SVA Fish Rescue - 2008

Two rescue operations have been conducted so far this year.  One was reviewed by Kingsley Squire in the Sidmouth Herald (14 November 2008), the second occasion was on the 15 November.

As always, there was an enthusiastic turnout, it being a good excuse for donning wellington boots and waders in order to mess about in the river.  Mike Flynn, the River Warden, directed proceedings, assisted by local anglers and SVA members.  Mr Douglas Parker, Environment Agency officer, was in attendance.

The photos show the netting process as the net is hauled upriver from the road bridge, it was then extended into a circle to entrap the fish and as the net was gathered in, Brown Trout were caught and transferred to holding tanks prior to release 30m above the weir, from where they are able to continue their migration.

In total, twelve Brown Trout have been transferred by this method so far this year.  There will be more rescue operations in November/December to coincide with fish migration and favourable weather conditions.

Thanks are extended to Doug Parker, Mike Bennett, Duncan Hall, Dave Woolley and all who attended.

Dew Ponds

The SVA is seeking to encourage the reinstatement of old Dew Ponds and similar wet wildlife habitat.  Please contact Mike Flynn with any proposals.