CDT-SIS graduate Dr Daniella Montali-Ashworth is now working with the Environment Agency and her Cylindrical Bristle Clusters have been installed on rivers on the Isle of Wight during the summer of 2020.
Articles in the local press from September 25, 2020.
https://www.islandecho.co.uk/fish-given-a-helping-hand-thanks-to-environment-agency-clusters/
https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/18748472.environment-agencys-bristles-help-fish-isle-wight-rivers/
Installing the Cylindrical Bristle Clusters on the Isle of Wight
Teams from the Environment Agency have been fitting specialist bristles in Lukely Brook, near Carisbrooke and Wroxall Stream, near Waightshale. The Environment Agency, says the technology is really important for the health and biodiversity of the Isle of Wight’s rivers.
The bristles create access for fish even when water levels are low, as demonstrated below, by two stunt fish at Southampton University. And if you are concerned it might only work for small fish (these are roach of about 15-20cm), similar bristles on the river Arun are already being used by large chub, measuring 30-40cm. It’s hoped they’ll make it easier for fish to pass over structures like weirs.
2/4 And some more on #WroxallStream nr #Waightshale @GodshillPC. They are a relatively simple way of providing fish passage over structures like weirs (especially during low flows) which is really important for the health and #biodiversity of our rivers. pic.twitter.com/6QdQdbhL4L
— John O'Flynn (@johnoflynnEA) September 25, 2020
4/4 And amazingly, this is a video of two fish actually swimming up a research tank at Southampton University (@UoS_ICER) to show it works. Brilliant. @iwight @iwcponline @islandecho @iwightradio pic.twitter.com/sauYj4Z1iw
— John O'Flynn (@johnoflynnEA) September 25, 2020