Other Articles

*********  Fisheries Courses At Bridgwater College *********

October 2011

Study for an Extended Diploma in Fishery Management or Diploma in Fish Husbandry and get the skills you need to join this exciting and rapidly growing industry. These courses take place at Bridgwater College's Cannington Centre for Land-based studies which has excellent specialist facilities, including an on-site fishery.

Fish management encompasses fish breeding and production, river fisheries management, fish population, water quality fish biology fish behaviour and other related subjects. Over 3 million angers take part in fishing activities. These Fish Management and Fish Husbandry courses are ideal for those seeking jobs in this growing sector. Using our excellent on-site facilities and the fantastic local fisheries, our courses offer you the best.

Please contact Bridgwater College for further details on Tel: 01278 441216 or for more information

  25th October 2011

Salmon and sea trout can migrate more easily up the River Taw thanks to a ‘Dam Buster’ operation carried out by the Environment Agency and West Country Rivers Trust. The weir near the Dartmoor village of Belstone was a serious obstruction to fish trying to spawn on the headwaters of the Taw. Dating from the 1960’s, the structure at Taw Marsh was part of an old abstraction point once used by South West Water. Normal dismantling methods were ruled out because of the remote location and difficulty getting heavy plant and equipment to the site. The weir was also situated within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) containing rare mosses and lichens that could be easily damaged. Before work could start the Environment Agency had to obtain the permission of South West Water, the Duchy of Cornwall, Natural England, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Belstone Commoners.

On the day of reckoning, a 250 metre exclusion zone was established around the site and specialist contractors brought in to remove the weir in a controlled explosion. ‘The operation was a success and it will now be much easier for fish to reach some pristine spawning grounds high on the Moor. We’ve previously used explosives to prepare sites prior to construction, but this was the first time we’ve used them to demolish a structure. We had to be careful we didn’t damage an old gauging station located nearby,’ said Bob Collett for the Environment Agency. Under the European Water Framework Directive, rivers are required to meet a standard known as ‘Good Ecological Status’. The upper Taw has been identified as falling short of this standard. The removal of the weir at Belstone is just one of several improvements to improve access for fish and help the upper Taw achieve ‘Good Ecological Status.’ The Agency had earlier moved boulders from around its gauging weir at Sticklepath to create a deeper downstream pool making it easier for salmon and sea trout to migrate upstream.

This work was carried out by the Agency’s Operations Delivery staff. Plans are also underway to improve a weir that serves as a water intake for Finches Foundry in Sticklepath. In a joint project with the West Country Rivers Trust, the Agency is seeking to carry out work next spring to reduce the height of the weir to help fish reach their spawning grounds.

Some before and after photos of the weir at Belstone are available from the Environment Agency’s regional press office on 01392 442008.

WCSRT is a charity, dedicated to the guardianship, protection, enhancement and maintenance of healthy, functioning ecosystems within the river corridors and catchments of the Wessex region.

Our vision is of healthy rivers which are valued and nurtured by the community and which exhibit:

• Sustainable and naturally abundant wildlife
• High water quality and sustained natural flows
• Fully functioning ecosystems which link the rivers with their valleys
• Resilience to climate change and future stresses associated with social and economic development.

Pressure from agricultural, aquaculture, transport and housing development in the region has placed significant strain on the river environment over the last half-century or so. River channels have become degraded through dredging for agricultural ‘improvement’ and engineering for flood management. Flows have been impaired by abstraction for public water supply. Water quality continues to be impacted by agricultural run-off, pesticides, discharges from watercress beds, fish farms, sewerage systems, and septic tanks. Spawning gravels continue to be affected by siltation. Aquatic fly life has seriously declined. The numbers of salmon running to spawn are gravely depleted. Native Crayfish have been virtually wiped out and non-native species are threatening the integrity of the habitat.

Predictions of future climate change and population growth suggest that environmental stresses will increase significantly over the next 50 years, particularly those associated with river flows, and water quality.

The Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust was formed by a group of like-minded people from organisations with an interest in protecting these fragile river habitats. They recognised that many of the environmental challenges faced are common across the region and that in most cases addressing them demands a catchment based perspective, which considers all aspects of the ecosystem together. These organisations included the Wiltshire Fishery Association, the Avon and Stour Association, the Test and Itchen Association, the Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust, the National Trust, the Hampshire Wildlife Trust and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

The rivers of the Trust region stretch from the delightful little River Meon in the east, to the Dorset Stour in the west. They include the River Itchen with its headwater streams the Candover, Alre and Tichborne; the River Test including the Bourne Rivulet, Dever, Wallop and Dun.
The Hampshire Avon rises from the chalk of the Salisbury Plain and includes the Wiltshire Bourne and the Rivers Wylye, Nadder and Ebble.
It winds its serpentine way south through north Wiltshire into Hampshire where it collects the acid waters of the New Forest Streams such as Hucklesbrook, Dockens Water and Lynbrook.

