Thames anglers watch for ailing carp

LONDON, Sept. 10, 2007 -- The Environment Agency has received a number of reports from anglers and general public in recent weeks regarding large dead carp in the Thames between Molesey and Tower Bridge.

There have been at least 20 reported deaths of the fish, though it is thought that a number of the carcasses may have been washed up and down the river, due to the tidal nature of the waters below Teddington. This may have led to some of the dead fish being reported more than once.

The carp carcasses have ranged in size from eight to 30lbs in weight and are a mixture of fully scaled common carp, and the more distinctive mirror carp.

Environment Agency fisheries staff have obtained five moribund carp from the river and taken them to the National Fisheries Laboratory at Brampton for detailed examination. Results of tests may take several weeks.

John Sutton fisheries department team leader said: "At this stage there is no concrete information on the likely cause of death, but the Environment Agency is encouraging the public to continue reporting any sightings of dead or distressed fish on our emergency hotline 0800 807060. We would also advise all anglers fishing the Thames in these reaches to thoroughly dry nets and equipment before fishing on other waters, as part of standard good practice in angling. It is hoped that findings will be released within the next few weeks."

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