Heatwave puts fish under pressure in UK pike hotspot

Sales of pike fishing tackle and baits could be hit this summer in the popular Norfolk Broads area of the UK.

The Broads is one of the country’s premier pike fishing destinations, The region includes major waterways like the Wensum, Bure, Yare, Thurne and Waveney. But visitors have been advised not to fish for the species in rivers around Norfolk and Suffolk until October 1.

The Environment Agency, working with the Pike Anglers’ Club, the Norwich Pike Club and the Broads Angling Service Group, has made the move because the warm summer months and the increased pressure on pike from holidaymakers can lead to problems for pike, particular in the region’s shallow waters.

Low oxygen levels, low river flows, water temperatures above 21C and algal blooms can lead to increased stress on fish populations and even cause deaths.

“This is precautionary measure for pike conservation based on our monitoring programme and our understanding of water temperatures,” said Kirk Markham, fisheries specialist for the Environment Agency in East Anglia.