Avon Roach Project at Severn Fisheries Conference
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Water Frame Work Directive
WFD - Dafydd Evans (188)
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Dr Matt Heydon-Natural England
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Silver Fishes of the Severn- Dr Mark Everard
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Severn Fisheries Conference – Introduction
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River Hydro Power Schemes are a waste of money says Angling Trust.
The Angling Trust press release is here
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said:
Angling Trust Position Statement on Run of River Hydropower (65)“Tackling climate change is vitally important, but run of river hydropower is not the solution, or even a viable part of the solution, it’s just green tokenism. It cannot be called green energy if it damages the natural functions of rivers and our already threatened fish stocks. There should be a halt to all new applications, and a withdrawal of Feed In Tariffs until a proper strategic environmental assessment of the impact of hydropower has been carried out. The chaotic gold rush that is going on at the moment could do huge damage to the future of river angling which is enjoyed by millions of people and supports tens of thousands of jobs.”
An example of the speculative nature of proposals for Hydro Power Schemes is the application at Tetstill Mill on the River Rea. This proposal has recently been given a license until 2025 despite the continued low flows at the site and the harm that the proposal will do to fish movement.
Previous posts on this issue are
The Rivers Trust Autumn Conference
- The Association of River Trusts
Almost one hundred delegates from as far afield as County Durham and Cornwall, Limerick and Norfolk gathered in Wales for the Rivers Trust (RT) Autumn Conference 2011, hosted by the Wye & Usk Foundation (WUF).
Canoes on the Teme – Survey
Canoeing on the Teme is usually a trespass and this a civil offence and a matter for the landowner rather than the EA or Natural England.
However the Teme is a special case being uniquely a SSSI throughout its length with species listed on the SSSI, particularly the Sea Lamprey and the Twait Shad being present and having spawning sites where much of the canoeing takes place (the middle and lower reaches).
Natural England’s own statement on the Teme includes this
Recreational or other activities likely to damage riparian habitats or disturb species of interest.
as being one of their concerns.
Offences against the SSI are not civil matters, but criminal, with Natural England as the enforcing body
It is an offence under Section 28 P(6) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as incorporated by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), without reasonable excuse, intentionally or recklessly to destroy or damage any of the flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features by reason of which land is of special interest, or intentionally or recklessly to disturb any of those fauna. A person found guilty of any such offence may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £20,000 or on conviction on indictment to a fine.
The SRT has grave concerns with the effects of canoeing on the Teme particularly given the low water conditions that have prevailed during most spring and summer periods in recent years. The SRT would like individuals, clubs etc. to provide information and particularly photographs of offenders.
The SRT will also be preparing notices for Clubs to put up on their waters to advise canoeists of the damage they may be causing. The SRT will also be contacting the various canoeing organisations, shops etc. to advise them of our concerns.
We would be grateful if those witnessing canoes on the Teme could complete the following survey.
We would also appreciate any photographic evidence you may have. Please send this to admin@severnriverstrust.com
Angling Trust – On the brink: Conservationists reveal the rivers still suffering
For information, this is the text of a press release received from the Angling Trust
Last week the Environment Agency released a list of the ten most improved rivers in England and Wales. Conservationists have criticised the report saying it presents a rosy view of river health and ignores the many waterways struggling with pollution, over abstraction and other threats.
River wildlife experts at the RSPB, WWF, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association – all partners in the Our Rivers Campaign – have responded with a list of ten rivers where not enough is being done to tackle these environmental pressures.
This list paints a different picture – one in which salmon, trout, watervoles and other river wildlife are under threat. Two thirds of rivers in England and Wales are failing European targets for water quality and too little is being done to address this.
The only river to appear on both lists is the Thames. Despite the Environment Agency hailing the return of salmon to the river, a University of Exeter report revealed last week that attempts to create a self sustaining salmon population in the Thames have failed. The report claims that salmon found in the Thames were more likely to be strays from other rivers.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said: “Last Christmas the Environment Agency put out a press release celebrating that our rivers were cleaner than at any time since the industrial revolution. We wrote to the EA to point out that this might give the wrong impression that everything was okay with our rivers.