These are important sea trout spawning streams. Eventually it meets the River Stour at Christchurch in Dorset to run into the sea at Mudeford.
Most of these rivers are ‘chalk streams’ and as such are internationally unique, only occurring in Southern Britain and northern France, but they also include important non-chalk rivers such as the Dorset Stour rising in Dorset and the upper part of the River Nadder running off the blue clay. They are of outstanding conservation value as habitat for rare, important and sometimes endangered species such as the Southern Damsel Fly, Atlantic salmon, sea trout, Eels, Otters, Lamprey, Brown Trout and the tiny Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail. Two carry the highest level of European protection, as ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ (SAC) designation and three are designated ‘Sites of Special Scientific Interest’. They are of national and international important, even iconic, recreational and environmental value to many thousands of anglers, naturalists and conservationists, both local and visitors.

The Test is arguably the birthplace of fly fishing for trout and, to this day, is one of the most important river trout fisheries in southern England. It is also host to improving runs of North Atlantic salmon. These are much sought after by local and visiting sporting anglers happy to return their quarry after the joy of the catch. Come winter and the superb grayling fishing comes to the fore with specimen fish caught every year.
A few miles to the east is the River Itchen, smaller than its neighbour but as important and rewarding to the sporting angler seeking superb trout fishing in pristine surroundings. This river too, in their season has salmon and the grayling ever present to reward the skilled angler.
The SAC River Hampshire Avon, for thus it is named, whilst spending much of its time in Wiltshire and Dorset, is a bigger river than either the Test or Itchen. The ‘five rivers’ that are the source support well managed trout and grayling fisheries largely conserved and managed by a number of clubs and associations.
Below Salisbury it is renowned for the quality and diversity of the miles of coarse fishing available throughout the length to the famous Royalty Fishery at Christchurch.

Every year one or two barbel of fourteen pounds are reported, a rare roach of three pounds and chub in excess of seven pounds are not too unusual.
The many lakes in the catchment, largely mature gravel workings, produce numerous carp, up to 40 pounds in one or two cases, tench and the fittest of bream. This river is host to a tremendous roach restoration project, the brainchild of Budgie Price and Trevor Harrop, who introduce hundreds of thousands of juvenile Avon fish, that they have raised, throughout the river annually.
Avon salmon were once prolific and often huge, sometimes over 40 pounds at the turn of the century and the early 1900’s ,and thousands of fish entered the river at Mudeford Harbour. Sadly, in keeping with salmon rivers as a whole, the numbers are slow to recover. Fighting fit, if infrequent, two and three winter fish continue to enter the river. A fish estimated at 30+ pounds was caught last year and a few fish in the high twenties have been caught in February and March of this year.

The River Stour, rising in Dorset and joining the Avon at Christchurch, also offers superb coarse fishing throughout the length. Sadly the once famous salmon run is no more with a very few fish being seen now.
Much of this superb angling is managed by Christchurch Angling Club. (www.christchurchac.org.uk) and Ringwood and District AC (www.ringwoodfishing.co.uk)

Fishing is available to the visiting angler with day tickets available from tackle shops in the areas, for example: Avon Angling, (www.avonangling.co.uk) and Ringwood Tackle in Ringwood (www.ringwoodtackle.co.uk), Davis Tackle, (www.davistackle.co.uk) in Christchurch and others.

The Wheelyboat Trust is a small national charity dedicated to providing disabled people with hassle-free and independent access to waterborne activities such as angling, pleasure boating and nature watching.  Formed in 1985 as The Handicapped Anglers Trust, it has so far supplied 145 specially designed wheelchair accessible Wheelyboats to fisheries, water parks and other venues open to the public all over the UK.

There are 13 Wheelyboats available for disabled anglers to use in the South West providing access to coarse, sea and game fishing.  The latest to be launched (April 2011) was a Mk III Wheelyboat on Tamar Lakes near Bude.  This boat is also available for pleasure boating and nature watching and was jointly funded by the Environment Agency and the South West Countryside Mobility Project.  Wheelyboats are self-operated and can be helmed by the disabled angler.  They all have bow doors that lower to provide roll on, roll off wheelchair access either from the bank or slipway. They drift well, especially with a drogue, or can be fished at anchor.  Booking is essential and it is recommended 24 hours notice is given.  Lifejackets must be worn and are provided free of charge by the fishery.

