River Witham could be hit by pollution
The
Environment Agency is investigating a serious pollution incident in the
River Slea, around Sleaford in Lincolnshire.
Agency officers reacted to reports of dead fish in the River Slea at Sleaford
and as far downstream as Chapel Hill – a stretch of approximately
20 miles.
Initial investigations indicate that the source of the pollution relates
to an accidental spillage of Cypermethrim, an insecticide harmful to fish,
that has made its way to the surface water drainage system in Sleaford
over the last weekend.
Further discharge of the pollutant has been contained and there should
be no further release into the drainage system and watercourse.
Agency officers, biologists and fisheries staff are conducting a full
assessment of the environmental impact on the entire watercourse.
Fisheries teams are also removing thousands of dead fish, including pike,
roach and bream for removal to an authorised disposal site.
The Environment Agency is not aware of any impact downstream on the River
Witham but is advising against anyone fishing on the River Slea or Kym
Eau at the present time.
John Giles, team leader from the environment management said: “This
is a category one incident, which is the most serious incidence of pollution
that the Environment Agency investigators have had to deal with.”
“The source has been identified and contained and the company responsible
is working with the Environment Agency to arrange for the removal and
disposal of any residual contamination.”
“This incident highlights a stark reminder of the sensitivity of
the environment and the need for individuals to be alert to the consequences
of their actions.”
Giant catfish tows boat and three anglers
NEWARK
Federation pals Mark Donaldson and Richard Hardy (both 28) took an unexpected
boat trip along Spain’s fabulous River Ebro when they cast their
first line for the river’s giant catfish.
Donaldson witnessed his 80lb braid line being snapped like cotton when
a huge ‘cat’ grabbed his mullet bait.
He was more successful on his second cast when a 108lb, 6.5ft catfish
seized his bait and towed a 12ft boat, loaded with three anglers, half
a mile downstream before being subdued.
The huge fish was an improvement on the only other catfish Donaldson had
embarrassingly landed in France – an 8oz infant!
Hardy was soon in action battling with a powerful 95-pounder. Not to be
outdone by its big brother, the fish towed their boat for 45-minutes upstream
before admitting defeat!
During the seven-day holiday, the pals, who work for a fruit machine factory
in Newark, landed five catfish totalling 353 lb.
When the catfish turned timid, the anglers fished for crucian carp, common
carp and mullet.
Donaldson, who also caught two rare ‘channel cats’ said: “This
was a fabulous holiday and we have already booked the same guide for next
year when we intend to track down some of the rivers 40lb wild carp.”
Until this trip Richard Hardy’s best fish was a 12lb common carp
and he commented: “I’m now hooked on catfish and I can’t
wait for next years trip.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about fishing the River Ebro with
an English guide can find out more details from Millennium Fishing at
www.catfishing.co.uk.
Fish O’ Mania Qualifiers
A TOTAL
of 10 of the 14 Fish O’ Mania Qualifiers that the National Federation
of Anglers are organising are already sold out and the remaining four
have virtually followed suit and these are on:
Grand Union Canal, Leighton Buzzard on Saturday 22nd June;
River Tees, Yarm, Stockton on Sunday 29th June;
River Soar at Kegborough, Leicestershire on Sunday 13th July.
If you intend taking part in any of these remaining events, you are strongly
advised to contact NFA Central Office at Derby on 01283 734735 as soon
as possible to save disappointment.
Notice Board
Grafton
Angling Association annual permit holders are reminded that they must
retain their permits ready for renewal at the club’s sponsors Ken
Ward Sports, once the renewal register is available, sometime towards
the end of April.
Current permit holders will be given first opportunity of purchasing new
permits for the season 2003 to 2004.
Any individual angler wishing to apply for a annual permit can register
as new applicants at Ken Ward Sports at the same time as stated above.
Current permit holders failing to return their old permit will automatically
have to register on the new applicants list.
All permits will be distributed to new applicants in chronological order
of names as shown on the list.
The prices for the ensuing year will be fixed by the executive committee
at their annual general meeting that is scheduled to take place in April.
Gateford Angling Society members should note that the annual general meeting
is scheduled to take place on the 16th March at the Greendale Hotel starting
at 7.30pm.
Subscriptions for the ensuing year are to be paid on or before the date
of the meeting.
Go Baits will be starting their Open Matches at Langold Lake on Sunday
2nd March. The draw will take place at 9am fishing will be from 10am until
3pm.
The entry fee is £15 all-inclusive and the unclaimed golden peg
prize money from the last series is to be carried over to this series.
Worksop Piscatorial members should note that the annual general meeting
is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 4th March at the Innings on Gloucester
Road starting at 7pm.
Worksop United members should note that subscriptions for the ensuing
season must be paid in full by tonight or membership will be terminated.
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Yours in Sport Glyn |