“Well, another silly season is upon us, and the Agency doesn’t seem to have listened. It has put out another release with 10 examples of improvements that have been made – there should be hundreds of examples like this if it has done its job properly. Many of the ‘success story’ rivers still suffer from sewage overflows, damaging low flows in summer and barriers to migrating fish.
“Many of our fish stocks are in crisis and the EA presents this as a triumph! We will be raising this again with the EA to try to get it to see sense”
Jack Clarke, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “It is right to celebrate the improvements that our rivers have seen in recent decades – but we cannot ignore the continuing threats our native river wildlife faces.
“Most of the ten rivers highlighted in the Environment Agency’s report last week are doing well – but it is a different story for many hundreds of other rivers crossing England and Wales.
“The stories we hear from people living near these rivers are all too familiar – salmon and trout numbers at a fraction of their former levels, sewage being released directly into the waterway, riverbeds drying up in the summer due to unsustainable abstraction. The ten rivers we have chosen illustrate these problems, but they are only examples of a much wider issue.
“We are failing European targets for river health in a big way – and no amount of glossy PR from the Environment Agency is going to change that. Instead we need to see more ambition in their plans to restore rivers and we need reassurances that the Government’s upcoming Water White Paper will tackle the serious problem of over abstraction which is threatening river wildlife.”
The Our Rivers campaign is currently running an online survey to help paint a picture of the state of rivers in England and Wales and find the best places to spot river wildlife. The survey results will also highlight species which have disappeared along certain rivers. To take part visit www.ourrivers.org.uk/survey
The ten rivers chosen by the Our Rivers campaign
River Thames – Water quality in the Thames has improved over the past 50 years. This has come about through a combination of industrial decline, investment, and the hard work of the Environment Agency, conservationists and members of the public. But pretending that the Thames has been transformed into a pristine river supporting healthy salmon populations is a step too far, as highlighted by the University of Exeter report into salmon populations in the river which concluded: “Our findings highlight the futility of long-term stocking without corresponding improvements in habitat and water quality.”
Hampshire Avon – Salmon catches on the Hampshire Avon have fallen dramatically from a peak of 1,400 fish a year in the early 1970′s to around 200 fish in recent years. Salmon are a good indicator of the overall health of a freshwater ecosystem. The Environment Agency has confirmed that the Hampshire Avon has failed to reach the official conservation limit for salmon and the population is at risk. The river has also seen a dramatic fall in roach populations.
River Rea – The River Rea in Birmingham suffers so much from urban diffuse pollution from the City of Birmingham that sections are designated by the Environment Agency as “Bad” for insect life under the Water Framework Directive. This is the worst category that the Environment Agency uses to classify rivers. Birmingham City Council have obtained funding to try to address this issue but it will take many years before we see improvements to this and to the river bed.
River Trent – The River Trent from Stoke on Trent to the confluence of the River Tame is designated “Poor” for all fish due to urban diffuse pollution from Stoke resulting in ammonia and phosphate levels in the water which have been found to be at unacceptable levels. Historical changes to the river channel compound this issue.
River Kennet – This much loved chalk stream, the longest tributary of the Thames, is perilously low this September, due to low rainfall and high levels of abstraction. Local group Action for the River Kennet was set up 20 years ago to campaign for a reduction in abstraction on this river. Despite their efforts, and agreement from both the Environment Agency and the water company that a reduced licence is needed, nothing has yet been done. In fact, earlier this year the EA renewed Thames Water’s abstraction license despite clear and critical issues of over abstraction on this river.
River Beane – This river was once a thriving chalk stream, but today in its upper stretches it has almost disappeared due to high levels of water abstraction. The Environment Agency first confirmed there was a problem on this river over a decade ago, and the local water company has identified a plan to help revive the river. Yet, no action has been taken – much to the frustration of the River Beane Restoration Association.
River Mimram – Issues of over abstraction on this river, a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Tewin, have been identified since the early 1990s when it was claimed to be one of the worst affected rivers in the country. Twenty years on there has been little improvement. Friends of the Mimram have been working with the local water company and the Environment Agency – who have agreed that action is needed, but yet to be taken.
