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Barbel Society: National spawning survey

If we gather information on barbel spawning in general we can then move on to the next stage Craig.
We are not specificly gathering information on the active spawning grounds, memories of where barbel once spawned will be just as useful, as where they still spawn.
The ultimate aim must be to ensure that spawning gravels are protected improved or rejuvinated.
We have funds for that purpose, and with the assistance of EA fisheries, perhaps we can help overcome the problems, perceived or otherwise.
All we,the Barbel Society need, is your help to steer those funds in the appropriate direction.
 
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Hi fred
Yes i agree with what your saying regarding collecting info will probably high light what the real problems are..On the hampshire avon last year rdaa with consent of the EA put gravel into the river around ibsley to improve spawning grounds for barbel,salmon etc..I also think alot more damage was done a few years ago when we experienced those destructive floods which washed away alot of old spawning grounds and did untold eco damage..Im told that the work which was carried out by rdaa appears to have been succesfull as many species of fish not just barbel have been seen on these new areas of gravel beds but only time will tell if they have been successfull regarding spawning..I will gladly pass on any info i recieve..Im also informed that weed cutting has also been banned this year on the hamps avon which should of been some time ago because that cant of helped either..But one thing i would like to say also fred is that aswell as spawning ground info,BS should be asking for info regarding big barbel dissapearences on some rivers..
Regards craig..
 
"BS should be asking for info regarding big barbel dissapearences on some rivers.."

Oh I think we have a fair selection of opinion on that Craig, it's just a question of sorting the facts from opinion.;)
 
Unfortunately fred thats what the problem is..:rolleyes:..Im now campaining to natural england to get the wolf re-introduced..:D:D:D:D:D..Ive been sending emails for a month now and i wont stop and would encourage all anglers to do the same..:D..ON a serious note i will keep you informed fred on any spawning issues..:)
 
We watched the barbel spawning on the Lea at Fishers Green 3 days ago.

2 shallow straights, about 10-15 fish on each. Roughly 2 or 3 males to each female.

Up to 4 years ago it would have been about 200+.

The fish-kill was never identified and the only way to get the numbers back is by putting in mature fish, or continuing to re-stock several hundred each year for the next 5-10 years.

Nice to watch though.
 
Odd one this, in years past anglers didn't mind saying where they had seen barbel spawning.

Different this year so far?

Cheers
Jason
 
Key word there Fred, "elsewhere". Implies a lot of things, me I take as meaning elsewhere geographically?

Jason I'm sure someone will soon correct me but my understanding is that barbel usually spawn a week or two before chub and the chub are congregating on the Swere, prior to spawning.

I know your down-graded end of the river has a few differences but I'd say get your arse down there quick smart if you're want to see 2-3 (4 max) barbel digging the dirt.
 
Just bringing this up again, I'm sure some of you have been out and seen it happening.
Please let us know.

Thanks
 
Fred Bonney said:
http://www.barbelsociety.co.uk/Spawn.htm


We had a limited response to the appeal for information last year, but the Barbel Society takes the view that a long term record of spawning behaviour will not only help to protect historic spawning sites, but also build on our very patchy knowledge of how spawning success can vary from year to year.
We would ask all clubs, riparian owners and anglers to help to pool their observations so that we can pass on this information to the Environment Agency, and inform further research.
Click to expand...



Well Fred, you've had my "report" and not much else after 4 pages. What do you reckon?
 
I don't know Simon, I don't see the reports, they go to Pete Reading.
I'm told, he's had a better response this year though.
 
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