The above takes the form of an angling competition which was
first held in 1967 and organised by the Thames Angling
Preservation Society. On that occasion 500 anglers took part and 578 fish
were caught. The experiment was repeated in 1970 and the City of London became
interested in it in 1972. Since then it has become an annual event now in its
46th year.
The objective is to establish the environmental condition of
the Thames by determining the number and size of fish species returning to the
river. Estuaries are some of the most productive eco-systems on the planet
supporting major fish nursery grounds. Over the years the experiment has
provided some highly significant data demonstrating the steady improvement in
the health of the river. A very important piece of work.
Held at the Port Health River Division offices at Denton,
near Gravesend the Mistress and I joined with representatives of the Port Health
Authority, the City of London Corporation, the Environment Agency, other Livery
Companies (most notably the Fishmongers) and of course the anglers themselves.
Divided into eight teams including two schools’ teams, each were allocated a
section of the river-bank and had four hours to complete their catches. The
weather was dry (at first!) but over-cast with a gentle breeze and a rising
tide. Wendy and I walked the entire length of the course chatting to many of
the anglers as they brought their skills and expertise to bear. Many had fished
here for years and years and it was very interesting to hear their views on how
the river had improved and how the various fish species came and went. Very interesting
stuff for a Water Conservator!
At 13:00 the fishing stopped and the judging then took
place. A total of 51 fish were caught; not a huge number but consistent with
recent years. The catch included bass, whiting, flounders, eels and a solitary
sole. The City of London School for Girls caught two fish on their first two
casts; conversely some of the old hands had not a single bite! The vagaries of
fishing!
Our Company sponsored the prize for the most diverse catch
and so I had to get down to some serious judging. But just before we were
called to a most pleasant lunch in a marquee in the car park, I had decided on
a worthy winner. A speech of welcome was given Jeremy Simons, Chairman of Port
Health and then Reg Butcher (see photo), a founder of the Thames Angling
Preservation Society announced the various winners. Our most diverse catch
prize (the Company water jug) was won by the Port of London Authority team and
the Lady Howard Trophy for the biggest haul was jointly won by the Essex and
Kent Angling Clubs – friendly rivals it seemed!
The Girls School also triumphed in the schools’ section.
A great day and much enjoyed by all who attended which included
the two Sherriff’s and the Sherriff’s elect. But by now the rain was pouring
down so we all said our goodbyes and look forward to next years experiment (and
better weather!).
Pictures show the Mistress overseeing the anglers hard at
work and the Master with Reg Butcher of the Thames Angling Preservation Society
(who had attended every experiment since inception!).
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