Lone perch spotted in the Thames – Could this be a sign of things to come?

A solitary perch was recently spotted by a passer-by swimming in the Thames. The sighting has caused much speculation, as this could be a sign of the fish's return to their natural habitat in the river.

The perch is a migratory fish that is known to travel up and down the Thames during different times of the year. The species was once a common sight in the river, but their numbers have dwindled in recent years.

Experts believe that the return of the perch could be a positive sign for the river's ecosystem. The perch are an important part of the food chain, and their return could lead to an increase in other fish populations.

There are still many questions that remain unanswered about this mysterious sighting. How did this lone perch get so far upriver? Is this an isolated incident, or is the perch making a comeback? only time will tell.

Experts warn of mass perch invasion – could our beloved British fish soon be face down in the fryer?

Perch are in the Thames!

That was the somewhat alarming message from experts at a recent conference on invasive species, convened by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The warning follows reports that perch have been spotted in the Thames Barrier and at other points along the river.

While it's not yet clear how many perch have made their way into British waters, if they take hold it could spell disaster for our native fish populations. Perch are voracious predators which can quickly dominate ecosystems, wiping out smaller fish and disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.

The good news is that there are things we can all do to help prevent an invasion by perch and other invasive species. You can find out more about how to do your bit [at link].

In the meantime, let's all keep our eyes peeled for perch in our local waterways – and hope that these unwelcome visitors don't establish themselves here for good!

Record-breaking perch caught in Scottish loch – Could this be the new super-fish?

Anglers in Scotland have landed a perch that could be a new world record. The fish, caught from Loch Lomond, weighed in at an astonishing 10lb 9oz (4.8kg), smashing the previous record of 8lb 14oz (4kg).

The huge perch was caught by angler Ross McFarlane using a live bait fished near the surface. McFarlane said he was "absolutely delighted" with his catch.

This latest catch is further evidence that Loch Lomond is becoming a hot spot for big freshwater fish. Earlier this year, an 11lb 4oz pike was caught from the loch, and in 2016 an 11lb 2oz brown trout was landed.

So what is making Loch Lomond such a great place for big fish? There could be many reasons, but some experts believe that the loch's clean water and abundance of food are key factors. The loch is also well known for its healthy population of perch, so it's no surprise that anglers are landing some impressive specimens.

If you're keen to test your luck against Scotland's biggest perch, Loch Lomond is definitely worth a visit. There's plenty of accommodation nearby, including caravan parks and campgrounds, so you can stay right on the water's edge. And with autumn now well underway, the fishing is only going to get better!

Perch becoming a more popular choice in restaurants – chefs say they're versatile and full of flavour

The freshwater perch, known scientifically as Perca fluviatilis, is a fish that is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It has a long, slender body and can reach up to 55 cm in length, although the average size tends to be much smaller. In recent years, perch has been gaining in popularity as a choice of fish for restaurants – chefs say they are versatile and full of flavour.

In terms of taste, perch has been described as being somewhere between cod and trout. It is a delicate fish that can be cooked in many ways, making it a popular choice for dishes such as fish and chips, risotto, or simply grilled with some lemon wedges on the side. Perch also goes well with a variety of sauces – some favourites include tartar sauce, garlic butter or mayonnaise.

While perch can be caught wild in rivers and lakes, it is also now farmed commercially. This means that it is becoming easier to find in supermarkets and restaurants – in fact, it is now one of the most commonly eaten fish species in the world. If you haven't tried perch before, now is the time to give it a go!

Could the perch be the next big thing in sustainable aquaculture? Scientists are investigating…

Could the perch be the next big thing in sustainable aquaculture? Scientists are investigating the potential of this overlooked fish as a new protein source for farmed fish.

The perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a medium-sized European fish that has been steadily gaining popularity in aquaculture over the past few years. This hardy fish thrives in cold water conditions and is highly adaptable to different farming environments. It also has a relatively short growth cycle, making it an appealing alternative to more traditional aquaculture species like salmon and trout.

What's more, the perch is a low-maintenance species that doesn't require specialized feeding or care. And unlike some other commercially farmed fish, it doesn't accumulate harmful toxins like PCBs and mercury. In fact, research suggests that the perch may actually be healthful to eat, with high levels of beneficial fatty acids and minerals.

So why isn't the perch more widely farmed? One reason may be its low market value – perch tend to sell for less than other aquaculture species. Another challenge facing perch farming is the lack of established production protocols and hatchery systems. However, as interest in this underutilized fish grows, these obstacles are likely to be addressed in the near future.

So could the perch be the next big thing in sustainable aquaculture? The answer looks promising – so keep your eye out for this versatile fish in your local grocery store or seafood market soon!