River Ivel – The Ivel in Bedfordshire rises crystal clear from springs in Hitchin, Hertfordshire but as it wends its short course north through Bedfordshire to meet the Ouse, pollution from sewage, roads and farming leave the water grey and cloudy after rainfall and non native species like the north American crayfish are taking their toll on wildlife. The entire river fails to meet the Water Framework Directive’s ‘Good’ status and with the Environment Agency’s River Basin Management Plan not including any actions for improvement by 2015 it looks like nothing is going change.
River Wye – The Wye is so special it has every legal protection that can be offered but even this jewel in the crown of our river network continues to suffer. Acid water from forestry, manmade barriers to fish migration, sediment from poor farming practice which smother salmon eggs (depriving them of the water and oxygen they need to survive) and heavy abstraction all work to reduce the quality of this once great river. The Wye and Usk Foundation and others are doing their best to redress the balance but all is far from well in the nation’s favourite river.
River Ray - The River Ray in Oxfordshire, which runs past the RSPB’s Otmoor reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest nearby would once have fed wetland habitats but today its waters are deliberately diverted away from wildlife areas. It is infested with the weed azolla – or water fern – one of the UK’s most invasive non native plants. It also contains high levels of pollution from agricultural chemicals and from a sewage works upstream of the reserve.
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-Ends-
Notes to editors:
1. The Environment Agency’s press release ‘Back from the brink – Environment Agency reveals the most improved rivers’ can be found here – http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/132754.aspx?month=8&year=2011
2. An Environment Agency annual report into the health status of rivers in England and Wales last year showed 72 per cent of rivers are failing European targets. Just four rivers out of nearly 6,000 assessed remain ‘High’ status waterways of near pristine condition. There were 26 per cent in the ‘Good’ category, the required European standard. The report classed 56 per cent as ‘Moderate’, 14 per cent as ‘Poor’ and two per cent as ‘Bad’.
3. The Our Rivers campaign conducted a public vote to find the most loved and hated rivers in England and Wales last year. The Wye was voted our favourite river whilst The Thames was voted the worst. Over abstraction was one of the main reasons members of the public gave when voting in the worst river category, alongside sewage discharges, diffuse pollution, manmade structures blocking fish movements and invasive alien species such as American crayfish and mink.
4. Unsustainable abstraction currently affects one third of catchments. The Environment Agency’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) show that there are areas under pressure from abstraction right across England and Wales. 15% of CAMS units are classified as over-abstracted (existing abstraction causing unacceptable damage to the environment at low flows) and 18% are classified as over- licensed (if licences were fully utilised it may cause unacceptable damage at low flows). There is particular water stress in the south and east of England, where rainfall is lower and population density and per capita consumption is highest. Climate change and increasing demand for water, due to population and lifestyle change, are likely to increase the pressure on rivers from abstraction.
Does a Proposed Hydro Scheme Concern You?
THEN ACT NOW AND MAKE YOUR CONCERNS COUNT
Are you worried that the cumulative effects of multiple hydro schemes in one catchment have not been sufficiently considered? Has sufficient protection been given to ensure schemes will not adversely impact fish populations? Should a fish passage be paid for by the developer? These are some of the important considerations highlighted by the S&TA to help members respond to the Hydro-power Good Practice Guidelines Consultation.
The consultation ends on 23rd September. IT IS VITAL, if a hydro-power scheme is proposed/planned on a river you fish, own, or care about, that you register your concerns before that date. Evidence is key! Please take the time to go here and respond. The S&TA/AT crib sheet is designed, along with your experience of hydro-power schemes on your local rivers, to help you with your response. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact S&TA’s Head of Science, with your queries. To see the crib sheet click here.
A new hydro-power scheme on any river has the potential to create irreparable damage to the aquatic environment UNLESS it is properly designed and constructed as part of an overall catchment management plan, taking into account cumulative effects of multiple hydro installations. This is your opportunity to ensure that all necessary precautions are put in place first to protect our fragile aquatic eco-systems.
Please don’t delay!
Environment Agency Top Ten Invasive Species
The EA has released a list of the top ten invasive species threatening England and Wales rivers here
Trevor Renals, invasive species expert at the Environment Agency said:
“River water quality is the best its been since before the industrial revolution. But if we don’t control invasive species, we risk losing some of our precious native species and incurring even more clean up costs. We could also fall short of the strict EU targets for our rivers and lakes.
