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Warm weather advice for fisheries

Environment Agency
June 29 2015

You may be aware that we could be facing a warm and dry summer this year. As a result, you need to think about how you can protect your fish stocks during this time. I have attached our guidance (See next page below) on things to consider during warm weather events and what to do if you do see fish in distress or dying fish.

It is really important that you put measures in place to protect your fish stocks as soon as possible and before it gets too late. If you have equipment such as aerators that have not been used yet this year, then please check that they are working and consider using them now before the oxygen levels start to drop. If you don’t have aerators, then now is the time to think about getting some, and knowing what to do should problems occur.

If you need any advice about how to protect your fish stocks or what measures may be suitable at your fishery, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with myself or Matt Pang (Tel: 01278 484600 or Email: [email protected]).
Summer advice for fishery managers
Act now to protect your fishery
The current warm and dry spell is affecting most of the country. Fish stocks and fisheries can be adversely affected during this time. We are encouraging fishery managers to take action now to minimise the risk to their stocks.
River fisheries
Think carefully before cutting weed as it helps to hold up water levels and avoids disturbing quantities of silt, which can compromise water quality.
If you stock fish, consider lower stocking densities.
Avoid stocking locations that are vulnerable to drying out such as headwaters, perched or raised channels - particularly from mid summer when groundwater and river levels are likely to fall most sharply.
Discuss issues of flow splits and hatch control with neighbours and all interested parties so as to avoid ecological impacts.
On raised or perched channels, check hatches and structures for unnecessary leakage in order to maintain depth. Even with low flows, deeper areas will still provide useable fish habitat.
With the potential of low flows and high temperatures, take care over fish welfare, particularly on