1. Incident response. Herefordshire

Transcription

1 Midlands West Fisheries and Biodiversity report October - December 2013

2 We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve. Published by: Environment Agency Horizon house, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk Environment Agency 2011 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency. Further copies of this report are available from our publications catalogue: or our National Customer Contact Centre: T: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

3 Contents 1. Incident response Projects Managing hydropower development in the Midlands Eel regulations Fish movement consents Monitoring, analysis and reporting Forward look

4 1. Incident response Herefordshire Fisheries and Biodiversity staff have netted a commercial carp fishery in Herefordshire after the owner reported fish mortalities and fish in distress in mid October. Staff used a seine net to capture lethargic Common and Mirror Carp. The fish were sent to the Environment Agency's fish laboratory in Brampton where upon thorough examinations were completed on six diseased Carp. Most showed signs of gill necrosis, excess mucus and haemorrhaging. A suite of water samples were also taken alongside water quality readings. The laboratory provided a detailed report and Fisheries and Biodiversity staff provided management advice to the fishery owner. Lethargic mirror and common carp being examined Worcestershire In early October, staff from Fisheries and Biodiversity, Environmental Monitoring and Environmental Management (EM) investigated a pollution which caused a fish kill on the Battleton Brook in Evesham, Worcestershire. Nearly 2000 dead fish were recorded in 1.5km of the brook, mostly Bullhead, Stoneloach, Stickleback, Minnows and 1 Chub. Fisheries and Biodiversity staff completed a mortality investigation, took water quality readings and found no adverse impact on the River Avon into which the Battleton Brook flows. Live Stickleback and Minnow were also seen. It is expected that the Battleton Brook fish stocks will naturally re-colonise due to the proximity of the River Avon and lack of barriers to fish movement within the watercourse. The pollution is thought to have been discharged from a nearby industrial estate and investigations are ongoing. Some businesses have improved or altered their site drainage as a result of site visits by EM staff. Water quality readings being taken Dead Chub

5 2. Projects Herefordshire River Teme salmon redd counting In November Fisheries staff walked the banks of the River Teme from Knighton to Leintwardine to count and record redds. Parts of this stretch of river had naturally dried up in the summer. The salmon run was thought to be at least three weeks late this year, no hard frosts were experienced before Christmas and the milder weather led to higher water temperatures than would be expected at this time of year. Brown trout usually spawn about a week to ten days before salmon in the Teme but no redds were seen, probably also due to the high water temperatures. Salmon, some covered in fungus, were seen at many weirs along the Teme as well as passing through the fish counter at Ashford Carbonell. Dead kelts were found along various stretches of the Teme in mid November which would indicate that some fish did spawn successfully earlier than usual. The majority of the salmon are thought to have spawned in the second week in December but high water is likely to have a detrimental impact on redds leading to poor recruitment. High, turbid rivers curtailed redd counting in December. Several stretches which have previously had redds, particularly Lingen Bridge to Brampton Bryan, had suitable substrate and flows but produced no redds. As did the stretch upstream of Leintwardine which always has plenty of redds. At Brampton Bryan the river has naturally braided and the new channels contain unsuitable spawning substrate. Fish pass designs are currently being developed for Lingen Bridge enabling salmon to spawn higher up the catchment with more ease. Crifton Forge Bridge to Brampton Bryan is the major spawning area for salmon and trout, there are usually one hundred plus salmon redds a year. Some redds are usually found upstream of Knighton every year. Lingen Bridge, River Teme looking downstream. Salmon leaping Day House weir, River Lugg. River Lugg salmon jumping Baffles were installed on Day House weir on the River Lugg in August this year by the Wye and Usk Foundation to aid fish passage. During a period of high flows in early November, Fisheries staff witnessed at least fifty salmon, mainly 5-7lb grilse but with fish of 18-19lbs also present, attempting to jump the weir over two days. These sightings supplement a comprehensive redd count made by a local farmer who reported 143 redds in the River Arrow from Mahollam Bridge near Hergest to Ivington in early December.

