Fish find peace in plastic pallets

Plastic pallets provide more than just a practical solution to the problem of storing and moving goods, they can also provide a safe haven for fish in areas where the over zealous feeding habits of cormorants are decimating stocks.

The Environment Agency contacted Eastbourne-based company, goplasticpallets.com, when they discovered that hard-wearing plastic pallets can be constructed into fish-friendly floating islands that are far more durable than traditional wire cages.

Some inland waters offer little very natural habitat making fish particularly vulnerable to predators such as cormorants. The plastic pallet islands offer protection and a place to spawn. The floating fish houses are planted with local vegetation to give overhead cover and to ensure that they blend in with the environment.

The islands have already been tested on the canal at Lime Kilns in Exeter and observers have noticed that cormorants are already finding dinner harder to come by. Some have already left to find alternative feeding sites.

Goplasticpallets.com managing director, Jim Hardisty, says: “We have a wide range of pallets and all kinds of customers but I never imagined they would become a firm favourite with fish. I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to help solve the problem.” More islands are planned in watery locations around the country.