The article states “76 anglers across London gathered earlier this month for the annual Thames Fishery Research experiment. Nearly 600 fish were caught including sole, eel, cod and flounder – an almost 500% increase on last year’s competition – indicating the good environmental condition of the Thames.
The results show how dramatically the health of the Thames has recovered since the 1950s & 1960s, when a person risked being hospitalised if they fell into the water.
The event is organised by the City of London Corporation in collaboration with the Thames Angling Preservation Society and the Environment Agency.
Wendy Mead, Chairman of the Port Health Committee said: “More fish were caught this year than in the past two years and the variety of fish caught is cause for celebration. Although the event is competitive it is also a great way to involve the local riverbank communities – including schools – to establish the current health of the Thames. This year’s results show the importance of this marvellous resource and how highly the City Corporation regards its safe-guarding responsibilities.”
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In the 50s and 60s, the London Thames was a foul-smelling, pitch black flow laughingly deemed a ‘waterway’: it wasn’t. It was an open sewer. Children – and adults – curious and perhaps mildly excited at crossing the river via the Woolwich Ferry would congregate at the stern to watch the great propeller push and pull the ship out of dock and into the mainstream. The visual drama of roiling folds and violent upsurge was, indeed, exhilirating to all, but the smell was not of this Earth; nor was the maelstrom of solid filth sent forth by the giant, rumbling screw. It was quite disgusting. That we have over 50-60 years transformed this river to one where roach, bream and carp might be caught within sight of Tower Bridge is testament to the ‘new thinking’ permitted by less troubled, post war times and the demands of a new generation with fresh issues to pioneer.
You wouldn’t have done this in the 50s! (picture from youtube)
Fishing Magic applauds the efforts of the CLC, the Thames Angling Preservation Society, the Environment Agency and the 76 anglers who participated in this annual, experimental competition.
