Angling Trust Concern over Private Severn Estuary Barrage
The Angling Trust is warning that a privately funded barrage across the Severn Estuary could destroy some local freshwater and marine fish populations and have a massive impact on angling nationally.
Corlan Hafren, a private consortium, has made a new proposal to generate electricity from a barrage. Last year, after a two-year feasibility study, the Government rejected a range of publicly-funded proposals. The Angling Trust is joining WWF and the RSPB in voicing concern about the environmental damage that the new proposal could cause.
Angling Trust Appoint Martin Slater.
Martin Salter, the new National Campaigns Coordinator for the Angling Trust, Charles Walker, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Angling Group and Mark Lloyd, Angling Trust Chief Executive
Big names from the worlds of fishing and politics have this week welcomed the appointment of former parliamentary angling spokesman Martin Salter as the new National Campaigns Coordinator for the Angling Trust.
See the full press release from the Angling Trust here
The SRT would like to add its voice congratulating both the Angling Trust and Martin Slater on this appointment.
Fish Legal – establishing the public’s right to know
Fish Legal, the legal arm of the Angling Trust, have won an important victory concerning the public’s right to know about pollution incidents affected our rivers. Read the press release here
Water for Life
Defra have published “Water for Life” the Government’s Water White Paper.
It can be viewed and downloaded here
The immediate actions proposed by the Government are
- We will publish a draft Water Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in early 2012 and introduce a
- Water Bill as soon as Parliamentary time allows;
- We will produce a new strategic policy statement and social and environmental guidance
- for Ofwat during 2012;
- With the Environment Agency, we will support catchment pilots across the country, with
- particular focus on 25 which will be evaluated in early 2013;
- We will put in place new arrangements to work with stakeholders on design of a new
- abstraction regime in early 2012;
- We will intensify our efforts to deal with the legacy of unsustainable abstraction,
- publishing information on progress on the Restoring Sustainable Abstraction programme
- in 2012;
- We will publish final social tariff guidance in early 2012; and
- We will consult on a revised draft guideline for the next water resources management
- planning round in spring 2012.
Awards night for the Shakespeare Oracle XT Severn salmon competition
Awards night for the Shakespeare Oracle XT Severn salmon competition
3 December 2011
The prizes were for the largest salmon caught and released from the Severn in 2011 and for the largest fish caught and released on the fly.
The winner of the largest salmon prize , John Love with a fish of 29lbs 8ozs caught on a flying C
The fish was just one of five over 20lb caught and released by John this season.
John receives his Oracle XT 15 fast action salmon fly rod from Shakespeare's James Robbins
The best salmon caught and released on the fly this year was a fish of 19lb which fell to Alan Shufflebotham. The fish took a cascade tube on a sink tip
Alan's first ever fly caught Severn fish!
The fish took a cascade tube on a sink tip and is Alan’s first ever fly caught Severn fish! Not a bad achievement for an angler 80 years young! Alan also receieved a Oracle XT 15ft fast action fly rod
Alan also receieved a Oracle XT 15ft fast action fly rod
John and Alan with rods.
The aim of the competiton was to highlight the quality of salmon that can be caught on the river Severn and also to promote voluntary catch and release particularly of the 3 and 4SW fish that run the river. A big thanks to local tackle firm Shakespeare for making the competition possible.
Report by Tom Rigby
The SRT would like to congratulate Alan and John for their fine catches, many more next season hopefully.
Temporary fish passes on the Teme
Mill Street -before
Photo by Tom Rigby
Mill Street Weir - After
Photo by Peter Huntington
Dinham Temporary Baulk
Photo Tony Bostock
Temporary fish passes have been installed along the Teme to allow migratory fish to move up to their spawning grounds on the river Teme.
The low water conditions experienced on the Teme in recent weeks had meant that many salmon were trapped below weirs.
The Environment Agency has been maintaining a 24 hour watch on these areas to prevent poaching and allow these fish to spawn.
The SRT hopes to erect permanent fish passes on the weirs in Ludlow in time for next years run of salmon preventing this situation from occurring again.
The pictures, courtesy of Tom, Peter and Tony , show before and after at Mill Street and Dinham Weir in Ludlow.
You can view a video of Dinham weir shot just before the work was done, here.
Thanks to every one from the EA and the many volunteers who have worked so hard to preserve the salmon on the Teme in these difficult times.
BUILDING BRIDGES WITH MIGRANT ANGLERS -Angling Trust
The Angling Trust have update their poster and leaflet aimed at migrant workers, This can be downloaded here.
