Anglers asked to assist over water levels

With a hot, dry summer, and the south east of England facing possibly the most severe drought of the last 100 years, low water levels will mean fish are at a higher risk from the drought this summer.

Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries, said: "When you go fishing at your local lake or pond this weekend, take a look at the water level. If you are in south east England you will probably find it is a lot lower than you would expect. This is because we have had 19 months of below average rainfall.

"Drought means there is less water for fish to live in, causing overcrowding and vulnerability to disease and predators. Hot weather also increases the risk of algal blooms, which can lead to less oxygen in the water, which in turn causes fish to die.

"It's usually ok to fish during a drought, but anglers and managers of fisheries should pay careful attention to how the fish are behaving. If the fish appear to be distressed, ensure you contact the Environment Agency with details and please find an alternative fishing venue.

"Anglers can help by saving water in their homes and at work. We often don't link the water we fish in with the water we use in our homes, but water is abstracted from rivers and from groundwater which can then lower water levels in lakes and ponds.

"Next time you go to wash your car, why don't you leave it another week and go fishing instead."

The Environment Agency is urging anglers to look out for fish that are distressed. This might mean fish staying in one place near the surface of the water, gasping for air; swimming very slowly in large groups, and obvious over-crowding. Dead fish are easy to spot, as they float on the surface of the water.

Fish are a vital part of the ecology of our rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and their health affects other wildlife. Dead or dying fish can pollute water and the fish themselves experience distress.

If you see dead, dying or distressed fish, call 0800 80 70 60.