I appreciate this has been the subject of previous posts but I couldn't find anything following the last survey post thread...

Can anyone offer any further information on plans for the barrage fish pass, the last I had heard speaking with an individual whilst on the banks of the Derwent was that a new fish pass would be added with a screw similar to that at Howsham Mill ? I am a newcomer to this forum and it would be great to hear any of your comments, as being a Teessider the river is close to my heart.

Many Thanks

In the local paper this weekend the regular fishing contributer reported on the latest "Survey" results carried out by British Waterways who run the Barrage. He stated of the 89 (I believe this was the number) fish electronically tagged - 14 of which were sea trout the rest salmon - not one single fish made it up the fish pass to freshwater.

This is an appalling situation and local anglers have known the grave difficulties with this fish pass for years. Frankly, these figures are sickening and local anglers are fed up of attempting to get something done about it.

British Waterways, apparrently, have a legal obligation to rectify this. Meanwhile the current "survey" is on-going and the migratory fish are either nobbled by the seals or the "snatchers" untill they give up or die exhausted.

The EA have a duty to compel BW to attend to matters but seem either unwilling or powerless to do so.

Go figure...

Those numbers are just terrible, God knows what its going to take to make them do something. Has anyone ever lobbied local government ? The Tees was once one of the premier salmon rivers in the country and no one seems to care, it’s nothing less than an ecological disaster.

Hi ejmmfc

Under the Water Framework Directive things SHOULD start to change.

Five years ago no one new what impact it would have and powers generated.....now its a lot clearer...but not got down to grass roots level yet.

EA and BW will be fully aware of the implications....and its just a matter of timing and funding that will need to be allocated on a priority basis.

I hope you and riverat have responded to the WFD.....as this is the type of public input and 'lobby' that is needed.

I can't comment personally on the Tees.....but can say we are heading in a better direction under the WFD......and if your plans aren't included in this period then you had better get your act together for the next one or the one after......plans are NOW being laid for the period up to 2029

I can assure you .....there are some that care

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Two things to have in life - A good bed and a good pair of boots -and if you aren't in one you should be in t'other

Hi ejmmfc

A new 'board' was set up for the Tees Barrage on the 23rd, I believe, as I was talking with one of the new directors yesterday......this process may not yet be complete so watch this space.....
Or maybe a new forum section

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Two things to have in life - A good bed and a good pair of boots -and if you aren't in one you should be in t'other

Was down there the other week, looking to see if I could spot any salmon, when this HUGE seal suddenly popped up at the end of the ladder - it was so big I was shocked at the size of it. It must be getting through some salmon!!