fish
Salmon guide: identification, spawning, and where to see the salmon run
Salmon were once abundant across Britain, their epic migration a wonder familiar to everyone. But numbers have plunged in recent decades. We explain why salmon are facing challenges from climate change and pollution, how they migrate and jump, and where you can see the salmon run in the UK.
Bluefin tuna: 10 amazing facts about their anatomy
Our expert guide to everything you need to know about the bluefish tuna, from why they are so prized in the sushi trade to how they swim at such high speeds
How bluefish tuna returned to UK oceans after 60 years of absence
After more than 60 years, bluefin tuna have been spotted once more in UK waters. Learn more about this sleek turbo-athlete of the ocean.
Podcast: How the River Severn is being unlocked for wildlife
Hear how the Unlocking the Severn project is enabling migrating twaite shad to swim up the River Severn once more – in episode 5, season 12 of the Countryfile Magazine plodcast
Best fish identification books in 2024
Want to familiarise yourself with the fish that live in Britain's waters? Look no further than our pick of the best fish identification books.
Podcast: A delightful wander along Gower stream to the sea – with a treasure hunt
Enjoy a gentle day's walk along a dashing stream in South Wales looking for wildlife and treasure – and a most mysterious fish – in episode 12, season 8 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: In search of Britain's most mysterious fish – the eel
Head to the River Severn to hear good news about the European eel – and discover its mysterious lifecycle – in episode 9, season 8 of the BBC Countryfile podcast.
Day out: Marshcourt River, Hampshire
Follow creeping water rails, singing warblers and shimmering brown trout along this stretch of England's chalk-stream Marshcourt River.
Guide to life in a lowland river and best species to spot
A guide to some of the common species to look for in our rivers including fish, birds, mammals and plants.
Scientists raise concerns about captive-bred salmon in the wild
A research project has found that releasing captive-bred Atlantic salmon could be causing long-term harm to wild populations.
Natural Resources Wales to make decision ‘soon’ on whether to prosecute over River Llynfi pollution incident
In July, several miles of the Afon Llynfi at the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park was stripped of all life by a sudden and severe pollution incident. Fergus Collins caught up with Dav Letellier of Natural Resources Wales for the latest on the what is being done to catch the culprits
Podcast: Explore the fascinating wildlife of a Hampshire chalk stream
Journey down a Hampshire chalk stream to discover its wildlife with TV's Dr George McGavin and Zam Baring of the Wessex Rivers Trust in episode 9, season 6 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine plodcast
Thousands of fish killed in devastating pollution incident on Welsh river
Almost all aquatic life has been killed along a stretch of the picturesque Afon Llynfi at the northern edge of Brecon Beacons National Park.
Podcast: learn about river fish with film-maker Jack Perks on the Bristol Frome
Join freshwater fish photographer Jack Perks and editor Fergus Collins on an underwater fish watching adventure on the River Frome to learn how he filmed these elusive creatures. Listen now to the first episode of season three of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast.
Podcast: comedian Paul Whitehouse on his new angling series with Bob Mortimer
Gone Fishing with Mortimer and Whitehouse is back for a second series – catch up with its stars in this funny and poignant interview in episode 12, season 2 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Guide to small river fish: where to see and how to identify
The finned dwellers, lurkers and sprinters of our rivers and streams are as varied and fascinating as any wildlife on dry land – our guide on small river fish looks common species found in British rivers, where to see and how to identify.
Podcast: Saving Britain's most beautiful river
The Peak District's River Dove has been blighted by dozens of artificial weirs. Andrew Griffiths talks to local people about what can be done to bring the sparkle back to this famous trout stream
Fish farming – how hard can it be?
Deep in the Nottinghamshire countryside, the Environment Agency has a very special farm. Here they raise fish – but not for food. These are familiar species such as roach and dace that are used to restock waterways. Alan Henshaw explain why they need to do this
Restoring rivers to their natural state
Rosie Pyper from the Environment Agency’s national Water, Land and Biodiversity team has been working to restore the health of England's rivers and improve fish migration. Here, she tells us more about her latest projects...
The dawn chorus of fish
Early morning on a canal can offer a surprising window into the hidden world of fish, says Fergus Collins
Taking a fish's eye view of a river – in Abergavenny
Conservationists in the small Welsh market town of Abergavenny are trying to improve their local river so that salmon can return to it. Editor Fergus Collins went to get a closer look at the obstacles to success
Beavers boost fish populations, says study
Beavers are beneficial for migratory fish as they help improve water quality and could help fish populations to grow, according to the initial findings of new research.
Fish fancy, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
This far-flung chain of islands will richly reward your effort to reach them, not least with some wonderful food
Consumers show wider interest in UK fish species
As a new report finds UK waters can't supply demand for popular species, many supermarkets have found interest in alternative species on the rise.