A six month experiment using underwater cages as a fish refuge against cormorants at a Norfolk fishery has been branded a success and will now be tried across the UK

The cages – comprising closely spaced wooden stakes rising several feet above a pallet – have been in place at Bawburgh Pits for six months.

They have been monitored during that period by the government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the results are said to be ‘encouraging’, with fish seeking out the refuges when cormorants feed.

Project head Ian Russell told Angling Times that the study, which involved fish tagging and underwater camera work – proves the refuges work.

“I believe the fish refuges will be a piece in the jigsaw which will eventually end this issue,” he said, adding that he thought the cages were the best of all the current cormorants solutions being tabled.

Further trials are now planned for this winter across the country.