The Anglian Branch of the IFM was resurrected in the Autumn of 2004 with a talk by Neil Sampson about his career with the Environment Agency. Neil has worked in a fisheries management, enforcement and fish health capacity for the Agency and his talk attracted a small but appreciative audience to the meeting room at Brampton.

Just before Christmas we were able to revive the joint CIWEM meeting with a talk by Dr Jenny Mant from the River Restoration Centre on aspects of geomorphology and river restoration techniques. A combined audience of over 50 were treated to a whistle stop tour of the subject followed by a selection of mince pies.

An AGM followed in February with a presentation by Ian Wellby, highlighting the fact that although much fuss is made of viruses there are other diseases and parasites that deserve much more attention from the regulatory agencies. The AGM confirmed Andy Sadler as Chairman for the coming year with Chris Randall as Secretary and Dan Bagur as Treasurer. Several other members were also persuaded to sit on the committee and it is hoped that others may be persuaded to take on some of the roles in the following year.

Not to take things slowly, and encouraged by the offer of Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire as a venue by Chris Vaughan, the committee decided to push the boat out with a major event in 2005. A workshop on Stillwater Fishery Water Quality was held on Saturday June 11th. As well as inviting Anglian and Midland branch members we also contacted local angling clubs and fisheries hoping to offer practical advice on water quality issues and how to manage any problems that may occur. Our 1st workshop was well supported along with number of suppliers also attended demonstrating various equipment that is available to deal with water quality problems.

More recently in November we held an evening meeting to discuss the management of aquatic plants in fisheries. The talk covered management options using chemical, mechanical and biological methods of control. Over 70 people came along to hear the presentations and it was evident that the subject of weed management is a major issue for Fishery owners and angling clubs. The interest shown means it is a subject we will probably cover again, possibly as part of a workshop on habitat management.

2005 Branch Report - download it here (10.7Kb)