November 12, 2018 4.44 pm This story is over 64 months old

25,000 fish rescued and re-homed in Lincoln

A local councillor praised the Environment Agency’s work
Around 25,000 roach were rescued. Photo: Councillor Biff Bean's Twitter page

Around 25,000 roach were rescued and re-homed after being stranded in a section of Prial Drain near Whisby Road in Lincoln.

A fast-acting local resident reported the issue to the Environment Agency.

Officers were then able to respond quickly to resolve the situation with the fish being successfully moved to the lakes at Hartholme Park on Monday, November 12.

Other fish are in the drain, which the Environment Agency is closely monitoring in case further rescues are needed.

The Environment Agency were able to respond quickly to resolve the situation. Photo: Councillor Biff Bean’s Twitter page

Fish like bream often group together in deep water for protection during the colder months – this behaviour, known as “shoaling up” helps them survive the winter, and they’ll be able to do this in the Hartsholme Park lakes.

Lincoln local city councillor Biff Bean took to social media to hail the work of the Environment Agency.

Workers on site. Photo: Councillor Biff Bean’s Twitter page

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers have rescued around 25,000 roach which were stranded in a section of Prial Drain where water levels were low.

“We were able to save them thanks to a fast-acting local resident who called in a report – otherwise, the fish would have died. Instead, we’ve successfully moved them to the lakes in Hartsholme Park, where they’ll be able to safely see out the winter.

“We’re aware there are other fish in the drain and we’re monitoring conditions so we can carry out further rescues if needed.

“If you see fish in distress, please call our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 so we can investigate.”