October 10th, 2011 | By MAS PK | Category: Bream, Carp, Chelmer & Blackwater Canal, Chub, Perch, Pike, Tench | 
Email This Post | 
Print This PostA section of canal between Papermill Lock and Hoe Mill lock recently suffered a sudden drop in dissolved oxygen levels. This impacted severely on the fish populations in this stretch especially around Rushes lock where levels were around 5-10%.
We responded by opening the flaps within the lock gates, aiding the movement of the water and drawing the oxygen rich upstream flow down into the depleted area. We also deployed aerators to the slacker section to try and raise the oxygen levels. Within 6 hours the dissolved oxygen had reached 40% and had shown rapid recovery.
Investigations of the incident are also in progress through water samples and examinations. We are continuing to monitor the condition of the stretch. A contractor has been at the site for the last few weeks and has been keeping a record of carcass counts and any abnormal activities within this stretch.
To date 10 large Bream, 5 carp 3 eels and about 50-60 small perch and roach have been recorded. This is a small proportion of the fish seen struggling when the oxygen was low so our actions are believed to have prevented a very serious incident.
The local fisheries team has been overseeing our involvement and has been in regular contact with the affected angling clubs. The incident has been picked up by the Anglers Mail and is likely to be reported in next weeks edition.