The first Wheelyboat in the UK that can be used for sea fishing was launched at Golant on the River Fowey estuary in 2010.  (The location of this Wheelyboat means that trips are always accompanied by a helmsman).  The estuary holds a good head of bass, mullet and flounder and you can fish bait, spin or fly depending on the species targeted.

New Wheelyboats are being launched all the time.  For the latest list of all UK venues and for more information on the work of the Trust, visit the website or contact the Director.  The Wheelyboat Trust is a registered charity and relies upon the generosity of charitable organisations, companies and individuals to enable it to continue providing this important service on behalf of disabled people.  Donations can be made via the Trust’s website.

Contacts:
Andy Beadsley, Director. North Lodge, Burton Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0JT,
Tel/fax 01798 342222
Rex Harpham, SW Regional Coordinator.
22 Chollacott Close, Whitchurch Road, Tavistock, PL19 9BW. Tel 01822 615953
www.wheelyboats.org

Wheelyboat venues in the region...
Avon
Chew Valley Lake, Chew Magna 01275 332339    Trout fishing    www.bristol-water.co.uk

Cornwall
River Fowey, Golant            Sea fishing, nature watching    0845 5195261
Siblyback Reservoir, Liskeard 01209 860301    Trout fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Stithians Reservoir, Redruth 01209 860301    Trout fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Devon
Kennick Reservoir, Bovey Tracey 01647 277587    Trout fishing        www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Roadford Lake, Okehampton  01409 211507   Trout fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Tamar Lakes, Bude 01288 321712        Coarse fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Wistlandpound Reservoir, Barnstaple 01598 763221    Trout fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Dorset
River Frome, Wareham 01929 550688        Coarse fishing, pleasure boating        www.warehamboathire.co.uk

Gloucs
Bushyleaze Trout Fishery, Lechlade 01367 253266    Trout fishing    www.lechladetrout.co.uk

Somerset
Clatworthy Reservoir, Taunton 01984 624658     Trout fishing        www.wessexwater.co.uk
Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Yeovil 01935 872389      Trout fishing, nature watching    www.wessexwater.co.uk
Wimbleball Reservoir, Brompton Regis 01398 371372    Trout fishing, nature watching    www.swlakestrust.org.uk
 

The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) was established in 1903 to address the damage done to our rivers by the polluting effects of the Industrial Revolution. For 108 years, the Association has worked to protect fisheries, fish stocks and the wider aquatic environment on behalf of game angling and fisheries. In 2008, the Association was granted charitable status, primarily because it was able to show that its work had historically been for a much wider benefit than just its immediate membership. S&TA’s charitable objectives empower it to address all issues affecting fish and the aquatic environment, supported by robust scientific evidence from its scientific network. Its charitable status enables it to take the widest possible remit in protecting fish stocks and the aquatic environment upon which they depend.

Charitable Objectives

S&TA's objectives are straightforward:

Probably the oldest recorded use of kayaks for fishing is the Inuit People who used the predecessor to our modern sea kayaks for hunting and fishing. Today there are 3 main types of boat that can be used for fishing. Canoe (open boat single blade paddle), Closed Cockpit Kayaks and SOTs (sit on tops), the latter is by far the most popular. The main advantages of the SOT over the other two are its inherent stability, ease of paddling and, should you happen to fall off, with the proper practice and training you can get back on board easily without the need to empty out any water.
There are several things you need to consider prior to parting with your hard earned cash. The type of fishing you want to do, your size and build and where you intend to use the SOT.

The best advice we can give is to find a good quality outlet that can give appropriate advice and, quite often, even let you try out a few different models before you buy. Most people neglect one of the most important pieces of equipment - the paddle! You could do several thousand paddle strokes through the course of a day so a heavy or wrong sizes paddle could be a real disadvantage, leading to excess fatigue and even injury.
You should also never forget your own safety and a correctly sized and fitted buoyancy aid is a must. These come in many forms, from the very basic to one with loads of pockets for all your gear. Depending on where you are paddling you should also consider taking further safety kit appropriate to the environment. It’s best not to paddle alone but if you must then make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you should be back.
So you have all the gear so where can you go fishing?
In the South West we are surrounded by the sea and generally there is no restriction to taking you kayak afloat and going fishing. At some locations you may be required to pay a launch fee but usually this is a fairly modest amount.
Within the South West there are numerous inland lakes and reservoirs, most of which allow fishing and a lot also now allow kayak fishing. One of the more proactive ones, South West Lakes Trust (www.swlakestrust.org.uk), have organised Flyyak (Fly fishing from kayaks) events which have proved a great success. Access to inland rivers is much more restricted and you would need to gain the permission of the relevant owner/authority prior to kayak fishing on these waters.
If you require further advice there are several places you could turn to:
For advice on training and safety visit Canoe England at www.canoe-england.org.uk
A useful forum at: www.anglersafloat.co.uk

