Post by Hoppy on Apr 27, 2007 14:26:53 GMT -1
Helping young salmon to go with the flow
After hearing concerns from Environment Agency Wales about the effect of unusually low river levels on the River Usk, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) has agreed to stop taking water from the river at night to reduce the impact on young salmon migrating downstream.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water usually take water from the lower River Usk to feed the Llandegfedd Reservoir, near Pontypool. Most of this pumping is done at night, but, in the current low flows, this can cause problems for the fish.
At this time of year, young salmon, known as smolts, migrate down river as they make their way to the sea and their feeding grounds. Usually this happens at times of relatively high spring flows and the fish move quickly and safely to sea.
However, April has been extremely dry across Wales, and this has caused low river flows in the Usk. Shallower water means the fish often choose to hide in deeper pools during the day,
where they are safe from predators, and then swim downstream at night.
After hearing from the Agency that the low river levels could harm the young salmons’ migration, the company agreed to stop night-time abstractions from the river.
Although reservoirs in Wales are still close to full, several weeks of dry weather has seen river levels fall, and this could lead to problems for the migrating salmon. Martin Mills, speaking for Environment Agency Wales said:
"This is good news for these young salmon. We keep a close eye on river levels across Wales at this time of year, and had noticed a particular problem with the Usk.
“We contacted Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and explained the situation and they were only too happy to help. This arrangement will mean that the fish have a greater chance of reaching the sea.
“We hope that this will mean more salmon will return to spawn and increase the number of fish in the Usk.”
Marc Davies speaking for DCWW said:
"When Environment Agency Wales explained the risk to us we were happy to listen and do what we could to reduce the risk of harm. We are taking this action without compromising water supplies and hopefully can give these fish a fighting chance. “
· Fish can suffer in hot, dry weather and low flow conditions, so every drop of water the public can save will help by reducing the amount of water taken from reservoirs and rivers. There is information on how to save water in the home, garden and business by logging on to the Agency's website www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk
· If the public see fish that are in distress e.g.:
· gulping for air
· swimming very slowly in large groups
· staying in one place near the surface
· floating on the surface
THEN PLEASE REPORT IT ON: 0800 80 70 60
· The Agency has got plans in place across the country to help out at fisheries affected by drought. This includes advising fisheries owners on the best way to avoid problems, and by physically helping to save fish in an emergency.
· Anyone who sees pollution, illegal tipping of waste, poaching, fish in distress or danger to the natural environment can contact the Agency's emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, calls are free and will be treated in the strictest confidence.
· More information about the Agency is available on the world wide web - www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk
After hearing concerns from Environment Agency Wales about the effect of unusually low river levels on the River Usk, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) has agreed to stop taking water from the river at night to reduce the impact on young salmon migrating downstream.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water usually take water from the lower River Usk to feed the Llandegfedd Reservoir, near Pontypool. Most of this pumping is done at night, but, in the current low flows, this can cause problems for the fish.
At this time of year, young salmon, known as smolts, migrate down river as they make their way to the sea and their feeding grounds. Usually this happens at times of relatively high spring flows and the fish move quickly and safely to sea.
However, April has been extremely dry across Wales, and this has caused low river flows in the Usk. Shallower water means the fish often choose to hide in deeper pools during the day,
where they are safe from predators, and then swim downstream at night.
After hearing from the Agency that the low river levels could harm the young salmons’ migration, the company agreed to stop night-time abstractions from the river.
Although reservoirs in Wales are still close to full, several weeks of dry weather has seen river levels fall, and this could lead to problems for the migrating salmon. Martin Mills, speaking for Environment Agency Wales said:
"This is good news for these young salmon. We keep a close eye on river levels across Wales at this time of year, and had noticed a particular problem with the Usk.
“We contacted Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and explained the situation and they were only too happy to help. This arrangement will mean that the fish have a greater chance of reaching the sea.
“We hope that this will mean more salmon will return to spawn and increase the number of fish in the Usk.”
Marc Davies speaking for DCWW said:
"When Environment Agency Wales explained the risk to us we were happy to listen and do what we could to reduce the risk of harm. We are taking this action without compromising water supplies and hopefully can give these fish a fighting chance. “
· Fish can suffer in hot, dry weather and low flow conditions, so every drop of water the public can save will help by reducing the amount of water taken from reservoirs and rivers. There is information on how to save water in the home, garden and business by logging on to the Agency's website www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk
· If the public see fish that are in distress e.g.:
· gulping for air
· swimming very slowly in large groups
· staying in one place near the surface
· floating on the surface
THEN PLEASE REPORT IT ON: 0800 80 70 60
· The Agency has got plans in place across the country to help out at fisheries affected by drought. This includes advising fisheries owners on the best way to avoid problems, and by physically helping to save fish in an emergency.
· Anyone who sees pollution, illegal tipping of waste, poaching, fish in distress or danger to the natural environment can contact the Agency's emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, calls are free and will be treated in the strictest confidence.
· More information about the Agency is available on the world wide web - www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk