3,000 fish to be released into the River Thet to aid restoration efforts
Pollution recovery plan includes reintroduction of native species
Last updated 8th Dec 2025
The Environment Agency is set to release 3,000 fish into the River Thet in Thetford today (8 December), as part of its ongoing restoration efforts following a pollution incident.
The re-stocking event, scheduled for 12 noon at Coffee Mill Sluice (School Lane) car park, aims to improve the ecological health of the river after foam pollution severely affected the area in October.
Native fish to replenish stocks
The fish release will include roach, dace, and chub, all bred and reared at the Environment Agency’s Calverton fish farm. Each fish, aged one year, has undergone extensive health checks to ensure a safe introduction to the river system.
The reintroduction of these native species is designed to restore the natural balance of the river’s ecosystem. In total, this forms part of a three-year strategy to release 15,000 fish at key dates and points along the river Thet, culminating in 2027.
Pollution recovery efforts
The Environment Agency has prioritised restoring the river’s health following the pollution incident in October, during which foam spread across a substantial stretch of the water.
Alongside re-stocking, specialist teams have conducted extensive water-quality testing and will continue monitoring the river’s recovery and fish survival rates over the coming months.
A full investigation into the origin of the pollution remains underway, while remediation efforts began immediately to support water life recovery.
The fish release event on 8th December provides an opportunity to observe restoration efforts and see the first-hand impact on the river Thet.