Thousands of fish found new homes over Christmas thanks to the work taking place at the Environment Agency’s fish farm in Calverton.
In Leicestershire, 3700 fish – including 1500 chub, 700 dace, 1000 roach and 500 bream – reared at the Calverton farm – were released in the River Sence and River Soar as part of the annual programme.
Every year, Calverton Fish Farm breeds coarse fish for release into rivers and still waters across England to help boost fish populations, and the restocking in Leicestershire will provide a welcome boost to the angler experience in the area.
Responsible fishing provides a good opportunity to connect with nature and feel the range of benefits doing so can bring. However, it is important to remember that a valid rod fishing licence is required, and anglers must adhere to fishing byelaws and fishery rules.
Jake Dorey, Fisheries Technical Officer for the Environment Agency, said: “While there is a healthy amount of fish in Leicestershire’s waterways, occasionally a helping hand is needed to restore the natural balance following a pollution incident or decline, or to create new fisheries and opportunities for anglers.
“The work of our National Fish Farm is funded by income from licence fees, so in the lead up to Christmas it’s great to see the fish farm continuing to produce strong and healthy fish needed for restocking and recovery.
“The restocking is part of an annual programme funded by income from rod licence sales. Restocking occurs in winter because water temperatures are low and this minimises any stress on the fish, giving them the best possible survival rates.
“Christmas is a good time to introduce the fish into rivers, as it enables them to acclimatise to their new surroundings, ahead of their spawning season in the spring. Fish also play a critical role in sustaining a river’s finely-balanced eco-system, so the wider natural environment will also get a festive boost.
You need a rod fishing licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in England. Get yours from https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences.
