Report on the 1995 stock assessment of the Douglas catchment

The River Douglas has a long industrial heritage beginning in the early 18th century with its use by boats carrying goods between Wigan and Tarleton. The River and its tributaries have also historically been, and to a certain extent are still, subject to polluting inputs from the urban, agricultural and industrialised areas located within its catchment. During the early stages in the production of the River Douglas Catchment Management Plan, it became apparent that very little data existed on the populations of coarse and salmonid fish species within the River Douglas system. The data that did exist was largely anecdotal, consisting of catch reports from anglers or water bailiffs, or of dead and distressed fish following pollution incidents. This study was initiated to assess the status of coarse and salmonid fish species within the River Douglas system and so address the lack of knowledge. Eighty two sites were surveyed by electric fishing, including 14 sites using an electric fishing punt and up to four anodes. The data was analysed according to a new National Fisheries Classification Scheme. This classified the sites by the fish stock s present and compared the results with a database containing information from sites around the country that have similar habitat types. A stocking experiment was also undertaken in the River Lostock using chub reared at the Leyland Hatchery. These were marked with an identifiable blue spot in the spring of 1995 and then released into three, previously surveyed, locations in the river. These sites were then resurveyed during the summer stock assessment. This report also Site Reports with details on monitored sites, habitat features and fishery classification.

River Wyre salmon and sea trout spawning habitat restoration / creation project. Final report April 1995

Adult salmon and sea trout rod catches in the River Wyre have been subject to considerable variability over the years. Annual rod catches ranging from 6 to 401 have been reported since records began in 1905. It has long been suspected that the physical nature of the catchment, combined with anthropogenic influences, has resulted in a deleterious effect on the Wyre fishery. Acidification problems in the head water streams (Marshaw Wyre and Tarnbrook Wyre) have been reported and are thought to threaten salmon juvenile survival. The construction of Abbeystead Reservoir and an increased tendency towards rapidly rising water levels during storms (flashiness) 1 are thought to have a significant impact on spawning gravel quality and quantity, both of which are thought to be deteriorating. As part of an overall desire to maintain and improve the migratory salmonid population in the River Wyre, this project has been commissioned to investigate remedial action which may improve and enhance spawning success, leading to an eventual improvement in the status of adult stocks. The primary objective is to establish whether the quantity and/or quality of available spawning gravels are limiting migratory salmonid productivity. The investigations undertaken confirm the general observation that useable spawning gravels appear to be in short supply in the River Wyre, and may be the limiting factor influencing returning adult stock.

1995 annual report on fisheries in the North west incorporating the annual summary of fishery statistics.

This fisheries report summarises national and regional developments focussing on the North West region of the Environment Agency. The North West region covers around 14,000 square km, from Cheshire in the south to its northern border with Scotland. The report provides statistics on fisheries finance, including income and expenditure, salmon and sea trout catches, including rod and line and net catches, and special projects, including fish stock assessments, and surveys. The appendix includes a summary of fish statistics for 1995.

Annual report 1995

An account is given of the activities of the Institute during the year 1995, including also reports of various projects carried out by staff members, which concerned the following: pre-recruitment ecology of the freshwater sardine (Limnothrissa miodon) in Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe); hydroacoustic surveys of kapenta abundance in Lake Kariba and Lake Cahora Bassa (Mozambique); angler's tigerfish catches, tigerfish studies and gillnet sampling; inshore fish population studies in Lake Kariba; catch/effort data recording system; fishermen's training towards the establishment of a Fisheries Co-management approach on Lake Kariba; and, enforcement and compliance with fisheries regulations within the inshore fishery on Lake Kariba.

1995 fisheries statistics, Lake Kariba - Zimbabwe shore

The report provides catch records for the Kapenta and inshore fisheries in the Zimbabwean waters of Lake Kariba for the year 1995. Kapenta usually constitute about 90% of the total catch from Lake Kariba; for statistical purposes catches are recorded for the 5 hydrological basins - Mlibizi, Binga, Sengwa, Bumi and Kariba. Whereas kapenta represent a unit stock which is harvested by both Zimbabwe and Zambia, the artisanal fishery exploits inshore species which generally occupy water less than 10m deep along the shoreline, considered to be 2 separate stocks. The main species in the inshore fishery are Oreochromis mortimeri, Sargochromis codringtonii, Tilapia rendalli, Labeo altivelis, Hydrocynus vittatus, Mormyrus longirostris, Clarias gariepinus and Synodontis zambezensis.

Central area fisheries annual report 1995

The purpose of this report is to record key events and achievements of the NRA Central Area Fisheries Function in 1995. Rivers include the Ribble, Hodder and Lune. The report looks at Hydrological and meteorological data, site visits made during the year, communications and reports, Capital works and purchases, Stock assessment, monitoring and specific investigations, Fisheries Management advice, Fish kills and rescues, Fish rearing and stocking. It also looks at rod and net catches for salmon and sea trout, micro-tag returns, the drought, the results of the 1995 objectives set the year before and the key objectives for 1996.