6 Gloucestershire River Swilgate river restoration scheme Plans are being developed to provide habitat improvement works on the River Swilgate at Tredington. Works will include bank re-profiling, tree planting, livestock fencing to prevent siltation of gravels and creating a fish fry refuge. Landowners are fully supportive of the works which will commence once the river levels recede in January. Brown trout are found in the lower part of the catchment and these works will help to provide cleaner gravel for spawning. River Chelt river restoration scheme A river restoration scheme on the River Chelt, at Uckington is being developed and will include the modification of a weir, a barrier to fish, the third one we have modified/ removed on this river. Together with the Gloucestershire Wildlife trust, other fisheries habitat improvements will be carried out such as erection of stock proof fencing, alternative stock drinking facilities to prevent siltation of gravels and pollution, tree planting to secure river banks and the installation of woody debris groynes to deflect and vary the flow. This work will be funded by the by the Environment Agency (EA) as part of the Magnificent Severn Gloucestershire scheme. River Chelt fish passage R Chelt St Peter's weir on the River Chelt is an EA owned asset and currently a barrier to brown trout, course fish and eels. Fisheries and Biodiversity (F&B) staff visited the weir to take measurements for fish pass designs and witnessed firsthand a trout charge at the weir face only to be washed downstream by the flow. Plans have been developed to install recycled plastic baffles and a row of eel tiles on to the weir face. This work has been consented and will begin once the river levels drop and become safe enough to work in. The fish passage work will allow brown trout and course fish to migrate upstream to utilise a further 1.3km of habitat and for eels and elvers, a further 2.5km of habitat. This work will be funded by the by the Environment Agency as part of the Gloucestershire Green Urban Rivers Project. St Peter's weir Plan of baffles and eel tiles to be installed on St Peter's weir

7 River Chelt elver pass maintenance Maintenance work has been undertaken by the Field Services Team on some of the elver passes on the River Chelt in Cheltenham. Fisheries and Biodiversity staff noticed the blockages whilst undertaking routine inspections of the structures. The guttering contains bristles which can get blocked by leaves and other debris. Both these structures allow eels and elvers to migrate upstream to utilise a further 1.2km of habitat. Lower and upper elver passes on the River Chelt at Honeybourne Way in Cheltenham Sustainable Eel Group and Severn elvers presentation In mid December Andrew Kerr, the chairman of the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) and Fisheries staff gave a presentation to twenty-five members of a local farmers club, the Gloucester Reseeders Group on the work of SEG and the plight of the eel in the Severn estuary. The farmers took great interest in learning about the life history and habitat requirements of eels and elvers as well as understanding about the European perspective of the high mortality rates in hydropower schemes and using screening as conservation methods. Fisheries staff followed with a more local focus explaining about elver catch figures, the decline of the Severn elver fishery and how landowners can help encourage populations to increase. Landowners were encouraged to allow eel passage on any structures they own, reconnect backwaters and consider allowing modifications to tidal defences to allow eels passage into tide locked watercourses. Worcestershire Hoo Brook fry refuge project The Hoo Brook flows through Spennells Nature Reserve in the south east of Kidderminster. The Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and the public living in the area. This project has extended the nature reserve by constructing a series of online pools and associated wetland, on a parcel of adjacent amenity land and significantly improved habitat for all flora and fauna inhabiting the local area. The overall ambition of the project is to improve the fish populations in the Hoo Brook and the River Stour. The project will deliver a fish refuge in an area of currently degraded wetland which will provide suitable spawning and fry habitat on the Hoo brook, a tributary of the River Stour. The site is 1.3km from the confluence with the River Stour and therefore would be a significant tributary fry refuge in the catchment. Historically the River Stour has been straightened and dredged for flood defence purposes leading to a loss of lateral connectivity with the riparian zone and the floodplain. Opportunities to create fry refuges on the main channel are limited due to the urbanised nature of the catchment. Consequently there is a paucity of backwater fry refuges in the catchment which may be contributing to the deterioration of the fish population in the Stour. The provision of a fry refuge in close proximity to the Stour will augment recruitment and facilitate the recovery of fish assemblages. Furthermore, it is hoped that there may be an increase in the economic value of the local fishery and may result in gains in

