Fish Rescue in Manchester and the North West
Local fish rescue specialists for works in and around water
Fish rescue is our specialism. We’re based in Manchester and carry out fish rescues and fish relocations across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Cumbria, ahead of any work that could strand or harm fish.
We’ve been doing fish rescues for over 15 years, at hundreds of locations across the UK. Being local means we can often get to North West sites at short notice, which matters when a drain-down or emergency repair can’t wait.
Fish rescues on North West rivers, canals and lodges
The North West has a huge network of rivers, canals, reservoirs and old mill lodges, and a lot of construction and maintenance work happens in or next to them. Whenever water levels are lowered or a channel is blocked off, fish can be left stranded. Typical jobs include:
- Culvert, bridge and outfall works on rivers and streams
- Canal stoppages, lock repairs and dredging
- Over-pumping and dewatering for pipe and sewer works
- Draining down mill lodges, ponds and reservoirs
- Flood defence, bank repair and river restoration schemes
- Emergency repairs where water has to come down quickly
We work on the region’s main rivers and their tributaries, such as the Mersey, Irwell, Tame, Goyt, Bollin, Ribble and Lune, as well as the canal network and countless smaller brooks and ponds.
How we do it
Site visit and method. We look at the watercourse, the fish likely to be there, access and where fish can safely be released, then agree a method and timings with you.
Environment Agency permissions. Using electric fishing gear or nets in inland waters in England needs written authorisation from the Environment Agency. We apply on your behalf and have done this for hundreds of jobs, so the paperwork rarely holds up your programme.
Catching the fish. We mainly use electric fishing, with seine and fyke nets on larger waters, working alongside your contractor as the water is drawn down.
Holding and release. Fish are kept in aerated containers, checked, counted and moved quickly to suitable habitat nearby. We follow Check, Clean, Dry biosecurity so we don’t spread invasive species or disease between sites.
Fish surveys in the North West
As well as rescues, we carry out fish surveys to find out which fish are present, how many there are and what condition they’re in. These support planning applications, river restoration projects and monitoring before and after works. More about our fish surveys and fish rescue service.
Who we work with
- Civil engineering and construction contractors
- Water companies and utilities
- Canal and waterway owners
- Local authorities
- Developers and landowners
- Fisheries, estates and angling clubs
Safety boats as well
For works on bigger waters we can also provide safety boat cover, with RYA-qualified boat operators, so one team can look after both the fish and the safety cover on site.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover my area?
We carry out fish rescues across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Cumbria, as well as the rest of the UK. As we’re based in Manchester, North West sites are usually the quickest for us to reach.
Do I need Environment Agency permission for a fish rescue?
In England, using electric fishing equipment or nets in inland waters needs written authorisation from the Environment Agency, and moving fish may need a separate permit. We apply for these on your behalf.
How much notice do you need?
The sooner you get in touch the better, but don’t worry if your works are coming up soon. We handle the Environment Agency applications for you and know the process well, so we can usually fit in with your programme, including at short notice.
What happens to the fish?
Fish are held in aerated containers, checked and counted, then released quickly into suitable habitat nearby, usually upstream or downstream of the works.
Planning works in or near water in the North West?
Send us the location and a short description of the works and we’ll come back to you with a quote.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
PEAs rapidly assess a site’s habitats and species to flag ecological issues early.
Protected Species Surveys
Find out whether protected wildlife uses your site before works start.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Quantify habitat losses and gains to secure an uplift in biodiversity.
River Condition Assessments
Assess river habitat to understand condition and guide restoration.
Safety Boat Services
Safety and rescue standby, workboats and crew on rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs.