Friday 27 May 2011:
Environment Agency officers are stepping
up river monitoring activities to quickly
identify impacts on fish and other wildlife
as dry conditions continue across many parts
of the country.
The Environment Agency’s
latest drought management briefing shows:
East Anglia has only
had 20 per cent of average rainfall so far
this month
Central, south east and south west England
has received between 41 and 55 per cent
of average rainfall so far this month
River flows across the country remain low,
except in north England and north Wales.
River flows in south west England, the Midlands,
south east Wales, parts of East Anglia and
Kent are particularly low for the time of
year
Overall, groundwater levels are healthy
but levels in south west and central England
and in parts of Wales are currently below
normal.
Impacts on wildlife
The change in the normal conditions of rivers
and streams can lead to serious consequences
for many species, including birds, fish
and insects. The Environment Agency is readying
its specialist pumping equipment to respond
to falling oxygen levels in rivers, which
can kill fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Yesterday, teams moved fish trapped in pools
in the River Teme between Leintwardine and
Knighton, Herefordshire, to deeper water
using an electric current to safely catch
the fish.
In Lincolnshire, the
flow on the River Slea is being enhanced
by pumping groundwater into the river. Normally,
this does not take place until the summer.
Environment Agency stepping
up checks
The Environment Agency is closely monitoring
fish stocks, including migrating salmon
and sea trout, that can be affected by low
river flows. Teams are also stepping up
checks for pollution incidents, as slow-flowing
rivers struggle to dilute contaminants.
The organisation is working closely with
farmers and other abstractors to find ways
to make water resources go further. In parts
of the central Fens, some farmers and growers
have volunteered to irrigate only at night,
significantly reducing the amount of water
lost to evaporation.
Water resouces
Groundwater levels are generally satisfactory
following rain in January and February but
have started an early decline in many areas.
Some reservoirs are currently below normal
for the time of year and river flows in
some parts of the country are notably low.
The Environment Agency
will continue to monitor and respond to
the situation as below average rainfall
and dry conditions continue. The organisation
will also publish a report next month to
assess the likely impacts of prolonged dry
weather, including the plans in place to
manage drought.
Trevor Bishop, Environment
Agency’s Head of Water Resources, said:
“The Environment Agency,
water companies and other water users have
plans in place to cope with dry spells.
“Low river flows can
harm wildlife, as fish and other animals
get trapped upstream, and we are stepping
up our monitoring to be able to respond
quickly to these risks.
“We are working with
farmers and others to balance the water
needs of people, businesses and the environment.
It's important that we all use precious
water wisely at all times of the year, especially
during dry periods.”
Public urged to report
incidents
Anglers, dog walkers and ramblers are urged
to report suspected pollution incidents
or distressed fish to enable its staff to
respond quickly where wildlife is threatened.
The Environment Agency's 24 hour incident
hotline is 0800 807 060.
Water saving tips
Try to conserve water at home and in the
garden.
Turn off taps when you
brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands,
as this can waste up to 5 litres of water
per minute.
Take a shower instead of a bath.
Install a water saving device in your toilet
cistern.
In the garden, use a watering can instead
of a hosepipe and install a water butt if
you can to capture rain.
Watering the lawn with mains water is wasteful.
Grass is hardy and will grow back, even
if it turns brown.
+ More
Environment Agency rescue
stranded Teme fish
Today, Thursday 26 May,
the Environment Agency will be carrying
out a fish rescue on the River Teme between
Leintwardine and Knighton.
Falling river levels
on the River Teme, caused by a seven month
period of below average rainfall, has 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.
This is a natural event
and occurs from time to time on this part
of the Teme, although it has happened two
to three months earlier than usual. The
fish 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
Specialist Chris Bainger says: "Over
the past seven months we have received very
little rain in this area compared to average,
which has caused river levels on the Teme
to fall, leaving the fish stranded. We will
rescue the fish and take them to a safe
location. This is part of the work we do
to protect fish and conserve fish stocks
during these weather conditions. It is made
possible by the contributions of anglers
through their rod licence fees.
“We are concerned that
the continuing dry weather may affect more
wildlife, including fish and plant life
in and around rivers and lakes. This is
due to the reduced river flows and lower
water levels in lakes and ponds. We are
monitoring the situation closely and, like
today, will act quickly to alleviate such
problems if they occur.”
The Environment Agency
is asking those enjoying the environment
to keep a look out for problems such as
fish gasping for air and to report any concerns
to the incident hotline 0800 807060 (freephone,
24 hour service).
