BRIDGNORTH anglers will be working closely with the Environment Agency (EA) over the summer to measure and weigh fish along the River Severn.
It will form part of a comprehensive survey and investigation into how depleted stocks have become. Middle Severn Catchment Group chairman Robert Fisk-Moore said: “It’s going to take at least four to five years to get fish stocks where they were, and this will only be achieved through the co-operation of angling clubs working with the EA.”
Journal angling correspondent Brian Preece said the EA realised there was a problem and, subject to approval from Bridgnorth Angling Society, it would be attending competitions to check the catch rates.
“They may also want to come down to take fish already in the river, to use them for repopulation purposes. We believe the project will take many years and we welcome working with the EA,” he said.
A public meeting due to take place on May 17 has been postponed until October to give the EA more time to carry out its research, after several interested parties met up
earlier this month to discuss the welfare of the Severn.
“The meeting lasted two-and-a-half hours and various theories were put forward for the disappearance of fish, but because the situation is so complex in many cases no conclusions were found,” said Mr Fisk-Moore.
“John Williams of the Birmingham Anglers Association also pointed out pollution coming from caravan parks was still a big concern as untreated sewerage was flowing into the River Severn.
“He also reported rowers were concerned about a brown scum, which has been covering the bottom of their boats from time to time. This is believed to be of human origin, but we need samples taken and tests to be carried out.”
Walkers or rowers who see an object or smell something they believe is not right along the river are now being asked to call the pollution hotline on 0800 807060.
EA fisheries specialist Chris Bainger said: “It was decided, by all representatives of the interested parties, that it would be more appropriate to hold the meeting after the summer so fish stocks could be monitored.
“We are keen to get a more long term view of the fish stocks along the Severn. In the meantime, we will continue to collect data over the summer, which will include carrying out an anglers’ census.”
