New Homes for Fish in Leeds

Thousands of fish in Leeds are set to get a new home on 31 January thanks to a collaborative project between anglers and the Environment Agency.

Next week fisheries officers from the Environment Agency will be moving 1,000lb of roach, perch and bream in a bid to free up more space for others to thrive and with each fish weighing an average of 6oz, up to 3,000 fish could be moved in total.

Members of the Leeds and District Angling Society will be netting the fish from Polo Pond in Kippax as part of a long term plan to improve the fishery which, over the years, has become over populated with the result being a stunted fish population.

Once netted by the club's members, the Environment Agency’s fisheries officers will be transporting the fish to their new home in the Aire and Calder Canal in Leeds and to Sandwath Lake in Church Fenton.

Environment Agency fisheries officer Peter Mischenko said:

“We’re  having to move some of the fish as there has been such a great population growth over the last couple of years that the pond is running out of space for them to swim and grow freely.

By taking some of the fish out those remaining will have more growing room and better overall living conditions.

The club will be working with their bailiffs and water wardens to net extra fish out and we’re happy to provide transport and specialist equipment to take the fish safely to their new home.

I’m sure the moved fish will thrive in both the Aire and Calder Canal and Sandwath fishery making them a great place for anglers.

We’re looking forward to working with the club in the future to protect its fisheries."