A supplement to a bibliography of samplers for benthic invertebrates

A supplement to the earlier bibliography compiled by Elliott and Tullett 1978 (FBA Occas. Publ. No. 4) covering literature from December 1977 - December 1982 on samplers that could be used for the rapid removal of benthic intertebrates from the natural substrata of rivers and streams. In addition it includes papers on marine samplers that have been or could be used in freshwater.

The juvenile salmonid populations of the River Lune catchment, 1981 to 1985

The aim of this study was to assess the status of the juvenile salmonid populations of the River Lune and its tributaries. There was special emphasis on juvenile salmon stocks in view of the implementation of a net limitation order in 1980. The number of licensed instruments were reduced as follows: (1) Drift, hang or whammel nets - from 12 to 10 (2) Draft or seine nets - from 3 to 1 (3) Heave or haaf nets - from 4 6 to 2 6 For the purpose of this report, the River Lune system has been divided into 13 subcatchments and these are examined with a view to detecting any trends in the data such as subcatchment productivity, partitioning between salmon and trout nursery streams, and whether the restrictions on salmon fishing had any discernible effects on juvenile salmon productivity. The effect of flow and instream obstructions on salmonid densities are also investigated as these have been shown to be important factors affecting abundance. Throughout the study period a programme of enhancement stocking took place primarily with salmon ova and fry. The possible impact of this on the results of the surveys has been assessed. The distribution and abundance of juvenile salmon was found to be relatively consistent in each of the 13 subcatchments studied over the 1981-1985 period.

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.

Arctic charr from Ennerdale water - relicts of the ice age

The work discussed in this report deals with aspects of the ecology of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus, L.). The main aims of the study were: (1) To assess the relative abundance of migrants entering the River Liza and Smithy Beck in the English Lake District). (2) To assess the degree of stream specificity. (3) To determine the period of residency in the streams. (4) To obtain a better understanding of migratory behaviour. (5) To determine the growth rate of mature fish. (6) To determine the morphometric and meristic attributes. In conjunction with this work a study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of using a video recording system to monitor the migration of charr in Smithy Beck.

Genetic differentiation between Atlantic salmon populations in the Windermere catchment

Genetic analysis, using single locus probes for genomic DNA, revealed that the juvenile Atlantic salmon populations in the Rivers Leven, Rothay and Troutbeck were related but genetically distinct. This genetic differentiation is greater than might be expected (by comparison with other salmon populations in the UK) and it is recommended that no action is taken which might promote genetic exchange between the three rivers. Thus, future fisheries management practices should treat the salmon from each site as separate genetic stocks. It is unlikely that any attempts to encourage fish currently spawning in the River Leven (downstream of Windermere) to utilize the upper catchment will be successful. The faster growth rate of juvenile salmon in the River Leven, compared with the River Rothay, probably results from a difference in temperature between the inflowing streams and the main outflow of Windermere. Precocious sexual maturation of some male parr was found in all three populations but the incidence (13-33%) is well within the range reported for other waters. Because of their enhanced growth rate, it is likely that some of the precocious males in the River Leven were 0+ fish. A very high incidence of hybridization (>18%) between Atlantic salmon and brown/sea trout was found in Troutbeck but not in the other rivers. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of these hybrids revealed them to be the product of several, independent cross-fertilizations involving both sexes of both species. The implications of this finding are discussed in relation to the availability of suitable spawning sites in Troutbeck.

A working guide to the assessment, implementation and post project monitoring of fisheries habitat improvement schemes in South Cumbria

Due to changes in land use over the last century, the physical nature of many streams and rivers in the British Isles has probably changed. In some cases this change may be large for example as a result of flood defence schemes and is easily observed, whilst in other cases altered land use, farming, forestry or urbanization may have resulted in more subtle changes to river features. This working guide draws together a way of assessing habitat in any stream or river and determine sites or reaches on the assessed watercourse that may benefit from habitat improvement schemes. It will determine a method of measuring existing habitat in a broad sense, whilst referring to R and D studies currently being undertaken in this area. A method of prioritising any proposed habitat restoration work will be suggested. The limitations of fisheries improvement schemes in terms of cross functional acceptance (flood defence and conservation) will be examined along with suggested proposals for some example watercourses. The need for pre and post enhancement monitoring will be discussed as will the requirement for maintenance programs on schemes. Finally methods for determining the cost benefits of small schemes will be examined, compared to other currently used enhancement strategies. This will allow small scale revenue schemes to be used to back up pre project cost benefit analysis as required in future capital submissions.

Summary of fishery statistics, 1987

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1987 in the region of the North West Water Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Duddon, River Ribble, River Wyre, River Derwent and River Esk.

Summary of fishery statistics, 1988

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1988 in the region of the North West Water Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Duddon, River Ribble, River Wyre, River Derwent and River Esk.

Summary of fishery statistics 1989

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1989 in the region of the North West Water Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial catches for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Duddon, River Ribble, River Wyre, River Derwent and River Esk.

Summary of fishery statistics 1990

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1990 in the region of the North West Water Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial catches for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Duddon, River Ribble, River Wyre, River Derwent and River Esk.

Summary of fishery statistics 1991

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1991 in the region of the North West Water Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial catches for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Duddon, River Ribble, River Wyre, River Derwent and River Esk.

Summary of fishery statistics 1992

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1992 in the North West region of the National Rivers Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial catches for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Ribble and River Derwent.

Summary of fishery statistics 1993

This fisheries report summarises developments of the year 1993 in the North West region of the National Rivers Authority. It provides catch statistics, rod and line and commercial catches for salmon and sea trout, fish culture and hatchery operations, restocking with trout and freshwater fish, upstream fish movement recorded at authority fish counters, counts of salmon and sea trout spawning redds, fish mortalities, licences issued, and prosecutions. Among the streams that are covered in the report are the River Lune, River Kent, River Leven, River Ribble and River Derwent.

Electrofishing, survey of Skirden and Swanside Beck August/September 1987.

As a follow up survey, the report assesses Skirden and Swanside Beck (North West England) in order to determine: 1. The status of these systems as salmonid nursery streams. 2. The success of planting with salmon fry and parr, carried our earlier in the year. The report gives methods, results, a summary and the author's recommendations.

Conservation of the Nilgiri rainbow trout in India

Rainbow trout is one of the important exotic species that is well established in the upland waters of India. This paper presents the historical background of its introduction and the present status of the fish in the streams of he Nilgiri peninsula of India. The rainbow trout inhabits natural reservoirs and streams of the region as a self-recruiting population. The growth rate is reported to be relatively low and conflicting views about its taxonomic status have been reported. Successful crossbreeding of the Nilgiri rainbow trout with trout stocks from the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh has indicated the scope for utilizing cryopreserved milt as a mode of introducing new genetic material into the Nilgiri rainbow trout population. This paper outlines the requirement of ecological and genetic data to develop a strategy for management and reintroduction fresh stocks.