The Angling Trust now provides a kayak - specific membership which includes insurance and much more at www.anglingtrust.net

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
Salmon & Trout Research Centre
East Stoke
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 6BB

Fish have one very large disadvantage for those who study them – it is very difficult and often impossible to see them! Fishery scientists therefore often resort to a wide range of methods and technological wizardry that help overcome this problem. On the river Frome at East Stoke in Dorset scientists have developed one of the most technologically advanced Atlantic salmon monitoring facilities in Europe. The river Frome is the most westerly chalk stream in England and hosts a large variety of wildlife. Historically it was also renowned as a good river for catching large 20-40 lb salmon. In the early 1970’s it was chosen as a site to test new and developing technology for counting adult salmon when they go up rivers to spawn. The most successful of these methods was a resistivity fish counter. In this, electronics measure the electrical resistance of an area of water. When a fish crosses this area the resistance of the water is changed and thus the fish is detected and counted. In various forms this system has been used at East Stoke to count the adult salmon since 1973.

This monitoring has shown that the adults suffered a dramatic 75% decline in the early 1990’s. This dramatic reduction was also found in most of the fisheries in the North Atlantic, indicating that the marine survival of the fish was becoming a major problem. Attempting to manage and conserve the salmon at sea is an impossible task; however, it is possible to manage the juvenile fish while they are growing in the rivers. To understand the pressures on these juvenile fish, in the mid 1990’s the scientists began trying to estimate the number of smolts that go out to sea. The task of counting these small fish seemed at first impossible. They are only about 12 cm long and often migrate when the river is in a spring spate. Once again cutting edge technology came to the rescue in the form of small Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. These tags (about the size of a grain of rice), each having a unique id code, are harmlessly implanted into the fish in the autumn. Then in spring they are detected and recorded by sophisticated electronic detectors at East Stoke.

Two years ago this unique research facility looked like it would close. Fortunately the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust took on the management of the research and the staff and therefore the groundbreaking research is continuing. It allows the scientists to assess the numbers of juvenile salmon present in the autumn, both count the smolts that survive from these autumn fish and determine what parts of the river are good (or bad) for juvenile survival. The work then completes the cycle by counting the returning adult fish. This research will help identify where survival of salmon in the river can be improved and help offset the problems that the fish encounter in the marine environment. The results will be applicable to a wide range of rivers in the UK and will enable targeted intelligent management of salmon populations and will give vital information on factors influencing the life history characteristics of this species with a view to halting the decline and restoring salmon populations to former levels.

An annual report detailing the salmon numbers and the research carried out at the Salmon & Trout Research Centre at East Stoke can be found on the GWCT web site: www.gwct.org.uk

Press release 19 September 2011

Gloves off: Scientists Chart Chinese Mitten Crab Invasion

Become a nature detective and record the invasion of the alien Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in rivers of England and Wales. Scientists from a number of UK research institutes, including London's Natural History Museum are calling for the public to become nature detectives this autumn to better understand the full extent of the Chinese mitten crab invasion and the threat these crustaceans pose to our rivers and waterways. Anglers, waterway workers, boating enthusiasts and other nature lovers to identify and record any sightings of the alien species via an online survey. The recordings will be used by scientists to clarify the full distribution of the exotic crabs in English and Welsh rivers.

Chinese mitten crabs are now one of the most notorious aquatic invasive species featuring in the international list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. They are regarded as a pest because they cause damage to fishing gear and unprotected river banks, block water systems as well as compete with native species for food and habitat. Current records show that mitten crabs have established populations in the Thames, Medway, Ouse Washes, Humber and the Dee Estuary. Sightings from all rivers and watersheds will be useful but researchers are particularly interested in any from:

• The Thames west of Windsor to beyond Reading

• Tyne, Tees and Wear in the North East

• Dee and Merseyside and the

• Severn Estuary to the Isle of Wight in the South West.

Nature lovers can report their finds by phone, email or online and upload their photographs by visiting www.mittencrabs.org.uk. For more information please contact the following:

London and the South East:

Claire Gilby, Natural History Museum Press Office, 0207 942 5654, [email protected] Sophia Haque, Royal Holloway University London Press Office, 01784 44 3552, [email protected]
Tyneside and the North East:

Louella Houldcroft, Newcastle University Press Office, 0191 222 5108, [email protected]

North West England and Wales:

Bran Devey, Countryside Council for Wales Press Office, 02920 77 2403, [email protected]

South West England: Guy Baker, Marine Biological Association Press Office, 01752 633 244, [email protected]

• For more information about mitten crabs and the survey visit www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/other-invertebrates/chinese-mitten-crabs/ and www.marlin.ac.uk/marine_aliens

• The consortium of UK research institutes working on the project are:

• The Natural History Museum, London • Newcastle University

• Royal Holloway University of London

• The Countryside Council for Wales

• Marine Biological Association

• All records will be archived by DASSH, the UK archive for marine biodiversity data and will be available online via the project website www.mittencrabs.org.uk and the National Biodiversity Network (www.searchnbn.net ).

