Fish Rescue & Fish Removal
Experts in Fish Rescue and Fish Removal
FiveRivers are experts in fish rescue and fish removal, providing a comprehensive professional service that fully complies with the Environment Agency Guidelines. We routinely work on all waterbody types, from small streams to rivers, ponds, lakes, lochs and vast reservoirs, for clients across the UK. Our customers include Local Authorities, Water Companies, Construction Companies, and more. Our fish rescue and fish removal team work to exacting standards and are committed to providing a professional, client-focused service.
Wild fish populations are protected by UK and EU legislation, and fish rescues are typically a regulatory condition of environmental permitting. Fish rescue and fish removal are an integral part of any project which involves the dewatering or management of rivers, canals, and lakes. FiveRivers can manage the permitting process and liaise directly with regulators, helping clients meet statutory requirements while maintaining project schedules. We regularly support projects requiring engagement with the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and other regulatory bodies.
Our experience of river engineering means we understand the needs of our clients, and we will work with you and/or your sub-contractors to develop a programme that keeps your project on schedule, whilst minimising the environmental impact of your scheme.
Fish rescues and fish removals use the same techniques as those utilised in fish surveys: a combination of electric fishing and seine netting are used to safely capture and relocate the fish. Once caught, they are temporarily held (to the highest welfare standards) until they are moved to a receptor site agreed with the regulatory bodies. FiveRivers have purpose-built transport tanks for fish removals/rescues which are vehicle-mounted, allowing us to access any site, even in remote and challenging ground conditions.
Our team of fish rescue and fish removal experts are among the best-known practitioners in the UK. We can obtain all permits and consents on your behalf and can problem solve your fisheries issues, when you need support on your scheme, with liaison, consulting and early contractor involvement our fisheries experts are here to help.
The Problems
Dewatering, Drought & Stock Management
Dewatering areas for construction or carrying out works (such as sheet piling in a canal) could be harmful or disruptive to fish populations. It is important that you have a fish rescue plan in place to remove and exclude fish from the works area in these circumstances. Without this, you could be liable to a breach of legislation leading to prosecution, or if not planned far enough in advance could cause delays to your work programmes. A significant challenge when dewatering (e.g. pumping dry an area) is that fish can become stranded, distressed or die without adequate mitigation.
The effects of climate change are impacting our wild fish populations through a variety of mechanisms. One of the major challenges is managing water resources and the impact of drought. It is vital to monitor water levels and water quality to act quickly with a fish rescue should conditions pose a risk to fish welfare. Low water levels can rapidly lead to a deterioration in water quality and the risk of significant fish losses without appropriate mitigation.
Whether it’s unwanted fish in a pond, suspected presence of invasive non-native species (such as goldfish), or a need to thin out of fish stocks, it may mean that you need to undertake a fish removal. Poor stock management can lead to unproductive fisheries, water quality issues, and in the worst case, breach legislation if INNS are not appropriately licensed. Conflicts with protected species, like great crested newt, can also be a common problem in inland waters especially for housing development schemes.
The Solutions
Bespoke Solutions
At FiveRivers, we recognise that no two fish rescue projects are the same. Every site presents its own environmental, logistical and regulatory challenges, which is why we develop bespoke fish rescue and fish removal solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each project.
As experts in fish rescue and fish removal, we’ve been chosen to work on projects with clients across the whole of the UK. Our specialists assess each site individually to determine the most effective methodology while prioritising fish welfare and regulatory compliance. FiveRivers support contractors, water companies, local authorities and infrastructure providers by delivering safe, compliant fish rescue programmes that minimise environmental risk and prevent project delays. We’re here to ensure that projects such as channel diversion, dewatering, stock manipulation and INNS removal are completed on time, on budget and according to legislation.
Every project is unique, requiring a tailored approach based on site conditions, waterbody type and target species. Our experienced fisheries and environmental specialists work closely with clients from the earliest planning stages to design and deliver practical, efficient and fully compliant fish rescue programmes. Whether supporting major infrastructure developments, river restoration schemes, reservoir maintenance works or emergency environmental incidents, we provide solutions that protect aquatic ecosystems while helping projects remain on schedule.
Our fish rescue and fish removal specialists have extensive experience and are trained to manage operations on sensitive construction sites holding Site Supervisor SSSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications. All operatives are trained in-house to rigorous standards and hold current CSCS cards.
We can provide full liaison with regulatory bodies (e.g. Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales etc.) and apply for all necessary consents saving you time and budget. In some circumstances a statutory Fish Health Check may be required and we provide sample collection and a health check undertaken by an Environment Agency-approved practitioner.
Our fish rescue and fish removal services include reactive and bespoke solutions to mitigate risk to the aquatic environment, so get in touch to discuss your project needs.
Contact us
Talk to an expert in Fish Rescue & Removals
Tom Grayling
Director of Monitoring & Natural Capital
Get in touch by either phone or email to speak with Martin and discuss your needs. Alternatively click the button below to complete our contact form.
Telephone: 01722 783 041
Email: sales@five-rivers.com
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