A summary report on juvenile salmonid populations of the River Lune catchment, 1981 to 1991

This report summarises the fisheries electrofishing survey work undertaken on the River Lune, England, in the period 1981-85 and 1991. As part of a long term monitoring programme by the National Rivers Authority, juvenile surveys, with the emphasis on salmonids, have been carried out on the River Lune on a number of occasions since 1981. The latest survey in 1991 now gives the opportunity to assess what, if any, changes have occurred in the juvenile populations across the last 11 years and how future fisheries management may impact on the River Lune as a fishery. The areas of trout and salmon, fry and parr production will be considered in detail, as will adult trout populations. Water quality issues will be mentioned briefly as will habitat issues, where they are deemed to be important in affecting fish densities.

River Lune salmon action plan March 1997. Draft Copy.

The River Lune was at one time one of the best salmon fisheries in England and Wales with very high catches to both rods and netsmen. During the 1960's, the stock was decimated by the disease Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis which caused a dramatic reduction in catches. Catches have not recovered to pre-disease levels. The target egg deposition rate for the River Lune system which should produce the maximum number of surplus fish returning to the system has been determined at 13.8 million eggs. This will require 4,779 adult salmon to survive to successfully spawn. Under current rates of exploitation, the target egg deposition will occur at a declared rod catch of 1,974 salmon and a net catch of 2,627 salmon. Two automatic fish counters are in operation on the river system. Data from these suggest that, within the measures of compliance, the river has met it's target egg deposition for the last 3 years.

Salmon action plan consultation. River Lune - draft

In February 1996 "A Strategy for the Management of Salmon in England and Wales" was launched by the then National Rivers Authority. The strategy concentrates on four main objectives for the management of salmon fisheries in England and Wales. These are primarily aimed at securing the well being of the stock but in doing so will strive to improve catches and any associated economic returns to the fisheries: (i) Optimise the number of salmon returning to homewater 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. Each plan will review the status of the stock and the fisheries on a particular river, seek to identify the main factors limiting performance, draw up and cost a list of options to address these, and, consult 0with local interest groups. This report is the draft version of the Salmon Action Plan for the River Lune.

Salmon action plan. River Lune - February 1998

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 Lune 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.

A survey of river habitats on the River Lune

A survey of the River Lune using River Habitat Survey (RHS) was carried out at 103 sections in February/March 99, to which were added 37 sites surveyed between 1994 -1996. Summary statistics were produced on the distribution and extent of flow features (e.g. riffles, pools, rapids etc.), substrate types, tree and associated features and bank profiles. Information on land-use and management was also included in the analyses. A Habitat Modification Score (HMS) describing the level of habitat modification was derived for each site and compared to the whole reference network and to rivers of similar types in Britain. The HMS shows that more than 70% of the sites on the catchment are predominantly unmodified and very few sites are significantly modified. Highly modified sites are concentrated in the urban areas and on the tributaries.

River habitats for salmonids on the River Lune catchment

An extensive survey of the River Lune using River Habitat Survey (RHS) was commissioned to assess the habitat quality of the Lune for salmonid fish. The main river on the Lune and tributaries were divided into 500m sections. A sample of 103 sections (25% of the total classified length) was randomly selected and surveyed in February/March 99. A Habitat Modification Score (HMS) describing the level of habitat modification was derived for each site and compared to the whole reference network and to rivers of similar types in Britain. The analysis of Habitat Modification scores show that more than 70% of the sites on the catchment are predominantly unmodified and very few sites are significantly modified (less than 10% of the sites). The analyses of the data collected suggest that although river habitats are altogether of good quality, the natural processes within the catchment may reduce spawning habitats for salmonids. The river processes appear to be driven by natural forces, although land-use is likely to impact on the levels of run-off. Further analyses using fisheries data on the Lune will investigate the relationship between the major environmental dimensions and fish distribution on the catchment.

A report on the population structure of adult salmon and sea trout in the River Lune using scale samples - with reference to historical data.

