The Ribble. Portrait of an estuary

Blackpool, Lytham St. Anne's and Southport are household names as popular leisure and holiday resorts the length and breadth of the land. Their location at the mouth of the estuary of the River Ribble is much less well known, yet this same estuary is of paramount importance to both the economy and the environment of North West England. Indeed, the Ribble Estuary is of international importance for interests as diverse as wintering and migrating wild birds on one hand to the modern aerospace industry on the other. This brochure provides a brief introduction to the estuary of the River Ribble including a historic overview of the people living near the estuary, agriculture and wildlife.

Introduction of boulders to the R. Ribble: a short geomorphological evaluation

The placement of artificial in-channel structures (including large cobbles / boulders) into any fluvial system needs to be considered carefully. This brief report summarises considerations for boulder introductions into the River Ribble from a geomorphological perspective. This includes boulder placement and shape. Bagnold's Excess Stream Power Method is used to calculate the boulder sizing.

River Lune processes. A study of change in the River Lune catchment and recommendations for flood defence management

There has been a perception of increasing river channel instability in north west rivers and the River Lune in particular in recent decades. This has been attributed variously to: (a) long-term trends in precipitation-runoff regime; (b) changes in land-use such as moor-draining and sub-soil draining such that the river is more flashy than previously, and (c) a change in the magnitude-frequency relationships of flow such that high discharges are occurring with increased frequency. Resources are available in the form of rainfall and runoff records, archived information on channel planform, land use statistics and local engineering experience which have not been jointly and fully evaluated. Effective interpretation of the nature of channel change through time with respect to this resource may enhance the Environment Agency's ability to manage the river channel efficiently in the future and will aid the development of effective policy. The results of this study will for the first time, provide robust guidance with respect to long-term channel adjustment and the appropriate management options. The research provides suggestions as to how policy might be developed taking account of other pertinent factors.

River Tawd post stocking survey 1998

The River Tawd is a tributary of the River Douglas catchment. The Tawd is approximately 8km in length from its source, to the south of Skelmersdale, to its confluence with the River Douglas at Snipe Hall farm. The aim of this study was to determine whether the water quality of the River Tawd had improved sufficiently to allow a mixed coarse fish population to establish itself on the river after the stocking of juvenile Roach (Rutilus rutilus), Dace (Leucisus leucisus) and Chub (Leucisus cephalus) in 1997. This report will consider the survival of the stocked fish. If the stocking was successful, other potential stocking sites will be recommended for future stocking with a view to developing the River Tawd fishery.

Salmon action plan. River Ribble - June 2000

In February 1996 A Strategy for the Management of Salmon in England and Wales was launched by the National Rivers Authority. The strategy concentrates on four main objectives for the management of salmon fisheries in England and Wales: (i) Optimise the number of salmon returning to home water fisheries, (ii) Maintain and improve the fitness and diversity of salmon stocks, (iii) Optimise the total economic value of surplus stocks, (iv) Ensure necessary costs are met by beneficiaries. These four objectives will be addressed through local Salmon Action Plans (SAPs) which will be produced for each of the principle salmon rivers in England and Wales by the year 2001. A consultation report was produced for the River Ribble and released publicly in October 1999. This document determined an egg deposition figure of 8.5 million eggs for the Ribble, that would allow maximum gain from the net and rod fisheries; raised a number of issues which are thought to currently limit salmon production; identified actions which may be undertaken by the Environment Agency and other bodies to improve stocks. This action plan re-addresses the issues raised in the consultation document, taking into account the comments received, and also identifies areas of possible improvement in data gathering that would allow more accurate estimation of the spawning target and compliance in future years. The progress of this plan will be monitored and reported annually.

Salmon action plan. River Ribble - August 2000

In February 1996 A Strategy for the Management of Salmon in England and Wales was launched by the National Rivers Authority. The strategy concentrates on four main objectives for the management of salmon fisheries in England and Wales: (i) Optimise the number of salmon returning to home water fisheries, (ii) Maintain and improve the fitness and diversity of salmon stocks, (iii) Optimise the total economic value of surplus stocks, (iv) Ensure necessary costs are met by beneficiaries. These four objectives will be addressed through local Salmon Action Plans (SAPs) which will be produced for each of the principle salmon rivers in England and Wales by the year 2001. This Salmon Action Plan for the River Ribble reviews the status of the stock and the fisheries, seeks to identify the main factors limiting performance, to draw up and cost a list of options to address these, and to consult with local interest groups.

