Fish and eels now have access to an extra 5,000 metres of the River Wensum thanks to a new fish pass

The new fish pass in Norwich. Picture credit: Fishtek
The new fish pass in Norwich. Picture credit: Fishtek

The fish pass, which has been installed at Hellesdon Mill in Norwich, will help all fish species migrate upstream of the mill.

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Manufactured structures like mills, weirs and sluices can prevent fish from moving freely around the river so if it is not possible to remove an obstruction, a fish pass is a favourable option.

Jez Wood, a fisheries specialist at the Environment Agency in East Anglia, said:

The European eel is a critically endangered species. There are many reasons for this but there is evidence to show that barriers preventing migration has an impact on the species.

Numbers have fallen 95% over the last 30 years but by adding fish passes the Environment Agency helps this protected species to continue its fascinating life cycle.