8 local angling club membership. In addition to the fry refuge, two shallow scrapes will be created in the wetland to act as a sink for surface water runoff, to improve the wetted area and provide suitable habitat for native species. Since the site is in a local nature reserve on the edge of urban development the project will include a dipping platform and seating to introduce an educational element for the local community. This project is in partnership with the Wyre Forest District Council who offered the land and a volunteer workforce to help with planting of marginal aquatic plants. Landscaping, re-seeding and planting will occur once the site dries out after the recent heavy and prolonged rainfall which has prevented the site being accessed safely. Fry refuge shallow scrapes Fry refuge Bishampton pool invasive plant species removal Creeping Water Primrose aka Ludwigia is an invasive non-native plant from South America. It has become a serious nuisance in other European countries, where it smothers the water by forming a dense mat of vegetation over wetlands and water surfaces. This reduces the number of native species and potentially increases the risk of flooding (by aiding silt accumulation). It was introduced as an ornamental and water garden plant, which has escaped into the countryside and found its way into lakes, canals, rivers and streams, hampering navigation and angling. Creeping Water Primrose primarily spreads through plant fragmentation but also by seed dispersal. In the winter, it dies off reducing oxygen levels and can cause fish mortalities. This is a priority species for the Environment Agency to tackle. The goal in 2013 is to treat or physically remove every stem of creeping water primrose growing in the wild. Removal at Bishampton has been undertaken by Environment Agency staff by manually removing each stem. Ludwigia removal at a Bishampton pool

9 Carrant Brook river restoration scheme A river restoration scheme on the Worcestershire/ Gloucestershire border on the Carrant Brook, at Aston - on - Carrant, has been undertaken by Fisheries and Biodiversity staff. Fisheries habitat improvements have been carried out and work includes erection of stock proof fencing to prevent siltation of gravels and pollution, willow pollarding to prevent over-shading and the installation of woody debris groynes to deflect and vary the flow. This work is funded by the Environment Agency and Defra as part of the Carrant Catchment project. The Carrant Brook contains good populations of trout, course fish and eels in the lower reaches near the confluence with the River Avon. This work will improve habitats in the middle and upper reaches making the Carrant Brook an important fish refuge. Whippets Brook habitat damage In October Fisheries and Biodiversity staff visited a site on the Whippets Brook in Great Malvern. The landowner had (without prior consent) excavated the brook by widening it then increased the size of the bank nearest to his property which then reduced the size of the channel considerably (from 4ft wide to 1.5ft wide). The Whippets Brook is a tributary of the Carey's Brook which is an important tributary of the River Severn. Before the excavation work this section of the Whippets Brook contained one of the last remaining populations of native white clawed crayfish in Worcestershire as well as a good population of juvenile brown trout and eels. As a consequence of this work the gravel substrate was completely smothered in silt for several hundred metres, severely limiting the amount of available spawning substrate for brown trout and space for minor species to inhabit. Live crayfish and stoneloach were found upstream and considerably further downstream of the excavation site. The Environment Agency has notified the landowner of the damage caused under the Environmental Damage Regulations and asked for the brook to be re-instated. It is expected that the site will naturally recover in due course once invertebrates re-colonise followed by fish populations. Damaged habitat on Whippets brook Silt smothered substrate Shropshire River Onny, Clun and Redlake redd counting In November Fisheries staff walked the banks of the River Onny from Stokesay to Onibury to count and record redds. The River Onny is one of the most important tributaries of the River Teme due to the amount of suitable spawning area for fish. The Onny has large populations of salmon as well as considerable populations of brown trout and some grayling. Historically this section of the Onny has always had high numbers of salmon redds, around sixty to seventy, each year. The fish pass at Stokesay allows fish to migrate upstream to utilise suitable habitat towards Craven Arms. This year Fisheries staff recorded ten redds and were lucky enough to see a newly cut redd being guarded by a fungus covered cock and two hen fish. Six dead kelts were seen in the Onny indicating that some fish did spawn successfully earlier than usual this year despite the warmer water