“The Environment Agency will be working with other environment bodies as well as community and volunteer groups to manage the spread of these damaging plants and animals. We would urge everyone to help stop the spread of these species by making sure that garden and pond plants don’t end up near rivers and parkland and thoroughly cleaning any fishing, boating and canoeing equipment when moving between waterways.”
Angling Trust object to Hydro-power scheme on River Rea
The River Rea is a priority river for the Severn rivers Trust. We have, as is reported elswehere, done a lot of work on this river. The work has included building a fish pass at Tetsill Mill on the lower part of the river to encourage migratory fish, especially eels and none migratory fish such as Grayling and Brown Trout to have free access to spawning sites higher up the river.
A recent application has been made to build a hydro power scheme at this site.
The SRT believes that if this application gets the go ahead the full cost of the fish pass built by the SRT should be paid by the owners and operators of the scheme.
Many individuals and organisations have lodged objections to the scheme, including the Angling Trust who represent anglers and their clubs who fish this river and the river Teme of which the Rea is a tributary.
This is the text of the Angling Trust objection.
Water Resources Application NPS/WR/007611
Thursday, 11 August, 2011 11:57:08
RE: Water Resources Application NPS/WR/007611 by Mr William Duley for the River Rea at Tetsill Mill
On behalf of the Angling Trust I strongly object to this application which has to be one of the most damaging to a river in comparison to the paltry amount of electricity estimated to be generated. The environmental report is totally inadequate, and the scheme is a series of worst practices.
The Rea is of poor ecological status, and this scheme should ensure it remains that way rather than the proposal for it to achieve good status by 2027. The so-called Environmental Report correctly states “that the Hydropower proposal……will not impact upon the outcome of the future WFD status of the river.” Fine words, but the proposed scheme will not match them.
An Alaskan A type of fish pass was installed in 2010, at considerable cost, to aid the restoration of the salmon population of the whole Teme catchment. The scheme proposal is to discharge the turbine outflow via a leat a considerable distance downstream of the weir and fish pass, the “hands-off” flow being less than Q95. There is no attempt to evaluate the impact of this on the ecology of the depleted reach. But more importantly, it will effectively block migration of fish for the majority of the flow regime – fish will be simply attracted to the greater flow from the turbine channel. The report (Section 3.0) concludes that EA’s Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) recommends that a river with flow characteristics as the Rea should have a hands-off flow of Q95. This is wrong; this scheme is of the type described in section 4.4 “Mill leat used for hydropower abstraction – fish migration issues” where “Under most flow conditions, including high flows, the majority of the flow and velocity will be sustained in the route and channel to the fish pass to ensure high attraction towards it.” This scheme does not comply with this.
Screening – whilst a 6mm screen appears to be adequate; it is wrongly oriented and has no proper bywash for fish. The report is also confusing over the approach velocity; at one point it is stated as 13.5 cm/s, then later 25.8 cm/s. It does not state whether wither figure is based on the overalll screen dimensions or the open gap, nor whether it is based on a 50% blockage factor as should be required.
In brief, this a damaging scheme which will result in failure of WFD objectives in exchange for a minuscule amount of electricity. The scheme should have been vetoed at an early stage.
Dr Alan Butterworth
Technical Director
Angling Trust
On Going Abstraction for Hydo schemes
These are the most recent applications in our catchment. Those wishing to comment and / or object should do so to the EA with the details given
KS46
Helen Bates
Closing date for comments: 02 September 2011. Cwm-Y-Rhiwdre at NGR SO 08058 86878 and NGR SO 08014 87241
Water resources act 1991 (as amended by the Water Act 2003) Notice of application for a full licence to abstract water
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Helen Bates
for full licences to abstract water from:
Cwm-Y-Rhiwdre at NGR SO 08058 86878 and NGR SO 08014 87241
The proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods at abstraction point 1:
468 Cubic metres an hour,
11232 Cubic metres a day and
3,083,184 Cubic metres a year
130 Litres per secondThe proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods at abstraction point 2:
468 Cubic metres an hour,
11232 Cubic metres a day and
3,288,730 Cubic metres a year
130 Litres per secondThe water will be used for Hydro-Electric power generation
A copy of the application, map, plan and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of:
the Environment Agency
Fford Penlan
Parc Menai
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 4DEduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays).