Dave Mason- Teme Barbel and Conservation
Dave Mason- Barbel Society and Dave Mason Angling – presentation Severn Fisheries conference 19 November 2011
Unfortunately technical problems (the microphone was switched off!) means we don’t have a podcast for Dave’s presentation. However Dave has previously made some videos for the SRT that cover some of the issues he discussed
This one has a discussion on planting Ranunculus weed
Here’s a demonstration of fly life monitoring on Dave’s bit of the Teme
A video on tree management
Another video on weed planting
More videos will be made on these and other issues. We would encourage any clubs interested in doing such work on their own parts of the river to contact the SRT for assistance in drawing up plans, getting permissions and raising and accessing finance. Dave Mason is happy to personally talk to any clubs about the problems his group encountered along the way.
Source to the Sea
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Eels-It’s a Conservation Issue
Andrew Kerr - Sustainable Eels (49)
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Avon Roach Project at Severn Fisheries Conference
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Water Frame Work Directive
WFD - Dafydd Evans (78)
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Dr Matt Heydon-Natural England
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Silver Fishes of the Severn- Dr Mark Everard
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Severn Fisheries Conference – Introduction
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
Loading image
Click anywhere to cancel
Image unavailable
River Hydro Power Schemes are a waste of money says Angling Trust.
The Angling Trust press release is here
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said:
Angling Trust Position Statement on Run of River Hydropower (39)“Tackling climate change is vitally important, but run of river hydropower is not the solution, or even a viable part of the solution, it’s just green tokenism. It cannot be called green energy if it damages the natural functions of rivers and our already threatened fish stocks. There should be a halt to all new applications, and a withdrawal of Feed In Tariffs until a proper strategic environmental assessment of the impact of hydropower has been carried out. The chaotic gold rush that is going on at the moment could do huge damage to the future of river angling which is enjoyed by millions of people and supports tens of thousands of jobs.”
An example of the speculative nature of proposals for Hydro Power Schemes is the application at Tetstill Mill on the River Rea. This proposal has recently been given a license until 2025 despite the continued low flows at the site and the harm that the proposal will do to fish movement.
Previous posts on this issue are
The Rivers Trust Autumn Conference
- The Association of River Trusts
Almost one hundred delegates from as far afield as County Durham and Cornwall, Limerick and Norfolk gathered in Wales for the Rivers Trust (RT) Autumn Conference 2011, hosted by the Wye & Usk Foundation (WUF).
Canoes on the Teme – Survey
Canoeing on the Teme is usually a trespass and this a civil offence and a matter for the landowner rather than the EA or Natural England.
However the Teme is a special case being uniquely a SSSI throughout its length with species listed on the SSSI, particularly the Sea Lamprey and the Twait Shad being present and having spawning sites where much of the canoeing takes place (the middle and lower reaches).
Natural England’s own statement on the Teme includes this
Recreational or other activities likely to damage riparian habitats or disturb species of interest.
as being one of their concerns.
Offences against the SSI are not civil matters, but criminal, with Natural England as the enforcing body
It is an offence under Section 28 P(6) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as incorporated by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), without reasonable excuse, intentionally or recklessly to destroy or damage any of the flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features by reason of which land is of special interest, or intentionally or recklessly to disturb any of those fauna. A person found guilty of any such offence may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £20,000 or on conviction on indictment to a fine.
The SRT has grave concerns with the effects of canoeing on the Teme particularly given the low water conditions that have prevailed during most spring and summer periods in recent years. The SRT would like individuals, clubs etc. to provide information and particularly photographs of offenders.
The SRT will also be preparing notices for Clubs to put up on their waters to advise canoeists of the damage they may be causing. The SRT will also be contacting the various canoeing organisations, shops etc. to advise them of our concerns.
We would be grateful if those witnessing canoes on the Teme could complete the following survey.
We would also appreciate any photographic evidence you may have. Please send this to admin@severnriverstrust.com
Angling Trust – On the brink: Conservationists reveal the rivers still suffering
For information, this is the text of a press release received from the Angling Trust
Last week the Environment Agency released a list of the ten most improved rivers in England and Wales. Conservationists have criticised the report saying it presents a rosy view of river health and ignores the many waterways struggling with pollution, over abstraction and other threats.
River wildlife experts at the RSPB, WWF, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association – all partners in the Our Rivers Campaign – have responded with a list of ten rivers where not enough is being done to tackle these environmental pressures.
This list paints a different picture – one in which salmon, trout, watervoles and other river wildlife are under threat. Two thirds of rivers in England and Wales are failing European targets for water quality and too little is being done to address this.
