Pollution or fish in distress: observe, withdraw, report

First protect people

Move away from fumes, unknown liquids, unstable banks, machinery, fire, electrical hazards and floodwater. Call 999 for an immediate threat to life or an active emergency requiring police, fire or ambulance response. An environmental report is not a substitute for emergency services.

Stop fishing. Keep people and animals away where practical without confronting anyone or crossing barriers.

Record useful facts from a safe place

• The exact location, water name and nearest access point
• When it was first seen and whether it is continuing
• Colour, smell, foam, oil, discharge or suspected source
• Numbers and location of dead, gasping or unusually behaving fish
• Weather, flow direction and photographs only when safely obtainable

Do not collect samples, touch fish, add chemicals, aerate the water or attempt a rescue unless directed by the responsible authority.

Use the route for the nation

• England: GOV.UK environmental problem reporting, including the Environment Agency route for pollution and distressed fish.
• Wales: Natural Resources Wales incident reporting.
• Scotland: SEPA environmental event reporting.
• Northern Ireland: NIEA water-pollution reporting.

Use the current details on the official page rather than relying on a saved phone number. Also notify the fishery or club after the official report when this can be done without delaying it.

After reporting

Keep the reference number where one is provided and note any instruction. Do not return to fishing until the responsible authority and rights-holder say the water is open and appropriate to use. Clean and isolate equipment if it may have contacted affected water, following official advice.