Solar power support to save fish stocks

Solar power support to save fish stocks

by Freddie Sandford |
Published on

As temperatures soar, the risk of a lethal oxygen crash increases at fisheries... but one forward-thinking angling club has fitted ‘smart’ solar-powered aerators to prevent this happening, and is now offering to help others do the same.

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Paddle wheel aerator providing much needed oxygen

Windermere, Ambleside and District AA – which scooped the Angling Times 2022 Club of the Year award – installed the digital and renewable technology following a major fish kill in 2019, and have never looked back.

“Our system is now fully solar and off-grid,” said club fishery manager, Nick Butterfield. “The set-up cost us two to three grand for most of our club lakes, but when you consider we were paying that annually for mains power, it’s great value.”

With high fish stocks, lower levels of natural shade and little oxygen-producing weed, many modern commercial fisheries face huge risks from extreme summer conditions. “We’ve learned a huge amount along the way,” Nick added.

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Example of solar bubble diffusers working in a lake

“There are so many pitfalls, so it’d be great to help others by sharing some game-changing lessons.”

Visit the club’s website (www.lakedistrictfishing.co.uk) to find out more or contact Nick directly via email (n.butterfield@yahoo.co.uk).

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