Long lost fish the burbot to be re-introduced to Norfolk's rivers after over half a century of extinction

A species of predatory cod that disappeared from Norfolk's rivers could be introduced in the county's rivers.

The burbot, also known as the eelpout and the lingcod, disappeared from British waters around 50 years ago. Researchers haven't got a definitive reason as to why, but think water pollution could have played a role.

Its decline and eventual UK extinction has also been partly attributed to post-war river straightening and dredging works which removed its spawning and breeding grounds.

Norfolk Rivers Trust is speaking to burbot breeders in Belgium to source fish eggs, and exploring potential sites for a local hatchery.

Scientists and conservationists have targeted Norfolk's River Wissey as a possible reintroduction site for the predatory fish, that feeds on young trout, perch and roach.

Native to the county, the burbot was once widespread. Records from 1590 state that the species was so common that they were used to feed pigs. Pollution and habitat loss rendered them extinct, with the last known capture back in 1969.

Anglers have shown concerns about the reintroduction, as it could potentailly mean that species the burbot predates on could decline.

In response to concerns raised by anglers about the re-appearance of an aquatic predator, Dr Jonah Tosney, operations director for the Norfolk Rivers Trust told national papers: "The burbot is a predator and as with most fish they will eat pretty much anything.

"Burbot will eat young trout, perch and roach, and equally these fish will eat burbot. So they are a predator but also a food source.

"All these species have evolved to live together, and if perch or trout or pike went extinct in the Wissey, we would want to bring them back.

"They are part of the ecosystem. There will be a rebalancing of numbers, but they are not a threat to any particular population.

"Despite the worries about it being a predator, we are getting a lot of interest from fishermen too because it is something that a lot of people will have caught in living memory."

Mr Tosney said:“The chance to bring back burbot to our rivers is hugely exciting.Unlike beavers, lynx and sea eagles, they haven’t been gone for long; only about 50 years. Anglers still remember catching them.

"We’re hopeful that recent work to improve water quality and to restore habitat has brought our rivers back to a good enough state to support England’s great lost fish.”