We supply and install 'floating fish refuges', providing a sanctuary for juvenile fish and giving protection from avian predators such as cormorants. These floating fish refuges have a coir fiber filled base so can be planted with filled with a range of plants. It is the root structure from these plants that provides the perfect refuge for juvenile fish, and a protective mesh providing the cover from cormorants.
Cormorant activity is highest in winter, when there is little natural cover for the fish. At these times, a fish refuge can provide the additional shelter that the fish stocks require. The lack of fish availability will then make the venue less attractive to cormorants, resulting in fewer birds and less predation.

As well as adding to the biodiversity of the lake and giving protection from cormorants, fish refuges have also been shown to improve the catch rates of anglers on the venue; both short term (through decreased predation) and long term (through improved recruitment).
The root system also helps with the removal of fine particulate matter and metals. When used in multiples, planted floating islands can significantly increase the removal rates of nitrates, phosphorus and ammonia.