The Environment Agency, Littlemore Angling Society and‘Careful Anglers Respect Ecology’ Angling Club, Marsworth Moat have joined forces to help boost fish stocks and get local children involved in fishing in Sunningwell Lake, Oxford.
Tomorrow morning, Thursday, 19, February Environment Agency fisheries officers will be removing a variety of fish including: perch, roach and rudd from Marsworth Moat to help re-populate Sunningwell Lake and improve fishing on the water.
Following a thorough health-checking procedure, including checking for parasites and other diseases the small fish from Marsworth will then be stocked into Sunningwell Lake to improve fishing for Littlemore Angling Society and local youth groups.
Fisheries Officer Jenni Balmer said: “We are trying to help anglers manage aquatic environments using good ecological principles. The aim for lakes and ponds is to promote a balanced population of mixed fish species reflecting a healthy, sustainable environment. To achieve this, fish populations may require active management to encourage the appropriate mix of species and sizes.”
Littlemore Angling Society has agreed to grant Oxford’s Angling Development Officer, Ian Horrocks, access to their water to teach local children the joys of fishing.
The Environment Agency, Active ten20 and Oxford City Council have jointly funded the angling development officer’s position to promote angling amongst Oxford residents. The aim is to encourage wider participation in the sport, especially amongst children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to discover its heath and recreational benefits.
Angling Development Officer Ian Horrocks said: "This is a great opportunity for the angling development project to be able to use a water environment that is centrally located and accessible to the majority of the local people. I would like to thank Littlemore Angling Society who have been very supportive of the project".
