2001 annual report on fisheries in the North West

This is the 2001 annual report on fisheries in the North West produced by the Environment Agency North West in 2002. This report has four main aims: to inform the Agency’s customers of developments within the Agency, to inform the Agency’s customers of the work carried out by the Agency, to publish information on the performance of fisheries and the Fisheries Department, and to be a source of future reference. The fisheries service is funded in the main by a mixture of rod licence income and government grant-in-aid. The latter has declined substantially since the mid 1990’s and we are increasingly reliant on licence income to fund fisheries work. The environment agency had managed to use some of this money to fund their Urban Fisheries Development Programme, (UFDP). This is aimed at delivering new or improved fisheries in areas where demand for fishing is high, but where available fisheries are few in number or of poor quality. This work is dependent on good co-operation with local angling clubs, councils and other interests.

Salmon stocks and fisheries in England and Wales, 2001. Preliminary assessment prepared for ICES, April 2002

This report presents a preliminary assessment of the state of salmon stocks and fisheries in England and Wales in 2001 to assist ICES in providing scientific advice to NASCO and to provide early feedback to fishery managers and anglers. The chief indicators of the state o f salmon stocks are normally the catches taken by rod and net fisheries. However, in 2001 angling was affected by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD), which restricted angling opportunities and access to rod fisheries in many parts of the country for lengthy periods. It is impossible to quantify the impact that FMD had on rod catches, although these were undoubtedly significantly reduced; net fisheries were unaffected by FMD. The declared salmon catch for 2001 (including those fish released alive by anglers) is provisionally estimated at 209 tonnes, representing some 57,000 fish, and comprising 153 tonnes (-43,000 fish) by nets and fixed engines and 56 tonnes (-14,000 fish) by rods. For direct comparison with previous years, it should be noted that the declared catch prior to the issue of a second reminder was about 49 tonnes (see below). An estimated 26 tonnes (43%) of the rod catch was released alive. These figures do not take account of catches of salmon which go unreported (including those taken illegally), and it is estimated that there may have been a total of 33 tonnes of additional fish caught in 2001; approximately 15% of all fish killed.

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.

Leven estuary project. Fisheries Department final report

This is the report on the Leven estuary project: Fisheries Department final report produced by the Environment Agency North West in 1997. This report contains information about Leven estuary, river Leven catchment, river Crake catchment and the Ulverston Discharges. The Leven estuary is characterised by being very shallow, and shares the extremely variable tides and currents that characterize the whole of Morecambe Bay. There was little detailed knowledge of the impact on the Leven estuary, and particularly its fisheries, of the discharges from Ulverston. There has been some concern expressed by the lave netsmen and the general public about the possible harmful effects of the effluents on the biology of the estuary. In the absence of a definite strategy for the protection and management of the estuary was born this project. The project involves water quality monitoring, effluent and estuary toxicity testing, tracking of effluent plumes, and salmonid tagging and tracking. The entire project commenced in June 1995 and was expected to reach a conclusion in March 1997. The information gained from the project was expected to contribute to the creation of a 'mixing zone' for the effluent, and to improve the environmental management of the estuary and protection of its fishery.

Report on fisheries invertebrate survey of the Groove Beck,Thornsgill Beck,Troutbeck system

This is the Report on fisheries invertebrate survey of the Groove Beck, Thornsgill Beck and Troutbeck system produced by the Environment Agency North West in 1997. In 1996 the National Rivers Authority (NRA) report on the 1992 strategic stock assessment for the Upper Derwent catchment Jane Atkins recommended that should subsequent electrofishing show continued low densities, a survey of the invertebrate fauna should be undertaken to assess the food availability for salmonids, in order that lack of food could be ruled out as a contributory factor in their poor breeding success. Additionally the survey 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.

Fisheries survey of the River Otter 1978

This is the Fisheries survey of the River Otter report produced by South West Water Authority in 1979. This report focuses on the trout fishery in the River Otter and the possible effects of abstraction and/or pollution. A survey was carried out to describe the fish stocks. Trout and eels were the dominant species. The population structure of trout was peculiar, there being relatively few juveniles. Growth was good and there were numerous trout of take able size in the river at the end of the fishing season. Variations in the parameters measured are explained and nothing can be attributed to abstraction or pollution.

Ashburn (Dart catchment) fisheries survey 1978

This is the Ashburn (Dart catchment) fisheries survey 1978 report produced by South West Water Authority in 1978. This report focuses on an exploratory survey to determine the population and distribution of all fish species and in particular salmonid species of the Ashburn stream. This survey is primarily intended for future reference on completion of the proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme of the Ashburn where it passes through the centre of Ashburton. Three sections were electro fished using D.C. Current Sections were chosen as easily accessible and through their relation in position to the intended scheme.

River Lemon (Teign catchment) fisheries survey

This is the River Lemon (Teign catchment) fisheries survey report produced by South West Water Authority in 1979. This report aims to determine the penetration of Salmon into the River Lemon System and to a lesser degree estimate the population of resident salmonids. Five sections were surveyed being easily accessible and fishable by electro fishing methods.

River Avon (including Glazebrook) fisheries survey 1978

This is the River Avon (including Glazebrook) fisheries survey 1978 report produced by South West Water Authority in 1978. This report aims to determine the penetration of Salmon into the River Avon system and to a lesser degree estimate the population of resident salmonids and other indigenous species. Six sections were electro fished at accessible points as detailed below. All fish were identified and measured. Each section was fished through three times to take the majority of the resident species. Small specimens of salmonid fry, eels and lamprey were common in almost all River Avon sections with the exception of Shipley bridge and Avon Dam but due to the mesh size of the standard dip nets used, many slipped through making accurate number estimation impossible.

River Bovey (main Teign tributary) fisheries survey 1978

This is the River Bovey (main Teign tributary) fisheries survey 1978 report produced by South West Water Authority in 1978. The aim of this report is to confirm or disprove the presence of alien coarse fish species thought present in the Bovey system. A chosen site was electro fished using D.C. methods wading upstream. All fish taken were measured and identified. Since it was not possible to distinguish between the young parr stages of migratory and non migratory trout, all parr taken have been included under the heading of Brown trout whereas in fact some of these parr may become migratory later in their life cycle.

Fisheries survey of the River Taw 1977

This is the Fisheries survey of the River Taw 1977 report produced by South West Water Authority in 1978. The upper reaches of the River Taw were severely polluted in October 1975 and there was widespread fish mortality. A survey was carried out to assess the recovery of salmonid stocks in the affected areas. Salmon showed a rapid recovery and trout have also recovered well. Both species have been assisted by widespread stocking. Several other species were present. Salmonid and total fish biomass was high. Further stocking of salmon is not recommended and it is also suggested that stocking with trout should be discontinued.

River Bray fisheries survey 1978-80

This is the River Bray fisheries survey 1978-80 report produced by South West Water Authority in 1981. This report aims to assess the possible effects of new abstraction conditions at Leahamford on the fish communities of the River Bray, surveys have been carried out in 1978, 197S and 1980. Field work was done in August and September each; year. Abstraction began in summer 1979. On the River Bray one site upstream and three downstream of Leahamford were chosen. One site on the River Mole was surveyed and is considered as a control site, being not directly affected by abstraction. The sketch map shows these sites in relation to Leahamford.