The only river to appear on both lists is the Thames. Despite the Environment Agency hailing the return of salmon to the river, a University of Exeter report revealed last week that attempts to create a self sustaining salmon population in the Thames have failed. The report claims that salmon found in the Thames were more likely to be strays from other rivers.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said: “Last Christmas the Environment Agency put out a press release celebrating that our rivers were cleaner than at any time since the industrial revolution. We wrote to the EA to point out that this might give the wrong impression that everything was okay with our rivers.
“Well, another silly season is upon us, and the Agency doesn’t seem to have listened. It has put out another release with 10 examples of improvements that have been made – there should be hundreds of examples like this if it has done its job properly. Many of the ‘success story’ rivers still suffer from sewage overflows, damaging low flows in summer and barriers to migrating fish.
“Many of our fish stocks are in crisis and the EA presents this as a triumph! We will be raising this again with the EA to try to get it to see sense”
Jack Clarke, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “It is right to celebrate the improvements that our rivers have seen in recent decades – but we cannot ignore the continuing threats our native river wildlife faces.
“Most of the ten rivers highlighted in the Environment Agency’s report last week are doing well – but it is a different story for many hundreds of other rivers crossing England and Wales.
“The stories we hear from people living near these rivers are all too familiar – salmon and trout numbers at a fraction of their former levels, sewage being released directly into the waterway, riverbeds drying up in the summer due to unsustainable abstraction. The ten rivers we have chosen illustrate these problems, but they are only examples of a much wider issue.
“We are failing European targets for river health in a big way – and no amount of glossy PR from the Environment Agency is going to change that. Instead we need to see more ambition in their plans to restore rivers and we need reassurances that the Government’s upcoming Water White Paper will tackle the serious problem of over abstraction which is threatening river wildlife.”
The Our Rivers campaign is currently running an online survey to help paint a picture of the state of rivers in England and Wales and find the best places to spot river wildlife. The survey results will also highlight species which have disappeared along certain rivers. To take part visit www.ourrivers.org.uk/survey
The ten rivers chosen by the Our Rivers campaign
River Thames – Water quality in the Thames has improved over the past 50 years. This has come about through a combination of industrial decline, investment, and the hard work of the Environment Agency, conservationists and members of the public. But pretending that the Thames has been transformed into a pristine river supporting healthy salmon populations is a step too far, as highlighted by the University of Exeter report into salmon populations in the river which concluded: “Our findings highlight the futility of long-term stocking without corresponding improvements in habitat and water quality.”
Hampshire Avon – Salmon catches on the Hampshire Avon have fallen dramatically from a peak of 1,400 fish a year in the early 1970′s to around 200 fish in recent years. Salmon are a good indicator of the overall health of a freshwater ecosystem. The Environment Agency has confirmed that the Hampshire Avon has failed to reach the official conservation limit for salmon and the population is at risk. The river has also seen a dramatic fall in roach populations.
River Rea – The River Rea in Birmingham suffers so much from urban diffuse pollution from the City of Birmingham that sections are designated by the Environment Agency as “Bad” for insect life under the Water Framework Directive. This is the worst category that the Environment Agency uses to classify rivers. Birmingham City Council have obtained funding to try to address this issue but it will take many years before we see improvements to this and to the river bed.
River Trent – The River Trent from Stoke on Trent to the confluence of the River Tame is designated “Poor” for all fish due to urban diffuse pollution from Stoke resulting in ammonia and phosphate levels in the water which have been found to be at unacceptable levels. Historical changes to the river channel compound this issue.
River Kennet – This much loved chalk stream, the longest tributary of the Thames, is perilously low this September, due to low rainfall and high levels of abstraction. Local group Action for the River Kennet was set up 20 years ago to campaign for a reduction in abstraction on this river. Despite their efforts, and agreement from both the Environment Agency and the water company that a reduced licence is needed, nothing has yet been done. In fact, earlier this year the EA renewed Thames Water’s abstraction license despite clear and critical issues of over abstraction on this river.
River Beane – This river was once a thriving chalk stream, but today in its upper stretches it has almost disappeared due to high levels of water abstraction. The Environment Agency first confirmed there was a problem on this river over a decade ago, and the local water company has identified a plan to help revive the river. Yet, no action has been taken – much to the frustration of the River Beane Restoration Association.
River Mimram – Issues of over abstraction on this river, a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Tewin, have been identified since the early 1990s when it was claimed to be one of the worst affected rivers in the country. Twenty years on there has been little improvement. Friends of the Mimram have been working with the local water company and the Environment Agency – who have agreed that action is needed, but yet to be taken.
