Fisheries and biodiversity

Posts about our work protecting and improving fisheries and biodiversity

How have approaches to managing Koi herpes virus (KHV) in fisheries changed?   

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity
A koi lying on a laboratory table

Protecting fish health and supporting sustainable fisheries is a key priority for the Environment Agency. We work closely with partners and fishery managers to reduce the risk and impact of fish health incidents, including Koi herpesvirus (KHV), which affects carp and presents a risk to recreational fisheries from potential significant fish mortalities.  

Launching BluePrint: Expanding citizen science across England's waterways 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Citizen Science, Fisheries and biodiversity, Rivers, Science, Sustainability, Water, Water Monitoring
A river surrounded by lush vegetation.

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a new digital tool that lets you report on the health of your local rivers, lakes and beaches in real-time, directly from your phone.  BluePrint, developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Hello Lamp Post, builds on the success of WaterWatch - a year-long pilot that gathered public observations at five bathing water sites. Now, the concept is going national.

Protecting the environment in East Anglia during prolonged dry weather

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Drought, Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, Invasive species, Rivers, Water
Two Environment Agency officers smile at the camera, each with a long-handled net filled with fish.

East Anglia is one of several areas across England experiencing prolonged dry weather or drought. Nationally, the Environment Agency is coordinating efforts through the National Drought Group to protect water supplies and the environment during this challenging period. Whilst the …

Protecting Atlantic salmon: collaborating to conserve threatened stocks

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity, Nature, Rivers
A photo of the River Aire in Yorkshire with Hirst Mill in the background. There are rocks in the river, known as rock ramps, which help fish move up the river.

The Environment Agency has published the latest Atlantic salmon stock assessment for England, providing insights into the health of our salmon populations. The results, based on 2024 data, confirm that salmon stocks remain at critically low levels, underscoring the urgent …

Managing the impacts of drought in the Midlands

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Drought, Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, hydrometry, Nature, Ofwat, Rivers, Sustainability, Water, Water Monitoring
Two Environment Agency officers, a man and a woman, both wearing waterproof bib-and-brace dungarees, walk up a shallow, narrow stream in the forest with nets and buckets looking for any fish in need of rescue and removal to safer, deeper waters.

What is the situation in England? Drought was declared in the West and East Midlands on 15 July, joining the North-West and Yorkshire which went into drought in June. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water …

Kielder a ‘beacon of hope’ in work to save pearl mussel

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity, Nature, Water
Image shows a wild juvenile freshwater pearl mussel lying on someone’s hand.

The critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel populations have declined drastically worldwide over recent decades. But conservation work at Kielder Salmon Centre in Northumberland is aiming to reverse that trend through a captive breeding programme and by working with partners to create healthier rivers.

Big data, tiny microbes: environmental DNA in action

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, Invasive species, Nature, Rivers, Water
Picture of a white clawed crayfish on a rock.

All living things, from bacteria to blue whales, have DNA in their cells. DNA provides the blueprint for life, directing how organisms grow, reproduce, and live. Since DNA gives a unique genetic code for every species on Earth, we can …