Government agencies work together to improve river habitat for fish
12 October 2010
Government agencies work together to improve river habitat for fish
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) have partnered in two fishery rehabilitation schemes on the Annacloy River, Co Down and the River Bush, Co Antrim.
While both rivers have a good fishery interest, a study by DCAL Inland Fisheries and AFBI showed that the fishery value could benefit from the addition of carefully designed works to improve the habitat for both adult and young salmon.
DCAL has provided approximately £60k to fund these projects which are being executed by DARD Rivers Agency. The schemes include a range of in-channel and bank side features with some 750m being enhanced on the Annacloy and a further 850m on the Bush.
Peter Lynch, Senior Fisheries Officer for DCAL said: "These projects are part of DCAL's strategic approach to rebuilding salmon stocks consistent with our obligations to NASCO*. Low marine survival remains a concern and so we need to boost freshwater survival from egg to smolt using scientifically proven habitat restoration and enhancement techniques.”
Judith Bankhead Rivers Agency conservation officer added: “We constructed deflector groynes on either side of the river to increase river flow and create scour holes for mature fish. We also added gravel to provide salmon spawning areas, and boulders to create nursery habitat for young fish.
“Fencing was erected which will protect the rivers from the effects of cattle trampling and we undertook weed cutting in the river to reduce sediment compaction of spawning gravels."
Prior to the works being carried out, habitat assessments were undertaken and further assessments will take place over the coming years to measure the overall impact and improvements. In addition, electro fishing before and after the works will confirm whether the habitat measures introduced have resulted in increased fish numbers.
Notes to editors:
- All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
