Merry ‘FISHmas’ for local anglers
53,000 fish are being introduced into our waters thanks to funding from fishing licences
The environment agency is saying 'Merry FISHmas' to local anglers, as it's revealed more than 53,000 fish are being introduced into South East waters.
This year alone, 53,150 of juvenile fish including chub, dace, barbel, roach, tench, bream, rudd and native crucian carp are being introduced into South East rivers, stillwaters and local clubs, funded by fishing licence income.
Restocking in winter minimises stress on fish, giving them the best survival rates and allowing them to acclimatise before spring spawning.
Ian Hirst, Fisheries team leader at the Environment Agency said: “Releasing over 53,000 fish across our South East rivers and still waters provides an amazing opportunity to help boost our local fish numbers. Through our breeding program we are enhancing fishing by boosting stocks and providing more opportunities for anglers.
“We work closely with our partners to protect and enhance our fish populations by responding to pollution incidents, improving habitats, water quality and removing barriers to fish migration. Without fishing licences this vital work would not be possible.”
As temperatures drop and winter fishing gets into full swing, the Environment Agency is also reminding anglers to ensure they have a valid fishing licence before heading to their favourite waterside spots this festive season.
The fish are all bred and raised at the Environment Agency’s Calverton Fish Farm near Nottingham. The fish farm is a crucial part of the Environment Agency’s toolkit for improving fisheries around the country.
Specialist fisheries experts spend the year breeding and growing quality, pure-bred, disease-free fish which are used to stock rivers in the run up to Christmas.