‘Fish migration is better with new hydro scheme’ was the title of a letter put in the Oxford Mail by Osney Lock Hydro director Saskya Huggins. This was in reply to Nigel Plunkett’s letter expressing concerns about the impact the scheme at Osney would have on fish.

In her letter she explained the process they went through to get permission for a hydro scheme, the Archimedean screw is one recommended by the Environment Agency as being fish friendly and they have also priced up for a fish pass to be put in place to assist fish migration.

Her final paragraph justifies why the scheme should go ahead, she says: “Our scheme will generate green energy and create a sustainable income stream to support local environmental projects”.

Two species of fish that are hugely susceptible to these types of impellors are pike (Esox Esox) and the European eel (Anguilla Anguilla), this is because of their long bodies.

Eels are getting extremely rare and in some river systems are protected.

I applaud the Osney Lock Hydro for putting in a fish pass although I would have thought the Environment Agency would insist on a fish pass anyway.

But that does not take away the fact that some fish will be killed at this scheme.

I sometime wonder how easily it would be to get permission for one of these schemes if instead of fish scales they were covered in feathers or fur.

Andy Webber, Earl Street, Botley, Oxford