Environment Agency 15th June 2011

As anglers return to the riverbanks for the start of the new fishing season (16 June), the Environment Agency is asking them to keep an eye out for signs of fish in distress.

As anglers return to the riverbanks for the start of the new fishing season (16 June), the Environment Agency is asking them to keep an eye out for signs of fish in distress.

The recent warm, dry, weather, has led to low water levels in rivers such as the  River Bain, Barlings Eau, Upper Witham and Welland. Defra and the Environment Agency confirmed drought status for parts of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire on Friday, 10 June.

This, combined with weed growth and warm water temperatures can lead to low oxygen levels and potential fish-kills.

Reuben Page, of the Environment Agency’s Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity team, said: “While the warm weather is great for people, it can cause problems for the fish in the region’s rivers. We monitor the region’s waterways regularly both in terms of water quality and quantity as well as surveying the numbers and species of fish, however, anglers can play a vital part by acting as our ‘eyes and ears’ on the riverbank. We therefore urge anglers who spot fish in a distressed state – for example gasping at the water surface, or trapped in shallow water pools – to contact us. This will enable us to act quickly to minimise the impact on the river’s fish population.”

All fish are susceptible to low oxygen levels and poor environmental conditions, however, some are more vulnerable than others.

Trout, for example, are an upland species that need a constant supply of cool freshwater to thrive and soon struggle when flows and water quality are reduced.

Information about distressed fish or water pollution incidents should be reported to the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

The fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March. Anyone caught fishing the rivers outside of these dates – during the close season (15 March to 15 June) – is doing so illegally.

All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence which allows them to use up to two rods. Rod licences run from 1 April to 31 March and fishing without one can lead to a fine of up to £2,500.

Licences can be bought using a credit or debit card by calling the Environment Agency’s telesales line on 0844 800 5386.

Alternatively, they can be obtained from any Post Office or via the internet at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence