Atlantic Salmon Trust - May Bulletin 2011

South Cumbria Rivers Trust
Tony Andrews, the AST's Chief Executive, attended a meeting of the South Cumbria Rivers Trust where he made a presentation on the work of the AST and at a dinner afterwards discussed salmon and sea trout matters with owners, managers and anglers.

SCRT is responsible for rivers in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of northern England. The rivers drain the western side of the Lake District and flow into the Irish Sea at Morecambe Bay and, whilst all the rivers suffer to some degree from the normal issues of invasives and a shortage of salmon and sea trout returning to their rivers of origin, it is fair to say that the habitat and water quality are in reasonably good condition. There are of course exceptions such as in Lake Coniston and the River Crake where nutrient run-off and pollution are a cause for concern. However, Under SCRT guidance, led by their manager, Pete Evoy, there is an emphasis on management based on fact (ie good science), education - 'Experience the River', and good husbandry. Priorities include improving passage for the migrations of eels and elvers (with an ingenious engineering design for a tidal valve flap to allow passage of migratory fish), monitoring stocks and dealing with invasives.

The Trust has responsibility for the Windermere catchment, Coniston & Crake, Duddon, Kent, Gilpin, Leven and Bela Rivers and their catchments and estuaries. By adopting a regional approach, bringing together the most active people involved with individual rivers into a cohesive group, SRCT has the ability to lever in funds, employ the right staff and, under one board, to tackle issues affecting all the rivers such as invasives, diffuse pollution etc. In many ways SRCT demonstrates how small rivers can raise their game and develop considerable clout, politically and financially, by working together. These rivers, draining an iconic area of England, and benefitting from its National Park status, have a far louder voice and a better chance of making a real difference than one small river working alone could possibly achieve.

Sustainable micro-hydro
Although the AST remains concerned about the possible adverse impact which run-of-river hydro schemes can present for salmonids, we are extremely supportive of the sustainable use of hydro-power. It is, after all, an important part of the UK's action to cut greenhouse gases.
Tony describes a visit to the Duddon following the SCRT presentation and dinner:

"I was shown a micro hydro scheme on the River Duddon by its owner, David Pennefeather. Because the upper catchment of this river is in the fells of the National Park, there were stringent demands made at the planning and construction stages. The project was completed in 2010 and, even after a few months to allow the scars in the landscape to heal, it is obvious that this scheme was executed with extraordinary sensitivity. Whilst I can profess no expertise on the technical aspects of the scheme it was clear that David Pennefeather seemed well satisfied with its long term economic prospects, but, perhaps just as important was his delight at the way in which the project had been completed. The following photographs show the extent to which the planning demands ensured there was no damage to the riparian habitat, and minimal impact on migrating fish. I think the scheme is probably a model for how these projects should be done: I found the visit most encouraging and hope that the positive lessons from this project will be applied elsewhere. I am very grateful to Lord Cavendish, David Pennefeather and the members of SRCT for making me so welcome and enabling me to appreciate how a regional group can make such an obvious and beneficial impact".



Conserving Sea Trout Stocks
The Esk District Fishery Board announced today that the Usan Nets have agreed not to kill sea trout during the 2011 season. We understand that compensation is due to be paid. This conservation measure recognises that the full potential value of South Esk sea trout can only be realised if these fish are allowed unobstructed passage to the river. It is important that, in the spirit of this most welcome decision of the Pullar family to conserve sea trout, anglers show constraint by restricting the numbers of sea trout killed. There are signs that sea trout stocks are starting to improve, and this measure will ensure that every chance is given for that trend to continue.