Fisheries Improvement Scheme

The Foundation’s charitable objectives are:

• To conserve, protect, rehabilitate and improve the salmon and other indigenous species of animal and plant life of the river Wye, its tributaries, streams and watercourses ("the river") and the banks, riparian lands and catchment areas of the river ("the river corridor") 
• To advance the education of the public in the conservation of rivers, river corridors and their animal and plant life and the need for conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvement of such environments

In essence, the Foundation works to restore and preserve the fisheries of the two rivers and their tributaries.

The overall aim of this project was to create more, and better quality, fish habitats and to increase the range of fish populations, improving health, size and resilience to damaging episodes, on the Rivers Lugg and Arrow. Actions taken to deliver this aim included:

• Fish passes
• Habitat restoration
• Riparian tree management
• Erosion repairs
• Education

Fish passes were fitted onto dams and weirs (or, in the case of smaller streams, blockages were removed) to allow an increased number of fish access to their spawning grounds. The presence of a fish pass increases the available nursery areas that a fish, i.e. salmon, should have access to.

Riparian tree management aids in improving the environment for the fish. It is essential not to have too many shaded areas along rivers. Restoration along riverbanks is a natural process; these areas of treatment simply involve eliminating any destructive elements.

More extensive conservation work was also taken place by designing farm management plans aiming to reduce possible sources of farm pollution, thus benefiting species other than fish. By reducing the impact of agriculture, restoring natural habitats and increasing fish populations, resident UKBAP (Biological Action Plan) species, such as White Clawed Crayfish, otter and many birds, will increase in number and resilience as well.

Primary school children based in the Arrow catchment were involved in the project through an exciting learning venture. The problems that relate to the river were introduced to the pupils, particularly through the Salmon Home Coming scheme. The scheme involved native salmon eggs, from the existing restocking programme, being reared in school classrooms, growing through the alevin phase until the fry stage. At this point, they were returned to the nearest stream to the school to repopulate newly opened sections of the river.

Through this scheme, children learned about:

• The life cycle of salmon
• Good ecological features along the river
• How living creatures relate to local rivers and streams

Adults did not miss out on learning about local rivers. Using local outlets, displays, river walks and lectures communicated the value of having healthy fish-producing streams and, also, the dangers of using watercourses as conduits for waste and litter. The Wye & Usk Foundation’s website also conveyed information for the wider public to engage in the project.

In total, approx 28km of rivers were reopened and rehabilitation of approx 8km of river during this two-year project.

An annual newsletter and a bi-monthly emailed newsletter reported on the project’s aims and progress throughout the two years, for interested parties.

Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith
Executive Director
Wye & Usk Foundation
Tel: (01982) 551520
Email: Stephen@wyeuskfoundation.org

Simon Evans
Deputy Director
Wye & Usk Foundation
Tel: (01982) 551520
Email: Simon@wyeuskfoundation.org

Website: www.wyeuskfoundation.org