• Nature detectives can report their records by telephone or email in the following way:

• Sightings from the Isle of Wight to the Humber estuary can be logged with the Natural History Museum, 0207 942 6170, [email protected]

• Sightings from the Humber estuary to the Scottish border on the east coast and Scottish border to Blackpool on the West coast can be logged with Newcastle University, 0191 222 5345, [email protected]

• Sightings from NW England from the Mersey to the Dee Estuary and the whole of Wales to the Severn estuary, can be logged with the Countryside Council for Wales, 0845 1306 229, [email protected]

• Sightings from the Severn Estuary, Cornwall to Isle of Wight can be logged with the Marine Biological Association, 01752 633291, [email protected]

• The Chinese mitten crab, (Eriocheir sinensis) originates from the Far East, with a native distribution from the Province of Fukien, China. It spread throughout northern Europe following its accidental introduction into Germany in 1912 from ships’ ballast water.

• Chinese mitten crabs are currently found throughout Europe from Kemi, Finland in the north, through Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic (Prague), Netherlands, Belgium and England to France and the Atlantic coast Portugal and Spain.

• Mitten crabs feature in the IUCN-ISGG database of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.

• The first record from the Thames catchment was captured on the intake screens of Lots Road Power Station at Chelsea in 1935 with a second from Southfields Reservoir, near Castleford, Yorkshire, 1948. Three male crabs were found in 1976 at the West Thurrock power station, located approximately 36 km downstream of the City of London. An ovigerous (egg carrying) crab was collected at Southend-on-Sea in 1979 and a further 20 specimens were noted again from West Thurrock in 1982.

• During the late eighties the mitten crab population increased dramatically in the Thames as demonstrated by a survey conducted by the Museum funded by the Environment Agency in 1996. The most westerly sighting being the River Colne at Staines with reports of mitten crabs from almost every Thames tributary eastwards of this point. In October 2007 a mitten crab was caught on rod and line near Boveney Loch, Windsor Racecourse which suggests mitten crab are gradually spreading westward.

• Project sponsors include the Welsh Government; Environment Agency; Countryside Council for Wales; Non-Native Species Secretariat; Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge; and Tyne Rivers Trust.

• Winner of Visit London’s 2010 Evening Standard’s Peoples Choice Best London for Free Experience Award and Best Family Fun Award the Natural History Museum is also a world-leading science research centre. Through its collections and scientific expertise, the Museum is helping to conserve the extraordinary richness and diversity of the natural world with groundbreaking projects in more than 70 countries.

• Royal Holloway, University of London is one of the UK’s leading teaching and research university institutions, ranked in the top 20 for research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. One of the larger colleges of the University of London, Royal Holloway has a strong profile across the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. Its 8,000 students work with internationally-renowned scholars in 18 academic departments. Over 20% of students are postgraduates and 22% come from 130 different countries. Renowned for its iconic Founder’s Building, Royal Holloway is situated on an extensive parkland campus in Egham, Surrey, only 40 minutes from central London.

• The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is a professional body for marine scientists with some 1200 members world-wide. Since 1884 the MBA has established itself as a leading marine biological research organization contributing to the work of several Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of the Royal Society. The MBA is a founder member of the Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership.

South West Fishing For Life launched their 3rd group in Cornwall in April The group has just 4 members at the moment but will grow as people hear about what fun and therapy fishing can be, in a beautiful location.

   As one member said “a soul healing experience”

We have lovely qualified coaches who run the days and ladies who meet and greet and provide refreshments.

 This group meets on the 3^rd Sunday of the month from 2 pm – 4pm

 To find out more information about SWFFL please look at our web site www.southwestfishingforlife.org.uk

If you would like to see what we do on our days please contact:

Gillian
Holworhthy Farm
Brompton Regis
Dulverton
Somerset
TA22 9NY
Tel: 01398 371244

or email [email protected]

