Access for Fish Migration
Despite the provisions of the 1975 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA) and Article 10 of the Habitats Directive (in respect of fish access and barriers) vast tracts of the Wye and Usk catchments have been barred to migrating fish. This has included the Wye’s two largest tributaries, the Lugg and the Monnow. In1995, 50% of the Wye catchment was occluded by debris dams, impassable weirs and crossing points. Our survey of the Usk in 2004 showed that 28% of the river system was artificially blocked, in addition to a number of impassable natural falls.
Denial of fish access diminishes the quantity of productive habitat available,
and so reduces fish numbers. It also isolates fish populations so that
in the event of pollution or natural episode such as extreme flood, fish
and other wildlife cannot recolonise the affected area, leading to localised
loss or extinctions.
Restoring access is the most important and cost effective management
technique that can be applied to a river’s fish stocks and
has been an important first action for the Foundation on both river
systems.
For details of how we have been addressing this issue please see "Reconnecting
the rivers".
