Spectacle Archive

Olympic Beltane Bream - 2007

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Introduction

Every year in May ( Beltane ) Bream swim up the river Lea to spawn.

Every year in May ( Beltane ) Bream swim up the river Lea to spawn in the stretch by the 'Friends Bridge'.

This spectacular annual event depends on the twice daily low tide in this part of the River Lea dropping to a level where bottom living grasses are exposed to the slow flow of river water. This allows female bream to release their eggs to stick to the fronds. These eggs are then fertilised with the 'milt' of the male fish.

The Prescott Channel Locks and 'Water Control Structure' at Bow will maintain a steady river level which will enhance property values in Stratford but destroy the necessary conditions for the spawning Bream.

Olympic Legacy- No Bream in the river Lea.

To find out more about Spectacle's Olympic project visit our Project Page.

Issues raised in this interview can be discussed on the Spectacle Blog.

Credits

Date: May 2007
Location: Lea River Friends Bridge
City: London
Original Format - colour, mini DV, 7 mins
Language versions - english
Useful link: - http://www.spectacle.co.uk/...

Ordering Information

If you would like to request a viewing copy of this video, please click the email link below. You can find out more information about ordering in the distribution section.
Order Catalogue No. OLY025 - BITC - en - pal via email

Further Details

Useful links:

Beltane Wikipedia

Bream Watch

Friends Bridge

Anglers please note the fish do not feed when spawning.

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