10 temperatures. Subsequent high water is likely to have a detrimental impact on redds leading to poor recruitment. High, turbid rivers curtailed redd counting of other stretches of the Onny in December. Redd on the River Onny at Stokesay weir and a salmon kelt found in the River Onny Various stretches of the River Clun were walked to record and count redds, they included sections at Clun, Clunton and Puslow. One redd was found in the village of Clun suggesting some fish did spawn successfully earlier than usual this year despite the warmer water temperatures. Subsequent high water is likely to have a detrimental impact on redds leading to poor recruitment. The Clun is designated as a Special Area of Conservation due to the presence of the freshwater pearl mussel in several isolated populations. As part of the River Clun Pearl Mussel Rescue Project stock proof fencing, tree planting and erosion prevention measures have been undertaken this year. These habitat improvement works will lessen the amount of sediment entering the Clun ensuring cleaner gravel and increased bank stability. This will undoubtedly benefit the large populations of salmon, trout and grayling present in the Clun as more spawning habitat will be available. Hopefully this will encourage more redds to be cut in the future. Redd on the River Clun at Clun Bridge. Habitat improvements on the River Clun at Purslow Various stretches of the River Redlake (a tributary of the Clun) were walked to look for redds. The Redlake supports high numbers of brown trout and small numbers of salmon and grayling. Sadly, no redds were seen.

11 Discussions with locals revealed they had seen fewer salmon than usual this year at Bucknell. The reason for this could be attributed to stretches of the river completely drying up for three to six weeks during the summer. River Clun weir removal In December Whitcott Keysett weir on the River Clun was removed completely. The weir was the most significant remaining barrier to fish on the River Clun. Whitcott Keysett weir had a height approximately 1.5 to 1.8 metres with a 2.5 metre apron and was considered to be impassable in summer for any fish species and even doubtful in winter for salmon. The Clun is home to the endangered freshwater pearl mussel which utilises juvenile salmon and trout as hosts for part of its life cycle hence the requirement of a healthy salmonid population. The weir removal opens up habitat that was difficult for fish to access, and has provided hundreds of metres of juvenile and spawning habitat upstream in areas that were previously impounded. An additional benefit has been the reconnection of sediment movement in the river and spawning areas downstream are expected to benefit from the addition of gravel that had been trapped above the weir. These habitat improvements would not have occurred if a fish pass had simply been installed. By removing the weir multiple benefits have been achieved, principally fish passage for salmon, trout, lamprey and minor species. The work was undertaken by the Severn Rivers Trust and was funded by the Environment Agency s River Clun Pearl Mussel Rescue Project. During the works water quality in the river was monitored by the use of sondes which continually measured turbidity. No peaks in sediment loading were detected and the work has been declared a success for the river and the species that live there. Whitcott Keysett weir on the River Clun River Clun after weir removal Shrewsbury weir salmon jumping In November Fisheries and Monitoring staff recorded the number of salmon jumping over Shrewsbury weir. This was to see whether higher numbers of fish were jumping rather than using the fish pass. The results were inconclusive as the weir was drowned out due to high flows after several days of monitoring. At least one fish per day was seen jumping, suggesting fish were using the fish pass.

12 River Severn at Shrewsbury weir River Perry River Restoration Scheme In December a habitat improvement project on the River Perry between Wykey and Ruyton -XI-Towns was completed. The scheme restored a section of the channel that had been over deepened (bedrock removed) and dredged in the 1960s for flood defence purposes. New riffles and gravel shoals were created, enabling fish to utilise better quality habitat than they were previously able to. The Perry was narrowed with soil and stone chippings to create a vegetated ledge and large erratically placed boulders were added to the channel to increase river velocity in slow uniformly deep sections. Pre planted coir roll edging was used to provide rich, mixed aquatic plants on the bank-side fringe to provide habitat for aquatic insects and protect banks from erosion. These erosion prevention measures have been undertaken to lessen the amount of sediment entering the Perry ensuring cleaner gravel and increased bank stability. This will benefit the large populations of brown trout which are present as well as the smaller populations of salmon and grayling. More spawning habitat will be available. Other fish species such as gudgeon, eels, chub and pike, which have been recorded in the vicinity during recent fish surveys, will also benefit. The work was undertaken by Shropshire Wildlife trust and funded by the Environment Agency as part of the Magnificent Severn Shropshire scheme. River Perry habitat improvement work Angling Club advisory visits In mid December Fisheries staff met with Rowley and District Angling Society who have a 2.5 mile stretch of the River Severn at Coalport, in the famous Coalport Gorge. The clubs committee contacted the EA to request a site visit to walk the lower part of the club s waters with Fisheries staff. The club had various ideas for possible improvements for their waters and comments on how the fishery had been performing over recent years. Fisheries staff provided advice on the day and then followed this up with a formal written report addressing each of the club s points in detail, which will then be fed back to its membership. This is part of our