During 1993, a comprehensive data set of scale readings, length and weight measurements was established for migratory salmonids on the River Lune. This information was collected using three methods of fish capture: 1. The Lune estuary commercial nets. 2. River Lune Forge weir fish trap. 3. River Lune rod catch scale returns. Additional information was contributed by the Kent, Leven and Duddon rod and commercial fisheries. The data shows that the salmon stock in 1993 was dominated by two year old smolts. This varies from year to year. The sea trout population displays a normal population curve in terms of numbers of fish in each age and weight class. The growth rate of salmon and sea trout is very similar even though salmon have the benefit of high sea feeding.

River Lune juvenile fish stock assessment 1997 with particular reference to salmonids

This report presents data from the juvenile salmonid fish stock assessment which is part of the routine Environment Agency riverine monitoring programme. A total of 110 sites was electrofished throughout the Lune catchment between 15th July 1997 and 14th October 1997. These sites included 84 that had been previously sampled in the last comprehensive survey of the catchment, in 1991. The aim of this survey was to assess the distribution and abundance of juvenile salmon and trout in the River Lune catchment and to compare results with those of previous surveys.

River Lune juvenile fish stock assessment 2002 (annotated draft copy, Site Reports only)

This draft copy of the River Lune juvenile fish stock assessment from 2000 provides "Site Reports" from different water bodies in the Lune catchment. These Site Reports provide brief information on habitat features, fishery classification and comments on species caught and stocking. This document provides no summary or interpretation of the given data.

The River Lune fact file

This document provides a brief introduction to the River Lune catchment and the role that the National Rivers Authority plays in catchment management. Included are a map of the catchment and short introductions to fisheries and characteristics of the catchment.

An analysis of the historical catch data from the migratory salmonid fisheries of the River Ribble

The Ribble catchment is the largest and most diverse river system within National Rivers Authority (NRA), North West's Central Area. The river is approximately 100km in length and rises in a limestone area west of the Pennines. This report examines changes in the size and composition of the salmon and sea trout catches from the Ribble migratory salmonid fisheries during the years 1937 to 1991. Comparisons are made between the rod and net fisheries for both salmon and sea trout of the Ribble and Hodder. Patterns of catches shown by the Ribble fisheries are compared with those of other individual rivers and with patterns for the North West Region as a whole. An attempt is made to identify if any relationship exists between catch and stock abundance. Catch patterns shown by the Ribble and Hodder salmon fisheries are compared with electronic resistivity counter data from the two rivers. Annual salmon catch patterns and redd count data are compared both locally and regionally. Recommendations for future studies are made in the light of the report's findings.

An investigation of the recaptures rates for tagged brown trout stocked into the River Ribble

The angling season for non-migratory brown trout, in the Environment Agency (EA) North West Region, runs from March 15th to September 30th. Each year, large numbers of farm reared brown trout are stocked into the rivers of the North West Region's Central Area. In 1994, approximately 20,000 brown trout were introduced into the River systems of the Lune, Wyre and Ribble by local angling clubs and fishery owners. Most of these fish were stocked at a length greater than that defined by local byelaws as the takeable size (200mm). Introductions are made to supplement the existing wild brown trout populations within the river and increase the probability of an angler catching a fish. Stocking with fish of a sufficient length allows the successful angler to remove the catch for their own use. In this way, stretches of the rivers are effectively managed as "put and take" fisheries for brown trout. A number of brown trout fingerlings are also introduced each year by angling clubs and fishery owners. These are stocked with the expectation that the fish will survive in the river to grow, over-winter, and eventually attain a takable size with an increased degree of "wildness". The lower cost of fingerlings, as opposed to trout of a takable length, makes their introduction more attractive to angling clubs since a greater number can be stocked for a given cost. Although the practise of stocking brown trout has occurred for many years in the Central Area, there is little information of its success in terms of increasing anglers catches, or the survival offish introduced. This study was initiated to determine the recapture rates by angling of brown trout following their introduction into a river fishery. The information gained from this study can then be used to give guidance to angling clubs and fishery owners on the optimal strategies for stocking fish.

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.