Thousands of fish saved in River Mole

Fish rescue operation saves thousands of fish on the River Mole

More than 2,000 fish have been protected following a major rescue operation on the River Mole as drought conditions continue to affect Surrey's rivers.

The Environment Agency declared drought status for Surrey on 10 August after an exceptionally dry summer, with July recording just 1-2% of the county's average rainfall. The prolonged lack of rain and higher temperatures have led to significantly reduced river levels, low flows and worsening conditions for wildlife across the county.

One of the hardest-hit areas is the River Mole which runs through Norbury Park near Leatherhead, where around 3.5 kilometres of river between Pressforward Bridge and Norbury Park has stopped flowing, leaving isolated pools of water.

As water levels continued to fall and oxygen levels dropped, the Environment Agency took action to protect vulnerable fish populations.

Thousands of fish rescued

On 12 and 13 August, Environment Agency officers carried out a fish rescue operation at Norbury Park, relocating fish trapped in shrinking pools to healthier stretches of the River Mole where water levels remain higher.

Several hundred larger coarse fish and at least a couple of thousand smaller fish were successfully moved during the two-day operation.

Among the species rescued were chub, perch, barbel, dace, bream, roach, carp, pike, minnows, gudgeon, stone loach, stickleback and bullhead.

The team also recorded large numbers of juvenile fish, providing encouraging evidence of successful spawning earlier in the year. Several specimen-sized chub and perch, highly valued by anglers, were also rescued.

Responding to challenging conditions

The Environment Agency had been monitoring this stretch of the river for more than a month before deciding intervention was necessary.

While fish are normally left within their natural habitat wherever possible, rapidly declining water levels and the increasing risk of fish mortality meant a rescue operation was the best way to protect stocks.

Moving fish to better-quality habitats not only helps save mature fish but also improves the survival chances of smaller fish that remain by reducing competition for the limited oxygen and habitat available.

Working together

The operation brought together a number of partners, including:

Surrey County Council Mole Valley District Council Leatherhead and District Angling Society Dorking Angling Society River Mole River Watch

Representatives from local angling clubs and River Mole River Watch attended both days to support and observe the work.

Reporting environmental incidents

The Environment Agency continues to monitor river flows, groundwater levels and environmental impacts across Surrey as hot, dry conditions persist.

Residents are encouraged to report environmental incidents, including concerns about fish welfare, pollution or rivers drying up, via the Environment Agency's 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.