Brown trout rescued as River Lathkill near Bakewell runs dangerously low

This picture shows a brown trout rescued from the River Lathkill near Bakewell - where water levels are running dangerously low.
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It was moved from the Bakewell section of the river - along with all other brown trout in the area - downstream until water levels return to normal.

Environment agency officers were called out to the rescue after May was recorded as the driest since records began.

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Matt Buck, fisheries technical specialist with the Environment Agency, said: “In recent years we’ve had to rescue fish on this river as they’ve been left stranded when the river dries up after a prolonged period of dry weather.

A brown trout rescued from the River LathkillA brown trout rescued from the River Lathkill
A brown trout rescued from the River Lathkill

“We’ll continue to monitor the river as sections of it are likely to continue to dry up and will carry out further fish rescues if needed.”

Figures show that while there was record-breaking rainfall in February, May had only 11 per cent of the average for the month.

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Though heavy rain this month has improved the situation the Environment Agency are asking people to use water carefullly by not using sprinklers or hoses to water gardens and to take showers rather than baths.

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Anglers and boaters are being asked to report similar incidents as warm weather can often lead to algal blooms or water that is too warm which makes it difficult for fish to breathe.

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During such cases fish are often seen gasping for air - if anyone sees fish in distress they should contact the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

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