Assessment of the Distribution and Abundance of Coastal Sharks in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Seaboard, 1995 and 1996

During 1995 and 1996, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), conducted pilot studies to develop survey methodology and a sampling strategy for assessment of coastal shark populations in the Gulf of Mexico and western North Atlantic. Longline gear similar to that used in the commercial shark fishery was deployed at randomly selected stations within three depth strata per 60 nautical mile gridf rom Brownsville, Tex. to Cape Ann, Mass. The survey methodology and gear design used in these surveys proved effective for capturing many of the small and large coastal sharks regulated under the auspices of the 1993 Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for Sharks oft he Atlantic Ocean. Shark catch rates, species composition, and relative abundance documented in these pilot surveys were similar to those reported from observer programs monitoring commercial activities. During 78 survey days, 269 bottom longline sets were completed with 879 sharks captured.

Cheshire Meres 1995, May-June

This is the Cheshire Meres 1995, May – June Surveys Report from the National Rivers Authority, 1995. The report focuses on the surveys of ten Cheshire Meres in November 1994 and then again in May-June 1995 as part of a rolling program examining the water quality of this group of still waters. The ten meres surveyed were: Betley, Budworth, Combermere, Hatchmere, Oak mere, Pick mere, Redes, Rostheme, Tabley, and Tatton. This report discusses the results of the May-June survey before making a comparison between these and the November survey results. The section on results contains information about suspended solids (S.S.) and volatile suspended solids (V.S.S.); Nitrate and Nitrite; Ammonia; ortho-Phosphate; Silicate and Soluble reactive Silica; and total Phosphorus.

South Area still waters 1995 November surveys

This is the South Area still waters 1995 November surveys from the National Rivers Authority, 1996. The report focuses on the surveys of ten Cheshire Meres (Betley, Budworth, Combermere, Hatchmere, Oak mere, Pick mere, Redes, Rostherne, Tabley, and Tatton) previously surveyed in November 1994 and May 1995. Eight others (Chapel Mere, Little Mere, Marbury Mere, Mere Mere, Oss Mere, Petty Pool, Quoisley Big Mere and Tabley Moat) were surveyed for the first time. Two other lakes, Carr Mill Dam and Pennington Flash, were surveyed. Neither of these are considered to be part of the Cheshire meres group of lakes but are of a Regional interest. This report discusses the results of the November 1995 survey before making a comparison between these and the November 1994 survey results. The section on results contains information about water column profile; nutrients (chlorophyll a; Phaeophytin; Nitrate and Nitrite; Ammonia; ortho-Phosphate; Silicate; and total Phosphorus.

River Gowy rapid corridor survey July 1995. Ecology South Mersey

This is the River Gowy rapid corridor survey July 1995: Ecology South Mersey report produced by the National Rivers Authority North West Region in 1995. This report looks at the survey carried out by the South Mersey Ecology Team prior to routine deweeding operations on the main River Gowy at the end of July, 1995. The survey covered Flood Defence Stretch References RGOW03 to RGOW16. These stretches were further divided into a series of 43 stretches, each one being approximately 500m in length for ease o f mapping by Ecology. Recommendations for each length have been cross-referenced with the Bill of Quantities where possible, e.g. retention o f margins. In Flood Defence stretch RGOW03, the South West Winter Wetland forms an important habitat for birds. In stretches RGOW04 to RGOW05, the Gowy Meadows and Ditches have been designated a Grade A, Site of Biological Importance, by Cheshire County Council due to the nature of the acidic grassland and diverse ditches. In stretches RGOWIO to RGOW11 the left bank forms Hockenhull Platts, Grade A Site of Biological Importance and County Trust Reserve. In stretches RGOW15 to RGOW16, the area from Mill Farm to the Shropshire Union Canal is a Grade A Site of Biological Importance. These sites are very sensitive and detailed recommendations for working practices can be found in the relevant sections o f the survey.

A report on the strategic fisheries stock assessment survey of the River Winster 1995 together with a coarse fish survey in 1994 and reference to the 1995 drought

This is the report on the strategic fisheries stock assessment survey of the River Winster 1995 together with a coarse fish survey in 1994 and reference to the 1995 drought, produced by the Environment Agency North West in 1996. Salmonid production within the Winster catchment was dominated by trout although good densities of salmon juveniles were found on some main river sites. Despite suffering drought conditions for much of 1995, only salmon fry production appeared to have been affected. Coarse fish populations once found in the lower reaches of the Winster appear to have declined to very low levels with no fish sampled. This may be partly due to broken tidal gates allowing saline intrusion. It seems that the lower river was suited to the development of a recreational coarse fishery, now that the gates have been repaired. This report completes the strategic stock assessment surveys planned for the period 1992-1995. It represents the last major catchment that was surveyed to determine the current status of fisheries in the South and South West Cumbria areas.

Brown trout habitat assessment on the River Bela catchment (as recommended by the strategic fisheries stock assessment task group 1995)

This is the Brown trout habitat assessment on the River Bela catchment produced by the Environment Agency North West in 1997. The Environment Agency (EA) and its predecessor the National Rivers Authority undertook strategic fish stock assessments in 1992 and 1995 on the River Bela catchment. These surveys found low numbers of brown trout {Salmo trutta) at some sites. Following this, habitat evaluation assessments were undertaken on the eleven poorest sites Factors probably responsible for declining trout populations on the three main tributaries of the Bela catchment include: Overgrazing by farm stock; Lack of suitable cover for parr; the absence of suitable spawning areas; existing potential of certain areas within the catchment not being utilised, due to poor dispersal. Habitat Improvement Schemes (H.I.S) are discussed and prioritised.