*Press Release* Press Release* Press Release* Press Release*

Chew Valley Lake wins 2011 Alan Faulkner Memorial Award

On behalf of The Wheelyboat Trust, veteran actor and passionate angler Bernard Cribbins presented Steve Taylor from Bristol Water’s Chew Valley Lake with this year’s Alan Faulkner Memorial Award. The presentation took place on Friday, 22nd July at the CLA Game Fair. The main prize was a 4hp outboard motor provided by the award’s sponsors, Suzuki GB. Created in memory of the Trust’s Founder President, the award is presented annually to the game fishery that provides disabled anglers with the most outstanding service, facilities, opportunities and access. Previous winners include Eyebrook Trout Fishery, Grafham Water, Lake of Menteith and Toft Newton. Chew Valley Lake is Bristol Water’s largest reservoir at over 1,000 acres and was built in the 1950s. It is one of the country’s finest trout fisheries and is renowned for its ‘top of the water’ sport owing to its relatively shallow depth, fertile water and abundant fly life. It is a fly only water and is stocked annually with 50,000 brown and rainbow trout. It also has a healthy population of pike that are of increasing interest to game anglers, many of whom are turning their attention to this large predator – fly fishing for pike is now a well-established and popular activity on the lake. Chew was the first UK water to acquire the then new Mk III Wheelyboat model in 2006 to help it celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Photo caption (left to right): Steven Foy (Sales Manager Suzuki GB), Steve Taylor (Assistant Fishery Manager, Chew Valley Lake), Bernard Cribbins, Andy Beadsley (Director, The Wheelyboat Trust)

The award’s judges were very impressed with Chew’s commitment to disabled anglers: the facilities there are first class, all are wheelchair accessible and the staff are helpful and courteous – essential requirements for a hassle-free day’s fishing in the Wheelyboat. As well as being a fitting memorial to The Wheelyboat Trust’s Founder President who conceived the idea of the wheelchair accessible boat, the ‘Wheelyboat’, the award is intended to highlight the needs of disabled anglers and encourage fisheries to ensure those needs are accommodated. The Trust is delighted that Suzuki GB sponsored the award again this year with the main prize of a 4hp 4-stroke outboard. Without their support and appreciation of the award’s aims, it would not be the sought after title it has now become. The Suzuki small outboard range, from 4 to 15 horsepower, has attracted a strong following amongst anglers, due to the quiet running, low emissions and 4-stroke fuel economy. In common with the rest of the 2hp to 300hp range, they offer excellent value for money. Background The Wheelyboat Trust is a registered charity that promotes and provides the wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat to fisheries and other waters open to the public all over the UK. It has now supplied 147 Wheelyboats since the Trust began work in 1985. It offers four different types of Wheelyboat to suit different activities - two of these have been designed specifically for fishing. This is the eighth year that Suzuki GB have sponsored the Alan Faulkner Memorial Award. The Wheelyboat Trust (reg charity no 292216) - Andy Beadsley, Director North Lodge, Burton Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0JT Telephone 01798 342222, 07860 650023 [email protected], www.wheelyboats.org

THE WHEELYBOAT Trust’s 25th anniversary
year in 2010 proved an especially busy one
with projects getting under way and
Wheelyboats being launched all over the UK
and Ireland. A particular highlight was the
development and launch of a new model, the
Mk IV, in partnership with Bristol Sailability.
Other notable achievements were the six
Coulam 16 Wheelyboats and five Mk III
Wheelyboats launched along with five older
Wheelyboats that were refurbished and
found new homes.
The momentum has carried on into 2011 and new
projects continue to develop, including two new Mk IVs.
One of these will be operated by Thorney Island’s Army
Welfare Service in and around Chichester Harbour and
will directly benefit injured and
disabled service personnel.
Currently under construction is a
Mk III for the Tees Wheelyboats Club—
a club set up specifically to operate
their own Wheelyboat on the River
Tees at Stockton. We have been able
to help them raise the funds to acquire
their much needed boat.
None of what we have achieved
would have been possible without the
support and generosity of our donors,
either for individual projects or for help
with our day to day running costs. Our
tremendous thanks go to you all!
SINCE THE last issue of Waterwheels the following
Wheelyboats have been supplied:
Mk IVs
Bristol Sailability, Bristol Docks—P, 0117 968 8244
Mk IIIs
Tamar Lakes, Bude—C P N, 01288 321712
Rudyard Lake, Leek—C P N, 01538 306280
Leitrim APD, Co Leitrim—C T S P N, 00 353 719 651000
East Park Lake, Hull—P N, 01482 331966
The Waterside, Rollesby Broad—C P N, 01493 740531
Coulam 16 Wheelyboats
Blithfield Reservoir, Rugeley—T, 01283 840284
Grafham Water, St Neots—T, 01480 810531
Hanningfield Reservoir, Wickford—T C, 01268 712815
Bewl Water, Tunbridge Wells—T, 01892 890352
Farmoor Reservoir, Oxford—T, 07747 640707
Kielder Water—T, 0845 155 0236
Refurbished Wheelyboats
Elinor Trout Fishery, Kettering (Mk I)—T, 01832 720786
Butterstone Loch, Dunkeld (Mk I)—T, 01350 724238
Upton Warren OEC, Bromsgrove (Mk II)—P N, 01527 861426
Norwich Pike Anglers, River Yare (Mk II)—C, 07776 221959
Craufurd Trout Fishery, Fenwick (Mk I)—T, 01560 600569
Key: Fishing T (trout), S (salmon), St (sea-trout), C (coarse),
Sea (sea), P - pleasure boating, N - bird/nature watching
Wheelyboats Supplied 2010/11