Summary details of the application are also available from the Public Register held by the Environment Agency at the above address and may also be inspected free of charge during normal office hours.
Your chance to comment
Any person who wishes to make representations about the application must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Number NPS/WR/002798 atPermitting Support Centre,
Water Resources Team,
Quadrant 2,
99 Parkway Avenue,
Parkway Business Park,
S9 4WFor by email to PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
by no later than 02 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 0114 289 8340.
Signed: Simon Grantham
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 5 August 2011
KS46
Mr Nicholas Willson
Closing date for comments: 01 September 2011. Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786
Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the Water Act 2003)
Notice of application for a full licence to abstract water and for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of inland water by means of impounding works
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Mr Nicholas Willson
for a full licence to abstract water from the Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786.
The proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods:48.6 cubic metres an hour
1,166 cubic metres a day
425,736 cubic metres a year all year
The water will be used for Hydro electric Power Generation.
Application is also being made for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of the Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786. The object of impounding water by means of the works is by weir in order to create a head for abstraction.
A copy of the applications, maps, plans and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of the Environment Agency at:Environment Agency Wales
Rivers House
St Mellons Business Park
Fortran Road
St Mellons
Cardiff
CF3 0EYduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays). Summary details of the applications are also available from the Public Register held by the Environment Agency at Environment Agency Wales, Rivers House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0EY and may also be inspected free of charge during normal office hours.
Any person who wishes to make representations about the applications must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Number NPS/WR/003426 and NPS/WR/007836 to the Environment Agency at:
National Permitting Service (Water Resources)
Olton Court
10 Warwick Road
Olton
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 7HXor by email to: PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk by no later than 01 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 0114 289 8383.
Signed: Catherine Leach
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 04 August 2011
KN42
Arthur Roberts
Closing date for comments: 01 September 2011. River Tryweryn upstream of Llyn Celyn Reservoir: NGR: SH 83760 39850
Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the water act 2003) Notice of application for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of an inland water by means of impounding works
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Arthur Roberts
for a licence to impede the flow of the River Tryweryn upstream of Llyn Celyn Reservoir at National Grid Reference SH 83760 39850.
The object of impounding water by means of modifying the existing weir is to provide intake works for an off stream hydroelectric power scheme. Water will be abstracted from the intake works using a gravity fed pipe under abstraction licence number 24/67/2/11.
Licence 24/67/2/11 will be varied to increase the annual quantity from 18,400,000m3 to 18,600,000m3 in accordance with the design of the intake works. Existing hourly and daily rates will remain unchanged.
A copy of the application, map, plan and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of the Environment Agency Wales at:
Parc Menai
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 4DEduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays).
Your chance to comment
Any person who wishes to make representations about the application must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Numbers NPS/WR/001639 and NPS/WR/007052 to the Environment Agency at:
Water Resources Permitting Support Centre
Environment Agency
Quadrant 2
99 Parkway Avenue
Sheffield
S9 4WFor by email to:
PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
by no later than 01 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 01142 898340.
Signed: Catherine Leach
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 04 August 2011
Angling Trust and BASC unite with Cormorant Control Hotline
The Angling Trust has joined forces with BASC (the British Association for Shooting and Conservation) to launch a new service for members of angling’s representative body.
Any of the Trust’s member clubs, fisheries or riparian owners who are experiencing damage to their fish and fisheries by cormorants can call the Cormorant Control Hotline on 01244 573019 where BASC’s game and gamekeeping department will give advice about the best way to deal with the problem within the constraints of the current cormorant control licence and wherever possible visit the fishery and carry out the shooting free of charge. BASC’s Game and Gamekeeping Department will also give free help applying for and completing the paperwork required for a licence from Natural England.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said “We have experienced a sharp increase in the numbers of our members contacting us for advice on how to control cormorants. The first step is to apply for a licence from Natural England. Unfortunately for the average fishing club secretary this can be a painful process involving a 9 page form. Clubs may also be put off by the need for an experienced shooter with the correct firearm to carry out the pest control. This new service effectively deals with both those problems.”