13 service to support our local angling clubs and rod licence holders. From February onwards more advisory visits are scheduled with nine other clubs who fish the River Severn. Fisheries staff discussing the fishery at Coalport with Rowley and District Angling Society River Teme Dinham weir fish pass In November work on a multi species fish pass (for salmonids, coarse fish and eels) on the River Teme at Dinham weir, Ludlow was completed just in time for the salmon run. The project was funded and constructed by the Severn Rivers Trust in partnership with the EA who provided technical advice and designs. Fewer salmon have been seen attempting to the jump the weir indicating the pass is being used successfully. Future monitoring is planned using cameras and live links. Underwater cameras will be located on both sides with the footage being relayed back to the Mill on the Green on the left bank for the public to view. Dinham weir multi species fish pass

14 3. Managing hydropower in the Midlands Hydropower Applications and Developments Update In the last quarter there has been a slowdown in the number of applications received and processed. We experienced a small surge with applicants attempting to submit before deadlines set for the enhanced feed in tariff payments. There are still a number of applications that appear to have lengthy and complicated pre application consultation periods and one permit that has gone to appeal in Central area. The workload for all officers involved in hydropower permit applications, especially those in the fisheries and biodiversity function has now shifted to compliance and commissioning assessments. Example of a failing screen system on a tailrace to a Kaplin turbine. As a result of a compliance visit at the Kaplin turbine site the owners of the abstraction permit were issued with a letter of compliance failure and ordered to shut down the turbines until the issue was suitably resolved. The new guidance for run-of-river hydropower development has been agreed and published. There are some technical deviations from previous guidance especially with regard to flow splits and geomorphology. During November and early December two national training workshops were run to introduce the guidance and provide clarification on some of the newer aspects for permit application. The Midlands Hydropower Team (MHT) will be running further workshops over the next few months. The new guidance will be live from the first of January 2014 and will be applied to all new pre applications from that point. Any pre application that was received and commented on before January will follow previous guidance. The official live date for the new guidance is the 1st April Therefore those applications that have already received pre app advice must submit a formal application by this date to be considered under the old guidance, otherwise they be required to apply following the new guidance. Those applicants that this applies will be notified by the national permitting service.

15 4. Eel regulations Fish and eel passage projects In the summer a project bid was submitted to construct a pre-barrage fish pass and pumped up and over eel pass at the EA owned gauging weir on the River Cam at Cambridge, Gloucestershire. The River Cam supports significant populations of roach and smaller populations of brown trout, chub, perch, gudgeon and eels. It is a diverse fishery as it feeds directly into the Gloucester Sharpness Canal. The lower section of the Cam is deeper and slow flowing stretch encourages a diverse mix of canal dwelling species to easily utilise the Cam. Disabled angling platforms are present on this EA owned free fishery. This project will enable brown trout and coarse fish species to migrate further upstream as the pre barrage will slightly raise water depths on the concrete apron immediately downstream of the weir to increase swimming depths for fish passing the weir. Work began on site in late December and is due to be finished in March At Besford gauging weir on the Bow Brook in Worcestershire, modifications are being made to the EA owned gauging weir and rock rip-rap will be used to fill in a scour hole in the river bed in order to reduce the risk of erosion. The works also include the installation of a pumped 'up and over' eel pass at the site. The pass will comprise of a covered trough lined with bristles, down which a small flow of water is trickled (approximately 0.25 to 0.5 litres per second). The eel pass will bypass the gauging weir on the right bank and, as well as the trough, a very small pump chamber and sump will be constructed. At this site it is not feasible to bury the eel pass in the river banks due to the engineered nature of the channel. The eel pass will be raised above the wing walls to reduce its impact on channel conveyance and reduce the risk of debris snagging on the pass. The Bow Brook has a large catchment and is an important tributary of the lower River Avon; this work will help eels and elvers to migrate further upstream. Work is due to start in February as soon as the water levels recede after the winter flooding. Cambridge gauging weir on the River Cam Besford gauging weir on the Bow Brook The EA owned Perry Farm gauging weir on the River Perry in Shropshire is to be modified to allow fish and eel passage. It is proposed to cut a notch out of the centre of the weir, approximately down to the level of the concrete apron. Eel tiles will be fixed to the bed of the notch to increase the roughness of the river bed and facilitate fish passage. Downstream of the weir an in-river pre-barrage will be constructed from large rocks. This will slightly increase water depths on the concrete apron immediately downstream of the weir to increase swimming depths for fish passing the weir. This work will allow the small populations of brown trout present in the Perry to migrate higher up the catchment to spawn and improve the amount of habitat available for eels, resulting in higher populations throughout the catchment. Work is due to start in March At Chalford gauging weir on the River Frome in Gloucestershire fish passage works will comprise the insetting of studded eel tiles into the upstream and downstream faces of the EA owned weir. This will reduce flow velocities on the weir face and will assist fish passage. The tiles will be installed so that the tops of the studs

