Post by wnion on Jul 30, 2006 12:18:19 GMT -1
Environment Agency mounts rescue mission for stranded Teme fish
Written By: Lyn Frayley
On Date: 29/7/2006
The Environment Agency will be carrying out a fish rescue at Heartease, between Leintwardine and Knighton, tomorrow (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.”
Contact Lyn Fraley on 0121 711 5829/5855
(these numbers can also be used during an emergency to contact a duty press officer)
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.
Written By: Lyn Frayley
On Date: 29/7/2006
The Environment Agency will be carrying out a fish rescue at Heartease, between Leintwardine and Knighton, tomorrow (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.”
Contact Lyn Fraley on 0121 711 5829/5855
(these numbers can also be used during an emergency to contact a duty press officer)
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.
