Rita Penman - 4-Jul-2007
- Visitors to Tacklefest 2007 will be able
to find out more about the fisheries work
of the Environment Agency at this most popular
summer angling event..
Tacklefest takes place at the Nene Embankment
in Peterborough on 14 and 15 July 2007,
and fisheries staff will be on the Agency
stand to discuss the full range of fisheries
and fishing work carried out, including
angling participation projects, habitat
improvements and fish stocking amongst other
issues. For the first time there will also
be a display of live fish to view.
Principal Fisheries Officer Nigel Tomlinson
was anticipating a successful event. ‘Tacklefest
has always proved to be very enjoyable and
gives us the opportunity to talk about our
fisheries activities and discuss angling
issues with more anglers.
‘It also gives us a great platform to promote
our updated fisheries guides and the latest
edition of the ANGLE fisheries magazine.’
As well as Environment Agency staff, Reel
People, the organisation for anglers with
disabilities, will be available at the venue
from 9am to 5.30 pm each day to answer questions
and offer advice. There will be a range
of displays showing how the Environment
Agency is improving the fisheries environment
and contributing to the nation’s favourite
sporting pastime.
+ More
Environment Agency warns boaters of increased
flows on the river at Henley
Dave Ferguson - 3-Jul-2007 - The Environment
Agency is warning boaters to stay off the
river at Henley Royal Regatta while strong
stream warnings are in place this week.
Recent heavy rainfall has left flow rates
along the Thames much higher than usual
for the time of year. Currently “yellow
board - caution” warnings are in place along
much of the river, which means conditions
are particularly difficult for unpowered
boaters.
The stream is still increasing and depending
on rainfall over the next few days in the
Thames catchment, it is possible that red
board warnings will be issued for the Henley
reach where the regatta takes place.
Eileen McKeever, Thames Waterway manager
at the Environment Agency, said: “The Henley
Regatta is an international rowing competition
with competent, experienced oarsmen and
the organisers have been running this event
safely for many years.
“However, the event does attract a high
number of spectators who like to watch from
their boats on the river. Our primary concern
is the safety of boaters using the river
in difficult conditions, and our advice
during strong stream conditions is for all
boats to stop and find a safe mooring until
the stream reduces.
“We will monitor the situation closely
and if we believe the combination of river
conditions, strong cross winds, boat traffic
and passage through Henley Bridge becomes
too risky, we will close the river through
the Henley area.
“Although we believe the Regatta will go
ahead, we are working with the organisers
to facilitate a safe event. We have and
will continue to discuss the situation with
them, advising them of changes in river
conditions.
“Ultimately boaters use the river at their
own risk, but we would urge everyone thinking
of taking to the river this week to listen
to our advice and ensure they are not taking
unnecessary risks.”
Up-to-date stream warning information is
available by calling Floodline on 0845 988
1188. To hear the latest stream warnings,
when prompted press 1 followed by quick
dial number 011131).
Notes
- Yellow warning boards mean: CAUTION –
STREAM INCREASING and we would advise all
non-powered craft not to navigate on the
river.
- Red warning boards mean: CAUTION – STRONG
STREAM and we would advise all boaters not
to navigate but to find and stay at a suitable
mooring.
- Red Warning Boards are being displayed
at Osney, Clifton and Whitchurch. All river
users are advised to refrain from navigating
on the river in any type of vessel in the
reaches adjacent to these locks.
- Yellow Warning Boards are being displayed
from St.Johns Lock to Boveney. Yellow Boards
are also being displayed at Penton Hook,
Chertsey and Shepperton. Users of unpowered
vessels are advised to refrain from navigating
on the river in the reaches above the locks.
While river levels many not appear to be
unusually high, there is a good strong Stream.
