03/05/2005 - The Environment
Agency is today asking fishery owners, managers
and anglers to be aware of disease problems
on their waters and to report any signs of
dead fish or fish in distress.
The Environment Agency’s National Fish Laboratory
investigates over 100 outbreaks of fish disease
every year. Scientists at the laboratory investigate
the cause of outbreaks and provide information
and advice to fisheries managers to reduce
the risk of outbreaks in the future. Most
of these outbreaks, which are caused by viruses,
bacteria and parasites, occur in the spring
and early summer predominantly between March
and June.
High numbers of disease outbreaks take place
at this time of year for a number of reasons;
fish are stressed due to spawning activity
fish immune systems are only just starting
to operate as water temperatures increase
some viral and bacterial diseases are activated
by increasing temperatures.
stocking – a potential source of disease –
tends to take place during the winter months.
Nigel Hewlett, Senior Fisheries Scientist
for the Environment Agency, said: ‘The majority
of incidents we investigate are related to
fishery management problems. Working with
fishery managers can speed the recovery of
fish and ensure the quality of angling for
the future.
Seeing dying fish can be extremely distressing
and the impact of disease outbreaks can affect
the ecology of a fishery as well as affecting
the income of clubs and commercial fisheries
through lost ticket sales.’
Fishery owners are required by law to report
fish mortalities on their waters. Anyone finding
dead, dying or distressed fish in their waters
should contact the Environment Agency immediately.’
Any sign of dead fish or fish in distress
can be reported to your local Environment
Agency office or on the 24 hour emergency
hotline number on 0800 80 70 60. More information
can be found on the Environment Agency’s website
(see link)
