FISH RESCUE

Environment Agency swoops in to save 600lb of fish from flooded racecourse

BIG ROACH, perch, bream and even salmon were among the 600lb of fish rescued from receding floodwater on Worcester Racecourse by the Environment Agency.

This remarkable two-day haul shows not only the superb quality of fish in the Severn, but also the lasting impact of some of the worst flooding on record, after storms Ciara and Dennis caused the river to spill into the racecourse, next to which it flows.

John Cheyne, National Regions Manager at the Angling Trust, who was on scene to lend a hand with the netting, said: “The roach in particular were of a lovely stamp, with stacks of fish between 5oz-8oz and a number that would be pushing 2lb.”

Seine nets were used by the EA, and these captured pretty much every species you’d expect to find in the middle Severn, as well as a few surprises. “It was good to see a few juvenile salmon, known as parr, turn up alongside the coarse fish – even a rather lost-looking crucian carp,” John added.

“The only fish conspicuous by their absence were barbel, but they are happy to get their heads down and stay in the main river as they are such strong swimmers.”

After being netted, the fish were moved to an aeration tank to provide them with oxygenated water, before being released back into the river.

“So many were caught that a big holding tank had to be emptied twice to ensure that they were not overcrowded,” John revealed.

Chris Bainger, Fisheries Technical Specialist with the EA, added: “It was especially pleasing to return so many fish to the river before the spawning period.

“Undoubtedly, without the rescue operation many fish would have died, but there’s a good chance some of those we rescued will now go on to spawn this year and produce more fish. Saving the juvenile salmon was a particular highlight, as stocks of these are at a critical level in the Severn.”

It’s likely that there will be other stranded fish about, so if you find any, call the EA hotline on 0800 80 70 60.