The assessment of the flow requirements for upstream migration of salmonids in some rivers of North West England

This is the assessment of the flow requirements for upstream migration of salmonids in some rivers of North West England produced by the North West Water Authority in 1985. This report focuses on the automatic fish counters operating on the resistivity principle used for several years in North West England. This report aims to investigate the flow requirements for upstream migration of salmon and migratory trout. The data obtained confirmed that during summer months most fish movement occurs in the higher range of the available flows, but the migration flow range varied from year to year, depending on prevailing river levels. Of the other environmental variables measured, only water temperature and incident light intensity appear to have any direct association with fish movement. Information on migration flow ranges were used in conjunction with computer simulations of the effects of abstraction proposals on historical flows to assess the implications of these proposals for migratory fish.

Episodic variations in stream water chemistry associated with acid rainfall and run-off and the effect on aquatic ecosystem, with particular reference to fish populations in N.W. England

This is the episodic variations in stream water chemistry associated with acid rainfall and run-off and the effect on aquatic ecosystems, with particular reference to fish populations in North West England produced by the North West Water Authority in 1985. This report looks at the biological, physical and chemical information collected over a five year period from over 100 sites on upland streams in the North West Region of which drained rocks of low buffering capacity. In both Lake District and South Pennine sites striking differences were found between the composition of invertebrate communities inhabiting acid-stressed and less acid-stressed streams. Electric fishing surveys showed that acidic streams (geometric mean pH <5.5) generally had abnormally low densities of salmonids ( < 0 .2m2) and that 0+ fish were very few or absent. The latter indicates recruitment failure. Salmon were more sensitive than trout to low pH.

Salmonid and freshwater fisheries statistics for England and Wales,1997

This report is the third collation of salmon and migratory trout catch statistics for England and Wales produced by the Environment Agency. For the years 1989-94, these statistics were published by the National Rivers Authority (NRA) and the years 1983-88 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Directorate of Fisheries Research in its Data Report series. This report is designed to be a reference document of declared salmonid catches in England and Wales and is produced in the autumn following the season. Salmon stock assessment data including provisional catches, counter run estimates and some juvenile data are now published in an annual assessment for the International Council for the Exploitation of the Seas (ICES). The first report in this series was published jointly by the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquatic Science (CEFAS) in April 1997 (Anon 1998).

Salmonid and freshwater fisheries statistics for England and Wales,1998

This report is the fourth collation of salmon and migratory trout catch statistics for England and Wales produced by the Environment Agency. For the years 1989-94 these statistics were published by the National Rivers Authority (NRA) and for the years 1983-88 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Directorate of Fisheries Research, in its Data Report series. This report is designed to be a reference document of declared salmonid catches in England and Wales. Salmon stock assessment data including provisional catches, counter run estimates and some juvenile data are now published in an annual assessment for the International Council for the Exploitation of the Seas (ICES). The second report in this series was published jointly by the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquatic Science (CEFAS) in April 1998 (Anon 1999).

Fish surveys on the Leven and Kent estuaries

This is the Wetland resource evaluation and the NRA's role in its conservation: Resource assessment report produced by North West Water in 1982. In this report data from a variety of sources in river Leven and Leven estuary have been examined to determine if there was any objective foundation for the allegations and for the assertion that poor fish catches were related to discharges of industrial effluent to the estuary. Catches of salmon and sea trout from the Leven did not appear to have suffered any long term declines and year to year fluctuations did not appear to be any more extreme than in other North West rivers. Fish surveys did not show any marked differences in the diversity or distribution of fish between the Kent and Leven estuaries but catches of flounders were consistently lower from the Leven estuary. Analysis of fisheries statistics of landings of fish and shellfish from Morecambe Bay did not show any evidence of localised declines in catches from the Leven estuary. Results of laboratory experiments suggested that populations of bivalve molluscs might be more at risk from the effects of discharges to the Leven estuary than resident or migratory fish.

