28-Jul-2006
- The Environment Agency will be carrying out
a fish rescue at Heartease, between Leintwardine
and Knighton, (Saturday 29 July 2006).
Falling river levels on the
River Teme, caused by the recent dry weather,
have seen some sections of the river flow through
rather than over the gravel beds. This has left
fish stranded in isolated pools where they are
at risk of suffocating due to lack of oxygen.
The fish are likely to include
trout, salmon, bullhead, stoneloach and minnows.
They will be carefully stunned using a light electric
current and transported to other parts of the
river where they will be released safely into
deeper water.
Fisheries Technical officer,
Andy Roberts says: "Time is running out for
these fish and, if we do nothing they will die.
The recent hot dry weather has caused river levels
on the Teme to fall. Tomorrow, we will be rescuing
the fish and taking them to a safer location.
This is part of the work we do to protect fish
and conserve fish stocks during these extreme
weather conditions and it is made possible by
the contributions of anglers through their rod
licence fees.
Notes to Editors
Photo/filming opportunity –
meet Fisheries Officer Bill Burleigh at 10.00am
on Saturday 29 July 2006 in the pull-in in the
centre of Brampton Bryan village on the A4113
Leintwardine to Knighton Road.
Summer fish deaths
Summer fish deaths are a seasonal
phenomenon caused by a specific combination of
weather conditions. Fish deaths can occur as a
result of lack of oxygen:
Hot weather increases water
temperature and warm water holds less oxygen than
cold
Sudden heavy rain or thunderstorms cause a sudden
influx of cold water. This takes algae down to
the bottom of the pond where it dies due to lack
of light and decomposes, causing a rapid drop
in oxygen levels in the water.
However, algae do not need to be present. The
same thing can happen when organic matter in the
water in stirred up by the heavy rain, stripping
oxygen out of the water.
It can happen very quickly, unexpectedly and often
at night because all water plants (such as algae)
use more oxygen at night.
Dead, dying or distressed fish in public rivers,
streams, lakes and ponds should be reported immediately
by calling 0800 80 70 60 (free 24 hour service).
Water situation – Midlands
The south east of England is
facing possibly the most severe drought of the
last 100 years. The problem has not yet reached
the Midlands but we are monitoring the situation
closely and people should not be complacent. The
environmental situation here will depend on how
much rainfall we get this summer and how much
water we all use.
We need consistent rainfall
to top up water supplies, rather than heavy thundery
showers. If there is little rain this summer,
water levels will drop quickly which could lead
to environmental problems (e.g. fish in distress).
Everyone can help by using water
wisely and saving as much as they can. This may
help to alleviate problems if the dry weather
continues over the summer.
save water by not leaving taps
running, mending dripping taps, not using a hosepipe
and not watering the lawn. Grass is hardy and
will grow back.
simple things like turning off taps when brushing
teeth, taking showers instead of baths, using
a bucket to wash the car or a watering can in
the garden instead of a hose, and installing a
water butt.
most people can save at least 15% of the water
they use by making a few small changes to their
daily habits. Having a meter helps people to realise
how much water they are using, and think about
how they can use less. We have had a long period
of low rainfall in the south Midlands which has
led to low groundwater levels (water held in rocks
underground).
On the River Teme, all abstraction licenses that
can be restricted have had the restrictions imposed
during the last two weeks.
Lyn Fraley
