary Smith the standout performer with one match win breaking the 100lb mark.
Milo’s Andy Neal commented: “Congratulations must go to the lads on what seems to be a seriously tough league. They are a talented bunch and hopefully our input can help them grow further. We wish them all the very best for the coming Winterleague Final in February.”
Suppourt from Luke Webster and Adam Jones Jnr was also important when called upon, as they chipped in with section wins, even though they didn’t fish the final round.