Report on the 2001 stock assessment of the River Darwen catchment

The River Darwen is a highly impacted Lancashire river with very little known about its fishery interest above the impassable weir at Salmesbury Bottoms. Below the weir there are populations of coarse fish around the confluence with the River Ribble. To the knowledge of local bailiff staff, prior to 1996 the fish population in the middle and upper River Darwen had never been surveyed by electric fishing. In order to address this lack of knowledge, a survey was undertaken during the summer of 1996 with the aim of evaluating the salmonid and cyprinid fish population in the river. Twenty two sites were surveyed by electric fishing between June 11th and July 11th 1996. Information was gathered on the presence and density of fish populations in the river catchment, and analysed according to the National Fisheries Classification Scheme in order to determine how these populations compare nationally with sites of similar habitat features. From this report, recommendations were made to improve and develop the fishery potential in relation to water quality and habitat prioritising areas classed as being Ashless. It was recommended that juvenile coarse fish should be stocked in the Houghton Bottoms area. This area has excellent fishery habitat and was found to contain a minor coarse fish population. Water quality in this stretch of river was thought to be good enough to establish a major coarse fish population. Fish were introduced for the first time in 1998 at Houghton Bottoms from the Agency's Leyland Fish Farm. 3000 each of Roach, Chub and Dace were introduced. Further fish introductions occurred in 2000 with the stocking of 1000 Chub, again from the Agency's Leyland Fish Farm in the Lower Darwen and Witton areas of the main river on a trial basis.

Report on the 1992 stock assessment of the Wyre catchment

The aim of this study was to assess the status of the juvenile salmonid and coarse fish populations of the Wyre catchment. Emphasis was placed on an examination of the distribution of spawning and nursery areas for salmonids within the study area and an assessment of the status of juvenile salmonid stocks. The species distribution and spawning areas for other fish species were also identified where possible and the status of the Wyre coarse fishery, downstream of Churchtown Weir, assessed. This report examines the results of stock assessment surveys carried out in the Wyre catchment between 2/06/92 and 11/08/92. Forty-six sites were surveyed from Tarnbrook Wyre (SD. 598577) and Marshaw Wyre (SD. 614541) downstream to St Michaels (SD. 465411). Flow, habitat and in-river obstructions have been shown to affect juvenile salmonid densities. A habitat description is provided for each site studied during the course of this study.

Report on the 1994 juvenile salmon stocking study of Foxhouses and Grizedale Becks, River Wyre

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of Foxhouses and Grizedale Becks as nursery habitat for juvenile salmon. A comprehensive fish stock assessment survey of the Wyre catchment was carried out by the NRA in 1992. This survey found that juvenile salmon were absent from two sites studied in Foxhouses Beck. In one site in Grizedale Beck, 0+ salmon were found at very low densities. Juvenile trout were found in all three sites studied in 1992. On the basis of the results of the 1992 survey, these two becks were stocked in 1994 with 0+ salmon reared from Lune broodstock at the NRA's Witcherwell Hatchery. These salmon were stocked at a known density, following a pre-stocking survey. This report examines and compares the results of the pre-stocking survey consisting of fourteen sites in the two becks, carried out between 12/04/94 and 27/04/94 and a post- stocking survey of six sites, carried out between 12/10/94 and 19/10/94. Flow, habitat and in-river obstructions have been shown to affect juvenile salmonid densities. A habitat description is provided for each site surveyed during the course of this study.

Geomorphological considerations for the introduction of boulders and groynes for fisheries enhancement: assessment of River Eden at Carhead

This report seeks to briefly provide geomorphological guidance over the introduction of 'habitat enhancement' features for fisheries improvement which is an expanding area of interest throughout the region. This document is a primary attempt to draw together the salient details from the large quantity of literature published in recent years with reference to boulder introduction and to groyne/deflector placement in NW rivers. Secondly the potential introduction of such features is assessed, with reference to the proposed works at Carhead on the Eden.