16 are flush with the current weir profile. The weir toe will be extended to provide a sloping ramp to further assist fish passage. The Frome supports large numbers of juvenile and young brown trout but limited eel populations due to multiple historic weirs and sluices throughout the lower catchment, this work will help eels and elvers to migrate further upstream. Work is due to start in February 2014 once the water levels recede after the winter flooding. Perry Farm gauging weir on the River Perry Chalford gauging weir on the River Frome At Harford Hill gauging weir on the River Salwarpe in Worcestershire, a pumped up and over eel pass is due to be installed. The pass will comprise of a covered trough lined with bristles, down which a small flow of water is trickled (approximately 0.25 to 0.5 litres per second). The eel pass will bypass the EA owned gauging weir on the right bank and, as well as the trough, a very small pump chamber and sump will be constructed. At this site it is not feasible to bury the eel pass in the river banks due to the engineered nature of the channel. The eel pass will be raised above the wing walls to reduce its impact on channel conveyance and reduce the risk of debris snagging on the pass. The weir toe will be extended by placing a small quantity of rock armour in the downstream channel. This will improve flow conditions for fish wishing to swim up the weir face. The Salwarpe contains populations of brown trout, chub, dace, eels, gudgeon and roach and this work will aid their distribution within the catchment. Work is due to start in March Harford Hill weir gauging weir on the River Perry Severn estuary flap gate modifications The EA operates and maintains many flood defence structures such as pumping stations and tidal flap gates in our work to manage flood risk in England. In response to the sharp decline in the European eel over the last 30 years the EA has identified in river structures that obstruct the migration of eels along a watercourse. Work will be undertaken to adapt the structures to enable the passage of eels. We want to maintain our important

17 flood risk management structures and improve the ecological value of watercourses. To do this we have produced a prioritised programme of eel passage work for the flood risk management assets we maintain. The prioritisation considers the position of the obstruction on the watercourse and potential for eel migration. For example the obstructions on the lower reaches should generally be tackled first. At sites where other work is required to improve or upgrade the asset, eel passage solutions will be implemented. Since April 2013 eight locations have been assessed and options identified to enable fish passage past the obstructions. The programme of work is still being refined and is dependent on budget availability, but is likely to commence in March 2013 at the River Chelt, Hatherley Brook and Horsbere Brook outfalls. The project will involve minor modifications to the existing structures and tidal flap gates to install equipment which increases the opportunity for fish passage past the structure. The requirement to strike a balance between the needs of the public, the landowners and the wider environment is paramount. The solutions will be monitored and adjusted to ensure they provide the expected outcomes for fish passage. Hatherley Brook outfall showing proposed modifications 5. Fish movement consents The Environment Agency regulates fish movements to prevent the spread of damaging non-native fish species and diseases, and to avoid the consequences of inappropriate stocking. Transferring fish to, from and between waters is a vital fishery management tool. National Fisheries Services staff at Brampton are responsible for the receipt and administration of applications, maintenance of databases and fish health checks. The processing of applications from the public to introduce fish under Section 30, of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA), Import of Live Fish Act & Wildlife and Countryside Act, and/or to remove fish under Section 5 of SAFFA and Byelaws is dealt with by F&B staff, who often phone or visit the applicant to provide advice. Each consent is processed, and the applicant informed, within fourteen days, if Natural England need to be consulted due to a protected site designation, the time to respond is twenty eight days. The figures are provided below. Section 30 (Fish Stocking) Section 28 (Fish Removals) Consented Refused 0 1 Withdrawn 0 2

