Boost for salmon stocks in rivers
More than 5,000 young salmon were set free in south Shropshire's rivers as part of a new initiative to boost stocks of the species. More than 5,000 young salmon were set free in south Shropshire's rivers as part of a new initiative to boost stocks of the species. The fish were released into the Rivers Teme and Clun at Leintwardine bridge as part of a joint project supported by the Shropshire Hills AONB, Environment Agency and Severn Rivers Trust. It is hoped the move will bring benefits to the environment, local economy and protect the species. For pictures click here Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
More than 5,000 young salmon were set free in south Shropshire's rivers as part of a new initiative to boost stocks of the species.
The fish were released into the Rivers Teme and Clun at Leintwardine bridge as part of a joint project supported by the Shropshire Hills AONB, Environment Agency and Severn Rivers Trust.
It is hoped the move will bring benefits to the environment, local economy and protect the species.
Director of the Severn Rivers Trust Tony Bostock said: "The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has long been an iconic species providing livelihood, food and a source of recreation etc over many centuries.
"But in recent years the numbers returning and caught have declined rapidly.
"In 1911 a total of 33,000 salmon were caught by all methods, throughout the Severn catchment, but this number has fallen to its current level of between 1,200 and 1,500 fish per annum.
"Re-establishing salmon stocks to their former levels will bring benefits to the environment, local economy and protect and enhance an internationally important species."
He added that spawning populations were low and currently not sustainable and the Teme and Severn have failed to meet its minimum conservation limit for a number of years.
"Salmon do return to the River Teme, Clun and other tributaries naturally.
"However, land use change and man made obstructions, have contrived to keep spawning success low," he said.
Now the aim is to reverse the current decline in the population in the River Teme Catchment and Shropshire hills AONB.
"Linking with the previous habitat improvements and removal of obstructions to migration, we wish to enhance the valuable adult stocks by the introduction of juvenile salmon at a stage in their freshwater life cycle when mortality rates are considered at their lowest.
"Therefore, we are introducing a minimum of 5,000 salmon at the parr, or pre-smolt stage, at selected sites where the benefit will be greatest."
It is hoped the project will result in higher numbers of returning salmon, which will result in higher rod licence sales and greater number of visitors to the area.
It has been established that the value to the local economy of every salmon caught is at least £700 each.
Visiting anglers bring their families and friends with them. Anglers pay to fish, bringing income into the area, while their families enjoy other recreational activities.
