Anglers in South West Wales are celebrating following fish stocking at five angling locations. Fisheries officers from Environment Agency Wales released over 8,000 coarse fish into ponds and lakes around south west Wales. The fish were introduced to help increase stocks and give many people the chance to experience angling for the first time.

The fish, which include roach, bream, crucian carp and tench, were raised at the Environment Agency’s Calverton Fish Farm in Nottingham.

In Porthcawl fish were released into Wilderness Pond and Pwll-y-waun Pond.

Howie Richards Club Secretary Porthcawl Angling Association said: ‘The Club is delighted with the quantity and quality of the fish. We would like to express our thanks to Environment Agency Wales for their generosity and continued help in developing our community fishery.’

In Swansea fish were released into Half Round Pond and Penllergaer Pond. Dave Gough, Club Secretary Brynmill & District Angling Club said: ‘Brynmill and District Angling Association would like to pass their sincerest thanks to the Environment Agency, for the consignment of fish delivered to our waters and the continued support provided over the course of this season. This restocking will improve fishing on our ponds and will allow us to run coaching courses over the coming seasons.’

The stocking of Wilderness Pond, Porthcawl and Penllegaer Pond in Swansea is part of a three-year fisheries management plan. Work on these lakes has included habitat restoration and work to improve access, including the construction of fishing platforms. These lakes form important community fisheries, which provide the facility for people to experience angling close to where they live.

Also, in Carmarthen fish were released into Cwmoernant Reservoir.

Angling is a healthy and worthwhile pastime and is a totally inclusive sport. It has been shown to have many benefits to children through tackling truancy, antisocial behaviour and can even help improve concentration and general educational performance. Among people with disabilities, angling is their second choice of activity to try out, and it is their first choice to repeat.

Dave Mee, Agency Team Leader Fisheries & Recreation said: ‘All the fish went to waters where we have been developing angling participation with angling clubs over the past few years. I hope they will give a timely boost to those clubs who have already put a large amount of work into development in the area. This will also help us to continue building successful local partnerships.’