Bad summer delays Frome fish migration scheme

Bad summer weather has seen a project aimed at assisting a variety of fish to migrate up the River Frome put on hold, it has emerged.

It is still hoped that the initiative will successfully improve the chances of survival in the river for salmon and other fish before the end of next summer, but the Environment Agency and the Frome, Piddle and West Dorset Fisheries Association have decided to suspend the project for reassessment.

Plans are in place to construct a fish pass at the Louds Mill in Dorchester, where fish have so far found it difficult to reach their sought after spawning grounds, an Angling News report explains.

"We are very disappointed. After several years on this project we were looking forward to seeing all salmon being able to get over Louds Mill weir this autumn," David Bunt from the Environment Agency is quoted as saying.

"Construction has hit unforeseen difficulties and we cannot commit more funds until all options have been considered."

The Environment Agency has suggested that the proposed fish pass at Louds Mill will bring benefits to the local economy and to anglers in the area.