Post by wnion on Mar 10, 2006 10:53:14 GMT -1
Written By: E.A. Press Officer
On Date: 10/3/2006
Environment Agency surveys have revealed that the River Alt could be supporting more fish than ever before.
The Environment Agency ecology team found 12 different species of fish - including sea trout - in its most recent fish survey at Bull Bridge, Aintree. Every year, officers net fish at certain points along the river, count, measure and weigh them, and then return them to the water unharmed.
Environment Agency Ecological Appraisal Officer Carole Grundy said: "We were delighted with our assessment – the results were the best we’ve ever recorded for the Alt. As well as species like chub, roach, carp and pike we also netted three small sea trout, which was very encouraging."
"Sea trout are similar to salmon. They migrate to the sea and then come back to rivers to spawn. We only usually find them in rivers where the water quality is good and their presence tells us that the water is the Alt is getting cleaner and cleaner – good news for wildlife and for local people."
Like many of the North West’s rivers, the River Alt has suffered from pollution over the years. However, the Environment Agency, water companies, local industry and organisations like the Mersey Basin Campaign have worked hard to clean up the river in recent years and with the discovery of the sea trout, the rewards are now starting to become clear.
The Environment Agency hopes that by continuing to regulate potential polluters effectively, and by working closely with partner organisations, it will see the Alt continue to improve until the river has shaken off the legacy of the region’s industrial heritage.
On Date: 10/3/2006
Environment Agency surveys have revealed that the River Alt could be supporting more fish than ever before.
The Environment Agency ecology team found 12 different species of fish - including sea trout - in its most recent fish survey at Bull Bridge, Aintree. Every year, officers net fish at certain points along the river, count, measure and weigh them, and then return them to the water unharmed.
Environment Agency Ecological Appraisal Officer Carole Grundy said: "We were delighted with our assessment – the results were the best we’ve ever recorded for the Alt. As well as species like chub, roach, carp and pike we also netted three small sea trout, which was very encouraging."
"Sea trout are similar to salmon. They migrate to the sea and then come back to rivers to spawn. We only usually find them in rivers where the water quality is good and their presence tells us that the water is the Alt is getting cleaner and cleaner – good news for wildlife and for local people."
Like many of the North West’s rivers, the River Alt has suffered from pollution over the years. However, the Environment Agency, water companies, local industry and organisations like the Mersey Basin Campaign have worked hard to clean up the river in recent years and with the discovery of the sea trout, the rewards are now starting to become clear.
The Environment Agency hopes that by continuing to regulate potential polluters effectively, and by working closely with partner organisations, it will see the Alt continue to improve until the river has shaken off the legacy of the region’s industrial heritage.