A report on the strategic fisheries stock assessment survey of the minor catchments in South West Cumbria 1996 with particular reference to salmonids

This is the report on the strategic fisheries stock assessment survey of the minor catchments in South West Cumbria 1996 with particular reference to salmonids, produced by North West Water in 1994. The 1996 Minor Catchment survey indicates variations in salmonid production within these catchments. Survey results indicate that production may be reaching its limit in certain areas whilst others are underachieving and others are unsuitable for salmonid production. Trout production within the catchments is higher and more widespread than that of salmon. Water quality levels vary considerably between catchments and intra-annually within individual catchments. The need for selective habitat surveys, with a view to habitat improvement schemes (H.I.S) is discussed. This report formed a basis for subsequent reports, thus, allowing data comparisons and analysis of production level fluctuations. It was the most extensive assessment of these catchments to date, taking into account comparisons with the new National Database on salmonid production in England and Wales.

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.

The River Ehen salmonid fishery - current status and a summary of fisheries work 1993-1996

This is the report on the River Ehen salmonid fishery - current status and a summary of fisheries work during the period 1993-1996, produced by the Environment Agency North West in 1997. This report draws together a number of investigations and surveys undertaken following the 1993 Strategic fisheries survey of the River Ehen. It specifically details the historic catch data available for this catchment for both salmon and sea trout and examines the current stock levels based on this data. Concerns over sea trout stock levels are raised and a detailed examination of the possible limiting factors involved is included. Information from surveys on the River Keekle is analysed with reference to its potential for sea trout production both currently and with the proposed clean up on Oatlands tip. Salmon production in the historically acidified River Liza sub catchment is examined along with ways of boosting production further following recent reductions in acidic episodes. Future and current issues and actions required in the catchment are listed along with the responsible party and estimated costs involved.

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.

Report of 1996 survey of Trout Beck with particular reference to spawning gravel quality and invertebrates as a food source for salmonids

This is the Report of 1996 survey of Trout Beck with particular reference to spawning gravel quality and invertebrates as a food source for salmonids produced by the Environment Agency North West. Whilst the main River Derwent is quite a high profile salmon fishery, Trout Beck is not a significant fishery in its own right, but serves to maintain the genetic integrity of the wild populations of trout and salmon in the catchment by providing a unique habitat. This survey addressed the invertebrate food availability, and additionally looked at the substrate to try to determine whether the bed type might actually be unsuitable for spawning, especially in view of the previously mentioned silt inputs.

River Camel SAP Consultation

This is the River Camel Salmon Action Plan produced by the Environment Agency in 2002. The report focuses on the River Camel Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Camel SAP follows the format of those completed for the Rivers Tamar, Lynher and Tavy. It is the 4th of 7 action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall Area Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. In addition, for the first time, Salmon Action Plans have attempted to evaluate in economic terms, all of the contributory components of the salmon fishery. The River Camel Salmon Action Plan contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and associated fishery.

River Camel SAP Final Plan

This is the River Camel Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2002. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Camel catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Camel salmon stock. The actions presented within this Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. An attempt has been made to cost these actions, identify possible sources of funding and to provide a timescale for action. This Action Plan aims to promote long term collaboration and co-operation between the Agency and other interested parties to effectively and efficiently manage the stock of salmon on the River Camel.

River Fowey SAP Consultation

This is the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Fowey SAP follows the format of those completed for the Rivers Tamar, Lynher, Tavy and Camel. It is the 5th of 7 action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall Area Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Fowey SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. Notably, there are historic workings for copper and china clay and two significant potable supply reservoirs (Siblyback and Colliford) which have been constructed within the catchment during the past 35 years. The whole of the Fowey catchment is set at the highest water quality grading of RE1 and this standard is met in all reaches of the River Fowey and its tributaries.

River Fowey SAP Final Plan

This is the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Fowey catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Fowey salmon stock. The actions presented within this final Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. The main objective of the Fowey SAP therefore, is to maintain, improve and develop the Fowey salmon stocks to a sustainable level that, on the basis of historic catch records, the catchment can clearly support. Although the Fowey is passing its conservation limit, the consultees felt very strongly that there were two major factors limiting the salmon stock of the River Fowey- the overgrazing of Bodmin Moor and the use of the catchment for water supply by South West Water.

River Lynher SAP Consultation

This is the River Lynher Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 1998. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Lynher Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Lynher SAP follows that for the River Tamar and is the second of seven action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall area fisheries department. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Lynher SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. The analysis of recent and historical catches of salmon on the River Lynher from both the rod and net fisheries indicated the fishery's reliance upon post 1 June salmon. Historically, annual salmon catches (both rod and net) on the River Lynher have been found to consist of a much higher proportion of pre 1 June (spring) salmon. Evidence is provided that illustrates the extent of the decline within this stock component since the early 1980s.