River Ivel – The Ivel in Bedfordshire rises crystal clear from springs in Hitchin, Hertfordshire but as it wends its short course north through Bedfordshire to meet the Ouse, pollution from sewage, roads and farming leave the water grey and cloudy after rainfall and non native species like the north American crayfish are taking their toll on wildlife. The entire river fails to meet the Water Framework Directive’s ‘Good’ status and with the Environment Agency’s River Basin Management Plan not including any actions for improvement by 2015 it looks like nothing is going change.
River Wye – The Wye is so special it has every legal protection that can be offered but even this jewel in the crown of our river network continues to suffer. Acid water from forestry, manmade barriers to fish migration, sediment from poor farming practice which smother salmon eggs (depriving them of the water and oxygen they need to survive) and heavy abstraction all work to reduce the quality of this once great river. The Wye and Usk Foundation and others are doing their best to redress the balance but all is far from well in the nation’s favourite river.
River Ray - The River Ray in Oxfordshire, which runs past the RSPB’s Otmoor reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest nearby would once have fed wetland habitats but today its waters are deliberately diverted away from wildlife areas. It is infested with the weed azolla – or water fern – one of the UK’s most invasive non native plants. It also contains high levels of pollution from agricultural chemicals and from a sewage works upstream of the reserve.
Forward this email to a friend or colleague click HERE.
To view this email in your web browser click HERE.
Join the Angling Trust HERE.
Contact the Angling Trust at admin@anglingtrust.net
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
1. The Environment Agency’s press release ‘Back from the brink – Environment Agency reveals the most improved rivers’ can be found here – http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/132754.aspx?month=8&year=2011
2. An Environment Agency annual report into the health status of rivers in England and Wales last year showed 72 per cent of rivers are failing European targets. Just four rivers out of nearly 6,000 assessed remain ‘High’ status waterways of near pristine condition. There were 26 per cent in the ‘Good’ category, the required European standard. The report classed 56 per cent as ‘Moderate’, 14 per cent as ‘Poor’ and two per cent as ‘Bad’.
3. The Our Rivers campaign conducted a public vote to find the most loved and hated rivers in England and Wales last year. The Wye was voted our favourite river whilst The Thames was voted the worst. Over abstraction was one of the main reasons members of the public gave when voting in the worst river category, alongside sewage discharges, diffuse pollution, manmade structures blocking fish movements and invasive alien species such as American crayfish and mink.
4. Unsustainable abstraction currently affects one third of catchments. The Environment Agency’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) show that there are areas under pressure from abstraction right across England and Wales. 15% of CAMS units are classified as over-abstracted (existing abstraction causing unacceptable damage to the environment at low flows) and 18% are classified as over- licensed (if licences were fully utilised it may cause unacceptable damage at low flows). There is particular water stress in the south and east of England, where rainfall is lower and population density and per capita consumption is highest. Climate change and increasing demand for water, due to population and lifestyle change, are likely to increase the pressure on rivers from abstraction.
Does a Proposed Hydro Scheme Concern You?
THEN ACT NOW AND MAKE YOUR CONCERNS COUNT
Are you worried that the cumulative effects of multiple hydro schemes in one catchment have not been sufficiently considered? Has sufficient protection been given to ensure schemes will not adversely impact fish populations? Should a fish passage be paid for by the developer? These are some of the important considerations highlighted by the S&TA to help members respond to the Hydro-power Good Practice Guidelines Consultation.
The consultation ends on 23rd September. IT IS VITAL, if a hydro-power scheme is proposed/planned on a river you fish, own, or care about, that you register your concerns before that date. Evidence is key! Please take the time to go here and respond. The S&TA/AT crib sheet is designed, along with your experience of hydro-power schemes on your local rivers, to help you with your response. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact S&TA’s Head of Science, with your queries. To see the crib sheet click here.
A new hydro-power scheme on any river has the potential to create irreparable damage to the aquatic environment UNLESS it is properly designed and constructed as part of an overall catchment management plan, taking into account cumulative effects of multiple hydro installations. This is your opportunity to ensure that all necessary precautions are put in place first to protect our fragile aquatic eco-systems.
Please don’t delay!
Environment Agency Top Ten Invasive Species
The EA has released a list of the top ten invasive species threatening England and Wales rivers here
Trevor Renals, invasive species expert at the Environment Agency said:
“River water quality is the best its been since before the industrial revolution. But if we don’t control invasive species, we risk losing some of our precious native species and incurring even more clean up costs. We could also fall short of the strict EU targets for our rivers and lakes.
“The Environment Agency will be working with other environment bodies as well as community and volunteer groups to manage the spread of these damaging plants and animals. We would urge everyone to help stop the spread of these species by making sure that garden and pond plants don’t end up near rivers and parkland and thoroughly cleaning any fishing, boating and canoeing equipment when moving between waterways.”
