The results of flooding
AN INCREASE in the frequency of extreme weather is predicted to be another consequence of climate change for the British Isles, and this could have a big impact on our fisheries. Heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, has affected many parts of the country in recent years and can have a major effect on river fisheries and adjacent stillwaters.
Floods can wash away the young-of-the-year fish, in particular, and this can lead to the loss of potentially good year classes. With the populations of many river species, such as chub, often being dominated by just a couple of year classes, it is obvious that a badly-timed flood can have a serious impact on the fishery for perhaps several decades.
Increasing volumes of water also mean that there is rightly an increased emphasis on flood management to prevent flooding in the first place. While this is essential, engineering work and removing cover from rivers to increase their water capacity can destroy important habitats for fish and other animals and plants. Even if floods themselves do not damage our river fisheries, the management of flood risk may have a knock-on effect.
Whether you believe in human-made climate change or not, there are always winners and losers when the weather changes.
Predicting what these changes will be is, at best, an inexact science thanks to the complex interwoven connection between fish and their environment.