Freshwater fisheries advice
Freshwater fish are important indicators of the health
of our rivers and still waters. These ecosystems are under
growing pressure from human activities.
Our scientists can advise on human and natural impacts on a
range of habitats, and the quantity and quality of water within
those habitats.
Our services include:
- planning and running field research studies
- laboratory investigations
- modelling techniques.
Migratory and freshwater fisheries
Our dedicated Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries team provide a
range of advisory services based on scientific research
expertise. Their advice is used nationally and
internationally in the assessment and management of salmonid, eel
and freshwater fisheries. In addition, it is used for the
development of fishery management programmes and to inform policy
decisions.
Ultimate responsibility for policy on salmonid and freshwater
fisheries rests with:
- England: the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs
- Wales: the Minister for Environment, Planning and
Countryside.
The Environment Agency (EA) also has powers to protect fish
stocks and to reduce exploitation through the
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The EA can introduce
bylaws to protect fish stocks by restricting fishing activity and
the methods and baits used by anglers and netsmen.
We provide evidence and data to underpin advice to the
regulators and policy-makers - our customers - so that sound
judgements are made on the management and control of
stocks.
Salmonid stocks
There are a range of regulations in place to protect, improve
and develop salmon, trout, freshwater and eel fisheries. Our teams
take a lead in assessing and advising on how these stocks can best
be managed. They also work with Defra and the Environment Agency to
identify where restraints are necessary, and how they can be
applied and monitored.
Fish-eating birds
Cefas teams lead research into protecting fisheries from
predator birds. There is a choice of management options but one
particular technique - the use of fish refuges - has been
the recent subject of our research. It shows that simple artificial
shelters can protect fish from birds like cormorants, which have
seen rapidly increasing numbers in Europe in recent times.
We have produced a number of
advisory leaflets summarising the cormorant problem and
outlining various options that fishery owners and managers can
employ to reduce their impact.
Please contact
us if you would like to know more about our freshwater
fisheries advice and services.