Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director for Environment, concerning the results of the 52^nd City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment, and the options for the 53^rd Experiment in 2025 for the Committee’s consideration.

It was confirmed that the report and results of the Experiment were shared as widely as possible, including with the Port of London Authority, relevant environmental agencies, and The Fishmongers’ Company.

A Member raised that the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee had received a report on a study which had linked dogs swimming in Heath ponds being the likely source of pesticides that could be harmful to the natural environment in those ponds. It was suggested that measuring pesticides could be an aspect of future Fishery Experiments.

A Member noted comments following the previous year’s report in seeking funding and queried what funding had been sought for the 52^nd Experiment and if funding would be secured for the 53^rd Experiment. The response was that following the approval of the 52^nd Experiment, connections for potential funding were made but few resulted in additional funding. Officers would endeavour to continue to seek funding from multiple sources. It was requested that Members submit any suggestions or contacts for potential funding sources.

RESOLVED – That Members agree:

·       To proceed with the 53^rd City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment in 2025 in the existing format.

·       To review and approve the grant of £4,800 from the City’s Estate to partially fund the 2025 Experiment.

·       Approve delegated authority to the Town Clerk, in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to determine the details of the proposed Research Project in conjunction with suitable academic institutions.