This year alone, 53,150 juvenile fish, including chub, dace, barbel, roach, tench, bream, rudd and native crucian carp are being introduced into South East rivers, still waters and local clubs, funded by fishing licence income. (Full details of releases in notes to editors).

Re-introducing fish supports the creation of healthy, balanced ecosystems that benefit both anglers and local wildlife. Restocking in winter minimises stress on fish, giving them the best survival rates and allowing them to acclimatise before spring spawning.

Ian Hirst, a fisheries team leader at the Environment Agency, said:

Releasing more than 53,000 fish across our South East rivers and still waters provides an amazing opportunity to help boost our local fish numbers. Through our breeding programme, we are enhanc

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