Fish survey finds a variety of species (From Salisbury Journal)
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Fish survey finds a variety of species
10:13am Friday 14th September 2012 in News By Elizabeth Kemble
Fish survey finds a variety of species
A TEAM from the Environment Agency who carried out a fish population survey on a stretch of the River Avon in Salisbury found a variety of species swimming through the city.
The three-hour survey, which took place on a 100m section between New Street and Bridge Street earlier on Wednesday was conducted using electric fishing.
Environmental monitoring officer Eddie Stevens said: “We caught about 400 fish, which included salmon, brown trout, eels, pike, dace, gudgeon, roach and minnows. “At first glance the river looks really healthy; to see so many salmon is really good.”
While the Environment Agency monitors the water quality in rivers on an annual basis, the current survey is part of the EU Water Framework Directive, which works to improve the quality of rivers and achieve a good ecological status.
The team of four were able to catch the fish in nets after putting an electric current in the water.
Mr Stevens said: “It doesn’t harm the fish at all.
“The current creates an involuntary response in the fish causing them to swim towards us and enabling them to be caught in a net.”
The Environment Agency team, which is based in Blandford Forum, will be carrying out the survey across the Hampshire Avon from now until mid October.