       Rare ‘Kipper’ Makes Welcome Return To The Tamar     

One of the UK’s rarest fish, the Allis Shad, is returning to the Tamar estuary in good numbers. Like the salmon, this relative of the herring spends most of its time at sea and only returns to freshwater to breed. Barriers to migration including weirs or dams and pollution are thought to be the main reasons for a severe decline in its numbers. Over-fishing is also believed to be a contributory factor. The Tamar estuary and the Solway Firth are currently the only known sites in the UK where allis shad regularly spawn. Environment Agency officers have noticed an increase in the number of allis shad on the Tamar this year. Not only are they more numerous, the fish are larger – in some cases up to 5 lbs.The population is strongly cyclical with boom and bust years. ‘We’ve caught some fine Allis Shad in our fish trap at Gunnislake – many of them above average size. We’ve also identified at least three spawning areas on the Tamar.

2011 will certainly be remembered as a year when this species was present in abundance. It is excellent news because it is evidence of the high water quality and favourable river conditions in the Tamar,’ said Paul Elsmere for the Environment Agency. With its streamlined body and deeply forked tail, the allis shad closely resembles the more common twaite shad. Both species are members of the herring family. Being very bony fish, they are not especially valued for their culinary qualities. The allis shad is referred to by some as the ‘Bony Horseman.’ Outside the breeding season, the fish are mainly found in shallow coastal waters. Around April - June they enter large rivers with strong currents and stony or sandy beds to spawn.

Adults spawn at night with a great deal of noisy splashing Young fish remain in the river or estuary of their birth for up to two years before migrating to sea. A genetic study carried out by the Environment Agency, Bristol University and Marine Biological Association showed that the allis shad in the Tamar have a different genetic make-up to fish using the Solway Firth suggesting they are a distinct population. The allis shad is protected under the EC Habitats Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to intentionally kill them or damage or destroy their spawning grounds. In Europe, the species is targeted by fly fishermen who value its hard-fighting qualities. Singing its praises, one angler on his return from a fishing trip to France, described the allis shad as a ‘turbo-charged kipper.’

The National Anguilla Club is one of the country’s longest running specimen angling clubs being formed back in 1962. Its membership has fluctuated between 10 to 50 members but is now at an all time high with well over 100 senior members. In the early days some eels were killed by the membership so that in-depth studies could be carried out to better understand this mysterious creature. The freshwater eel population is in serious decline, the club has evolved to meet the challenges that face the eels future with the appointment of environmental officers and a hard line approach to eel conservation issues. The eel has declined by 99% since the 1980s and a pan European research Group under the title of Indicang has proven that the situation is now critical. To put this in perspective the European freshwater eel is currently deemed the most at risk vertebrate in the country and is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( ICUN ) Red list. This list contains species at risk and is split into categories depending on the severity of the risk, the eel is currently classed as critically endangered, the next stage is Extinct in the Wild. To combat the challenge’s facing the freshwater eel the National Anguilla Club is launching a new scheme that hopes to highlight how we as anglers and fishery owners can make a difference.

The Eel Friendly Fishery Scheme is open to commercial fisheries, Clubs and Association’s and a fishery can achieve eel friendly status following a successful application. The fishery would have met the criteria required and agreed to enhance the eel’s habitat where possible within the fishery. The NAC can advise the fishery on habitat improvements. These can be as simple as leaving a small area of the lake to remain overgrown and weedy to placing sunken pipes and floating islands in a designated area. The main criteria is the adoption of a code of practice. This code relates to the eel within the fishery environment and is fundamental to the process, the code contains aspects relevant to anglers and fishery owners. Many people have a preconceived view of eels and, like sharks, they suffer from a poor overall image usually attributed to their snakelike appearance and movement. In reality the freshwater eel is a valuable asset to the fishery environment and nearly all lakes, ponds and canals still contain a stock of mature eels.

Many of these resident eels are mature females remaining within a watercourse until the time is right for them to migrate back to the Sargasso Sea. Eels are extremely slow growing and a rule of thumb is that an eel takes 10 years to grow 1lb in weight. So a 5lb specimen eel could be as much as 50 years old. These large female eels are the most sought after by the NAC membership as the male eel rarely exceeds 2lbs and an eel needs to top 4lb to be classed as a specimen. As a fishery owner or angler why should the decline of the eel make any difference to you?

