Page 9 - Ceufad Autumn 2022

Salmon spawning

HOW CAN I HELP? CHECK CLEAN AND DRY
There are a few keys ways in which all river users can help. One of the biggest threats to wild fish are non-native invasive
parasites, such as the salmon fluke (Gyrodactylus salaris). Thankfully
PROTECTING SPAWNING FISH AND THEIR EGGS the UK has not yet been affected, but rivers in Scandinavia and
Adult salmon and sea trout are particularly vulnerable to mainland Europe have been devastated by them. Salmon fluke and
disturbance when they are spawning in rivers, usually from mid- other non-native species can be carried in wet gear and boats.
October through to February. Their eggs and newly hatched fish Please make sure you follow the Check Clean and Dry protocols to
remain vulnerable to disturbance until they emerge from the gravel reduce the risk, especially if you are travelling abroad.
in the spring.
British Canoeing have issued some excellent guidance on how to REPORT INCIDENTS
avoid disturbing spawning fish and their habitat, and I strongly It’s not only fish that need clean cool water. Anglers, paddlers and
recommend you take note of that, and NRWs Canoeing Code. It anyone relaxing by (or in!) our rivers care passionately about water
is also worth being aware that its an offence to wilfully disturb quality. They are also more likely to be in a position to see pollution
spawning fish or their habitat. and report it. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary
(including possible illegal fishing) please make sure you report it, so
PROTECTING FISH IN HOT WEATHER we can assess and respond accordingly. In Wales, report any incidents
Given the recent (and ongoing?) hot and dry weather, it’s also worth on-line (see below) or call us on 0300 065 3000 24 hours a day.
being aware how this affects fish. Salmon in particular, as a cold
water species, can suffer when the river temperature exceeds 21C. Thankfully, society is starting to take notice of the climate and
Warm water holds less oxygen and they will need to avoid excessive biodiversity emergency and how it is starting to affect our rivers,
movement as well as seeking out deeper, cooler shaded areas and the iconic fish they support. There is an increasing drive to
when its hot. So if you are paddling and see fish during hot weather protect them, and funding to address the pressures. Those of us
conditions, especially if they are in distress, do all you can to avoid that are actively engaged and care about our rivers can do our bit
disturbing them further. as well, and hopefully we will see salmon and sea trout once again
thrive in our rivers.
Spawning salmon Chris Conroy

MORE INFO

NRW Canoeing Code: www.bit.ly/3Ly9tuN
NRW Report an incident: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NU2VYV/
Canoe Wales Waterside Code:
www.canoewales.com/protecting-our-environment
British Canoeing Watch out for spawning fish:
www.bit.ly/3BwxfCQ

AUTUMN 2022 | 9