An Appeal from the Wye and Usk Foundation
Thank you very much for the very great efforts made in returning salmon to the Wye during the last three years. In 2003, 72% went back, 2004 – 73% and in 2006 (from the returns so far available) 85%. This is a very commendable achievement.
pHish and previous projects have hugely increased the area and quality of
juvenile habitat in the upper Wye. By doing so, we have increased the numbers
of smolts migrating to the sea each year from the existing return of adults.
We have achieved more and better habitat by barrier removal, fish pass construction,
liming the acidic headwaters, fencing off and restoring some 80km + of damaged
stream. All this increases the survival rate of young fish. A small hatchery
has allowed us to prime some of the blocked streams. You must appreciate
however that this year will only see the result of work done up to 2001,
next year up to 2002 and so on. It will be 2008 before the benefits of pHish
really start.
Last year the Lugg and Arrow benefited from three new fish passes which
have re opened a vast nursery area. This and the upper river works require
additional numbers of adult salmon so that they return in the sort of numbers
that resemble our past runs of salmon. These numbers can only come from the
existing run and it is essential to release every fish to speed up the ongoing
revival.
We pointed out that the survival rates of released fish was good, as witnessed by the good survival rates of fish caught up for hatchery programme (2005 - 100%) and that fishermen need not worry on that score, provided fish were cared for properly.
There are some additional considerations: Firstly, there is some evidence of a continued rise in the numbers of returning salmon this year. This is exactly what every person or organisation concerned with the river has hoped for during the rather disappointing last 5 – 10 year period. However, we can neither be certain that this is a sustained increase nor do we believe that even if every fish was spared there would yet be enough to populate the entire system.
Secondly, we believe that the best way of running and policing a Catch and
Release scheme is by seeking the cooperation of all those involved. The alternative
could be draconian legislation. That so many of you have responded positively
by returning fish and also by contributing to our partnership projects is
a testament of your concern and wish to be involved with the revival of our
salmon run.
So in 2006, once again we ask for your cooperation in restoring our salmon
by returning all the fish you catch. We will again send you an embroidered
sweatshirt to thank you for 'putting one back.'
Please also see
the details of new hook technology and
Fishtec's competition.
Thank you once again
Dr Stephen Marsh - Smith
May 2006
If you have caught and released a Wye salmon after June 15th, please click here to claim your free 'Saving Wye Salmon' sweatshirt.