Well, as a keystone species the eel is an integral part of the food chain. Otters have historically fed on a rich diet of eels previously abundant within the country’s river systems. The decline in eels has surely led to the modern otter finding alternative prey in the form of lake fish. Many modern fisheries do not contain predators but are subject to the occasional fish fatality. Eels clean up the dead and dying, thereby helping to prevent disease.

The Club has also begun to discover a connection with crayfish that could be beneficial in the removal of the infamous signal crayfish. Waters with large heads of crayfish seem to be devoid of eels and waters with a good population of eels have few or no crayfish.

Eels are perfectly designed for hunting crayfish and can enter their burrows easily, several members have caught large eels that have regurgitated crayfish. I hope that anglers and fishery owners will see the benefits in conserving the freshwater eel and do something positive by signing up to the Eel Friendly Fishery Scheme.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the eel and the National Anguilla Club can visit the clubs website at: www.nationalanguillaclub.co.uk

To find more about The Eel Friendly Fishery Scheme contact Steve Dawe at: [email protected]

ANGLERS EMBRACE THE BIG SOCIETY! 3rd RIVERFLY CONFERENCE DEMONSTRATES HOW RIVER SCIENTISTS CARVE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR UK RIVERS Lord (Chris) Smith, Environment Agency Chairman, champions rivers Big Society working in partnership with the angling community. Riverfly Partnership’s Anglers’ Monitoring Initiative (AMI) given as prime example The 3rd Riverfly Conference, held on Thursday March 10th at the Natural History Museum, organised by the Riverfly Partnership - a network of 100 partners - and hosted by the Salmon & Trout Association on behalf of the Partners, attracted a “full house” audience drawn from all quarters of UK fishery and aquatic environment interests, in the 200-seater Flett Theatre. The conference, Your Rivers – Their Future, united for the first time citizen scientists (anglers and community groups), regulators, regulated organisations and academic interests on an equal platform.

Pupils from Robert Blake School in Bridgwater enjoyed a fun filled day (28th June) learning fly fishing and Kayaking skills taught by fully licensed coaches as part of a new sporting initiative called FLYYAK 2010. This is a multi partner initiative supported by the Angling Development Board, Angling Trust, Canoe England, South West Lakes Trust and the Environment Agency.The pupils arrived at 9.30am at the beautiful surroundings of the South West lakes trust Wimbleball Trout and Sailing lakes. They were joined by another group of students from Blundell School in Tiverton.
The order of the day was as followed: Once they were all separated into two groups, the first group had an hour’s fly fishing tuition and the other an hour’s kayaking instruction, then the two groups switched over until everyone had learned the basic skills needed to safely power and control the Kayak and of course to successfully cast a fly. Lunch was then the order of the day with freshly caught barbequed trout caught from the venue earlier that morning. Once everyone was refreshed, they were all paired up and given a two person kayak, a fly rod, and a paddle, the pupils then had a amazing afternoon of exploration, paddling and casting about, taking it in turns one to paddle while the other was trying to catch one of the many trout that reside within this huge reservoir.
Unfortunately, no one managed to catch anything on this occasion this was mainly put down to the very sunny and warm conditions that were felt on the day with temperatures soaring to over 23 degrees centigrade. Nevertheless, all the participants involved had an amazing day and have hopefully caught the bug for fishing of kayaking or indeed both: “FLYYAK”ing.
Comments from partners involved:
Dean Sandford from the Angling Development Board (South West) “the day has been an amazing success and I would like to thank the Environment Agency for helping to fund this initial pilot project which will hopefully be the first of many multi partner events within the South West region throughout the rest of the year and beyond”. For further information on angling development please contact Dean on: [email protected]
Andy Davey from Canoe England (South West) said “it is fantastic to see so many young people enjoying the day a float” and went onto say “it’s great to be able to offer schools an innovative project that covers two sports for the price of one, especially within these challenging financial times”. For further paddle sports development information please contact Andy on: [email protected]
John Dawson level 2 game angling coach: “I have really enjoyed teaching these potential new participants to our wonderful sport and I think the two sports really complement each other”.
Contact John on www.johndawson.co.uk
Darryl Birch the South West Lakes Trust Exmoor and Wimbelball Lake manager said “The pupils from both schools have had a brilliant time” he then went on to say that a Flyyak competition will be held for competent game anglers at the upcoming LakesFest 2010 being held at the venue on the 14th to the 18th July as part of the celebrations for the 10 years anniversary of the South West Lakes Trust
and partners on Exmoor, for further information please see: www.swlakestrust.org.uk/10years/lakefest2010