Christopher Graffius, Director of Communications at BASC said “We applaud the Angling Trust’s continued efforts to assist their members in dealing with the growing numbers of cormorants and the effect on fishing. Many of BASC’s members are anglers too and this new initiative shows how important it is for those who use the countryside to stand together and work to preserve our fisheries, which suffer from over-abstraction, pollution, barriers to migration and a host of other issues.”
River Rea – Detton Mill
Mick and Matt Beach, fish pass consultants have produced a full report which can be downloaded Detton Mill, River Rea Report (70)
The River Rea is a priority for the trust. Fencing work as reported here was carried out last winter; and a fish pass at Tetstill weir was installed last year.
The importance of free passage for both migratory fish, eels and salmon as well as for Brown Trout and Grayling on the Rea means that we hope this work will be completed shortly.
The full report will make interesting reading for others involved in commissioning fish passes.
Severn Rivers Trust Launch Fisheries Passport Scheme
The Severn Rivers Trust has launched a pilot of its fisheries passport scheme. The web site is here.
Four beats on the River Cain will now be available for anglers through the Severn Rivers Trust.
These are the first four of what will be eventually be many more beats on the Cain and many other small rivers throughout the Severn Catchment.
The beats are all in areas previously with very limited opportunities for anglers.
The Severn Rivers Trust has worked and continues to work with local communities, riparian owners and farmers to improve these rivers and give opportunities for anglers to fish in beautiful locations for wild brown trout and other species of fish.
The initial beats will all be fly only fishing with a strict catch and release policy in force. (more…)
Stand up for Wild Salmon
The Salmon and Trout Association are launching their new website, Stand Up For Wild Salmon.
Take a look.
Environment Agency Trout & Grayling Strategy S&TA Questionnaire
Environment Agency Trout & Grayling Strategy
S&TA Questionnaire
Summer 2011
The welfare of wild trout, and the wellbeing of the rivers in which they live, is fundamental to the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA)’s work, which is why the Environment Agency (EA)’s Trout & Grayling Strategy (T&GS) concerns us and why we continue to monitor it closely and critically. However, members report mixed attitudes towards the T&GS, and so we are keen to collect more local opinion. We would, therefore, be grateful if you would take the time to complete this questionnaire.
Afon Cain River Report
The SRT has commissioned a series of reports from the Wild Trout Trust and the Grayling Society on rivers where we propose to introduce passport beats and where on going improvement projects are in place
WTT Report on the Afon Cain (90)
River Worfe Report
The SRT has commissioned a series of reports from the Wild Trout Trust and the Grayling Society on rivers where we propose to introduce passport beats and where on going improvement projects are in place.
The report of the River Worfe can be downloaded as a pdf here
Red Vent Syndrome in wild Atlantic salmon – A severity field guide
Wild Atlantic salmon returning with inflamed, swollen and bleeding vents have been seen in rivers throughout the UK since 2006. This condition has been called Red Vent Syndrome (RVS). This index has been developed to standardise the recording of RVS within Britain, allowing consistent reporting and monitoring. It replaces all earlier field guides. The following images show the normal vents of salmon and vents with varying degrees of RVS. Descriptions are provided to help clarify the different stages of RVS. Please use this guide when recording RVS and report these cases to the addresses in the document
Reporting of diseased & distressed salmonids in rivers
The EA have asked that we keep them informed of any reported losses of salmon and sea trout in our local rivers.
there have been a small number of reports of dead or distressed salmon and sea trout that appear to be related to the warm spring and low river flows. These conditions increase stress and susceptibility to disease, leading to symptoms that include fungal infection and bacterial lesions.
As you are all aware, losses of salmon and sea trout, or sightings of diseased fish, are likely to lead to considerable interest from anglers and local media. Whilst the EA have to be realistic about what management action they are able to take, they are happy to provide assistance in disease sampling, if you feel this is necessary to confirm the cause of the problem. This may be useful to enable you to be informed about the causes and, at least, ensure the EA are able to respond to queries with details of the action they taken and the exact nature of these problems.
The EA are also very keen to monitor the extent of these losses throughout England and Wales. Please keep them informed of any similar reports you hear about, or any disease problems that you think the EA could assist with.
Shropshire Hills AONB’s paper Think Big: ecological recovery in protected landscapes
Download here
Please note this is quite a large file .You will need the free pdf reader to view, which is here.
