THOUSANDS of fresh fish have been introduced to rivers, lakes and ponds in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire by the Environment Agency.
The seasonal restocking of lakes and fisheries in need of a piscine boost has taken place thanks to 6750 of coarse fish reared by the agency’s Calverton Fish Farm, near Nottingham.
Money from rod licences have been used to produce barbel, dace, rudd, roach, bream, tench and crucians, which have been divided among rivers, lakes and ponds in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Jim Flory, of the Environment Agency, said: “Anglers are better known for catching fish, but it wouldn’t be possible to put fresh fish back into the places they are needed without the income from their rod licences.
“Giving back fish is good for the environment and everyone and everything reliant on it.
The reasons why fresh fish need to be put into waters are many and varied: disease, pollution, high temperatures and low flows like that experienced last summer in many places. December and January are the best time to introduce fish to new waters due to the cool temperature. It is also excellent timing ahead of spring spawning.”