River Ure: fisheries drought report 1996

Yorkshire Water Services (YWS) are currently granted a Time Limited Licence (TLL) for abstraction at Kilgram Bridge which is due for renewal in 1999. The Environment. Agency requires information on fish populations with regards to drought conditions and any possible effects that abstraction may have when considering licence renewal. In' order to evaluate any effects of drought and abstraction a three year study was instigated to examine fish populations. Surveys were conducted at nine main River Ure sites and two tributaries in which the triennial rolling programme formed the basis of site selection. Multi-method sampling techniques were carried out at several sites in order to evaluate capture efficiency. High densities of brown trout juveniles were observed in the tributaries with an indication that fish had become crowded as a result of low flows. Recruitment of brown trout in the tributaries was not directly related to flow levels in the main R. Ure. However, it is concluded that salmonids are at risk during drought flows and high temperatures from increased susceptibility to disease, predation, poor water quality and the direct lethal effect of high temperatures in shallow water.

River Ouse: fisheries drought report 1996

The basis for undertaking this study was to examine factors and potential impacts affecting fish and fishing in relation to low flow drought conditions and what other impacts may arise as a result of further reduced flows resulting from abstraction. The study formed the basis of a three year project to concentrate on effects relating to potable water abstractions at Moor Monkton by YWS. To fully evaluate the possible effects on fisheries the study set out to encompass fish population surveys from fry to adult stock, analysis of angler catch data, reports from anglers and river reports from Environment Agency Fisheries staff. In order to evaluate any effects of drought and abstraction a three year study was instigated to examine fish populations. Fish population surveys were conducted at six sites in which the triennial rolling programme formed the basis of site selection. Multi-method sampling techniques were carried out at several sites in order to evaluate capture efficiency. Roach were prolific above the weir at Linton-on-Ouse, with gudgeon, perch and small bream also well represented. Roach dominated catches on the R.Ouse below Linton, with perch and bleak also relatively abundant. Low flows were not thought to be directly correlated to successful recruitment of coarse fish, rather the associated high temperatures during drought conditions showing a strong positive effect with most species exhibiting growth rates above their long-term average. At this stage in the study there are no clear indications that the drought has caused any deleterious effects to coarse fish populations or marked changes in species composition, with evidence of good recruitment by several species, indicating that the higher temperatures have generally been beneficial to recruitment. However, the indication that dace did not benefit as well as other coarse fish under these conditions may suggest some species are affected more than others. The successful strong recruitment of most coarse fish suggests that, in future, fisheries will be supported by the 1995 year-class.

Arctic charr from Ennerdale Water: a pilot study

There are three fish species in the north west of England, Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus, L.), schelly (Coreqonus lavaretus. L.), and vendace (C. albula, L.), which have been reported as rare and vulnerable and have been identified as requiring the preparation and implementation of a conservation management plan. The presence of Arctic charr in Ennerdale Water has resulted in it being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. These fish and one race of the species in Lake Windermere are the only English populations of charr known to spawn in running water. Associated with Ennerdale charr is the copepod parasite Salmincola edwardsii which has not been recorded from any other charr inhabited waters of the Lake District. However, it has been recorded on charr from four Scottish Lochs (Stack, Lee, Tay and Doon). The unique nature of Ennerdale is further highlighted by the presence of two crustaceans, Mysis relicta and Limnocalanus macrurus. The former has been recorded in Ireland while the latter is not known to exist anywhere else in the British Isles. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain baseline data on charr that spawn in Smithy Beck and the River Liza. This would indicate the current status of the population and help identify areas requiring further investigation. A total of 161 fish (95 males and 66 females) was caught and tagged over the 3 day period, 141 from Smithy Beck and 20 from the Liza. The raw data of the findings is presented in two appendices.

An analysis of salmon rod catch data from castle fisheries, River Derwent, 1923-1989.

The aim of this study was to investigate the historical catch record from the Castle Fishery on the River Derwent over the period 1923 - 1989, to determine if changes had taken place in the composition of the catch and to examine the influence of flow on the performance of the fishery. The River Derwent is situated in West Cumbria, North West England. It flows from its source on Scafell Pike (NGR NY 229 089) westwards discharging into the Irish sea at Workington, a distance of 52 km. Over its length it receives water from an additional 214 km of stream, 5 large lakes and approximately 30 small tarns. The catchment drains a total area of 663 km2. The study concludes that through the time period there was considerable variation in catch between years. The trend was for the catch to increase steadily over the period 1923 - 1958, declining rapidly in 1959, after which catches increased steadily reaching a peak in the mid-sixties, before declining towards the end of the decade. During the seventies and eighties catches remained relatively stable at between 300 - 600 salmon per year until 1988 when over 2000 salmon were reported caught, the greatest number in any year over the study period.

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.