Freshwater Eels
The European population of the freshwater eel is at an historic low at about 1% of 1980 stock levels. The number of eels is continuing to decline and is now outside safe biological limits resulting in unsustainable levels for the future. In other words, unless immediate action is taken, the freshwater eel is heading for extinction, and soon.
There are a number of reasons put forward for this including:-
- climate change
- an eel parasite (anguillicloa crassus)
- restricted access to rivers for the migrating elvers (the barrage will not help the Tees migrations)
- bio-accumulation of toxins from pesticides and metals that could affect breeding
- exploitation by commercial interests
The reasons for this decline are still not fully understood but many of the factors previously mentioned undoubtedly contribute. In light of this desperate situation members are urged to take great care if eels are caught and do everything possible to ensure that they are returned to the river unharmed.
Club rules do not permit the killing of eels
Leptospirosis (Weils Disease)
Without taking proper precautions Anglers are at risk from Leptospirosis. It is a widespread bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. Common carriers are cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food or soil containing the urine from infected animals, the most common of which, so far as anglers are concerned is the rat.
The lower reaches of the Tees have a high rat population particularly near farms. The most common way of contracting the disease is by eating contaminated food or through skin contact, particularly eyes and nose, or cuts and scratches.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease, which normally develop between 2 to 19 days after exposure are initially very similar to those of common influenza which are fever, chills, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. However if not diagnosed and treated correctly they can quickly develop into kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress leading to death in some cases. Fortunately, if correctly diagnosed the disease is easily treated with modern antibiotics. It is therefore extremely important that you make your doctor aware of the possibility of Weils disease if you develop 'flu like symptoms that do not clear up quickly.
To reduce the chances of catching this disease we advise you to:
- Cover any cuts, sores or scratches with waterproof plasters or gloves
- Disinfect any wounds that occur at the waterside
- Wash hands before you eat or handle food with a wrapper
- Do not put your hand in your mouth after immersion in river water
- Never place bait or line in your mouth
- Do not touch dead animals particularly rats
- Do not leave food, ground bait or bait at the river side
- Carry some anti-bacterial hand wipes in your tackle bag
ATDAC News
ATDAC has been paying a lot of attention to its ponds at Westgate near Teesside Airport, and Bishopton Mill near Bishopton, by weed control, re-stocking, and building fish havens. It has extensively re-stocked both ponds.
At Westgate, 139 lbs. of bream, 200 8-10 inch roach, and 39 lbs. of big roach have been planted. At Bishopton Mill, £4250 was spent on 8-10 inch roach and seperately 800 bream have been planted. Keep nets are not allowed at Bishopton Mill until further notice.
Members wishing to fish at either pond MUST use the designated parking place and no other. Access to the designated parking is via a locked gate. Keys for the gate can be obtained from Adams Tackle shop, Duke Street, Darlington, and Yarm Angling Club clubhouse off Yarm High Street.
Some members may already have obtained a key. The locks have been changed, and new keys can be exchanged for old ones.
We hope you can get out and try these excellent waters. Anglers on the water will discourage the predatory birds and help to preserve our fishing.
Our Salmon in Danger
Our native salmon are in danger from a highly contagious parasite (Gyrodactylus salaris) that has
devastated freshwater salmon stocks in a number of countries. In Norway for example, salmon stocks in
20 rivers have been virtually wiped out.
Less than a millimetre long, the parasite multiplies very rapidly, and it only takes one to start an epidemic. Countries currently affected are:
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Norway
- Portugal
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
The parasite is capable of surviving for several days in damp and/or wet conditions (such as on waders, fishing tackle, bags,nets etc.), therefore it could be accidentally introduced by an angler who fishes a river in an infected country and then uses the same equipment in the UK without taking precautionary measures.
The parasite needs a wet environment to survive. If you fish in any of the infected countries make sure that your tackle is completely dry before using it on any UK river. The safest precaution is to dry your tackle at a minimum of 20 degrees centigrade for at least two days before use in the UK.
Fishing on the River Ure at Middleham
At long last we have completed the purchase of the short stretch of fishing previously rented from the Ripon Diocese. The stretch is about one third of a mile of mainly coarse fishing. The water has not been fished much in the past but is said to contain roach, dace, chub, barbel, pike with a few trout and grayling.
The water is very easy to reach along a good footpath with easy parking. Why not give it a go and let us know how you get on. Maps for the water can be obtained by emailing the club web site or from the Treasurer.