Stillwater barbel - spawning?

[Guest NickInTheNorth]

Just received a copy of Reel Life, the EA magazine. In an article concerning 'Flood Relief for Fish' there is a bit about the trent, and a scheme to allow fish from the river to move into a lake to spawn.

 

In it they state:

 

"The success of the scheme was demonstrated when a netting excercise in the lake revealed thirteen different species of fish fry including barbel, chub, roach and bleak.

 

In light of the various discussions in the past regarding suitability of barbel for stocking in still waters, and the inability of such fish to breed, does anyone have any comments, or further information on this scheme.

 

I wish I didn't feel the need to add this, but this is a genuine search for information and understanding of this issue, and not intended to cause friction.

[OP-JB]

Northern Nick,

 

I understand that the E.A. have produced is a 'lay by' for the babies to grow in so they are stronger to withstand the faster run off (more concrete and tarmac in catchment)of winter floods. Perish the thought where they were in the October 1998, 1 in a 100 year flood, Humber Estuary? Are you really asking if it suitable for barbel to be included in this scheme. May be I could suggest a sign saying 'No Barbel Please!'positioned near the entrance.

I have a secret admiration for you questioning them though, they once took the credit for a scheme I put together, and they had nothing what so ever to do with! :mad: On the whole the E.A. are O.K.( )

 

Op -JB

[courtone]

Nick

These "lakes" are in fact refuges for the fry to shelter in, but are still connected to the river, more like a marina for tiddlers to grow up in. There are going to be several constructed along the Trent valley between Nottingham and Newark.

Cheers.

[RobStubbs]

Nick,

I think the significant point, as others have mentioned, is that the lake is not a lake, merely a 'refuge' from to river to which it is permanently connected. From my very limited understanding of barbel I believe they need the clean gravel patches for the eggs to be laid on and develope, the resulting fry then need protection from the strength of the current. In this instance the 'lake' affords that protection.

 

Rob.