18 6. Monitoring, analysis and reporting In October the Analysis and Reporting Team undertook electric-fishing surveys on the River Swilgate in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. These surveys were investigations to ascertain fish species present at Prior s Park and above Vineyards weir. A stretch of the river at Prior s Park has been identified for a habitat improvement scheme. The results of the surveys found a large number of adult eels, a small population of adult roach and plenty of minor species such as stoneloach, bullhead and stickleback. It is hoped that fish populations will benefit from more in-channel flow diversity and bank re-profiling works which are planned for At present fish can only migrate above the weir at high tides as the river level is influenced by the tidal River Severn which in turn affects the River Avon (of which the River Swilgate is a tributary). Brown trout were not found in the 2013 survey above the weir but have been found there previously in low numbers. The lower part of the River Swilgate is diverse mixed fishery; a 2012 survey revealed it supported bleak, chub, dace, eels, elvers, gudgeon, perch, pike, roach, ruffe, flounder and tench downstream of the weir. This species list highlights how vitally important this tributary is as a fish refuge even with a brackish influence. A fish passage scheme is planned for the weir in 2014 and in conjunction with the habitat improvement works hopes to enable a greater variety of species to populate the catchment, particularly brown trout and elvers. Staff electric-fishing in the River Swilgate Perch caught in the River Swilgate Elver caught in the River Swilgate Large eels caught in the River Swilgate

19 In late October Analysis and Reporting staff undertook fish surveys on the River Severn estuary. At Sedbury staff used a seine net and caught a thin lipped mullet and a juvenile shad in the first sweep of the net. This is a great result and proves that shad are still utilising the wide variety of habitat available in the estuary. Previous surveys at this site have produced dover sole, bass, eels and elvers. Seine netting survey on the estuary at Sedbury. Thin lipped mullet caught in the seine net at Sedbury Fyke netting on the estuary Large eel being measured There are three fyke net survey sites on the Severn estuary, at lower Rea, Hempsted and Waterend Farm (upstream of Longney). At each site two sets of double ended fyke nets were deployed. All three sites were surveyed in October and produced some good results. Eels were found in all the fyke nets, the largest was 515mm long caught at Waterend Farm. Other species caught include flounder, thin-lipped mullet, perch, roach, silver bream and zander. River Tanat fish pass counter Analysis and Reporting staff have been recording video images of the salmon being counted by our resistivity fish counter at the Carreghofa weir fish pass on the River Tanat. The counter at Carreghofa is a resistivity counter and measures the changes in conductivity caused by an object passing through the counter. This can be calibrated to recognise salmon passing through. In order to check the validity of our data from the resistivity fish counter, the Analysis and Reporting team have installed a video camera above the fish counter. To enable a clear image to be seen staff have carefully cleaned the white base of the counter. This has allowed us to have recorded some great images of the salmon swimming upstream through the pass to reach their spawning grounds throughout November and into December. Staff have laboriously cross referenced images of salmon passing through the counter with counts recorded by the counter. This gives us much greater confidence in the

20 data we use to report on our salmon numbers. The data will hopefully be analysed and available in the next quarterly report. River Tanat fish pass at Carreghofa A Salmon swimming through Carreghofa fish pass 7. Forward look The Magnificent Severn partnership continues to deliver an increasing and diverse portfolio of work. Its primary aim is to address Water Framework Directive (WFD) issues. In 2013 an Environment Agency contribution of 550k secured match funding from third sector partners of 269k for on the ground delivery. The partnership has expanded its ambition in 2013 and has submitted a 2million LIFE+ bid to Europe which is designed to tackle diffuse rural pollution across the catchment to help address WFD issues. It has also increased the number of partners involved in the partnership to address the myriad of issues and opportunities within the Severn catchment. We are also working on submitting a 6million LIFE Nature bid in 2014 which will benefit Shad and the Severn Estuary SAC. Significant on the ground delivery has been completed in 2013 which: Tackles diffuse rural pollution. Improves river corridor and flood plain habitats. Gains community and landowner support. Supports livestock farmers in developing clean water supplies for livestock and wildlife and Reduces the damaging impacts of barriers on fish migration. Background A fast moving and responsive partnership developed initially in response to the Governments allocation of funding, in summer 2011, to implement programmes of work required to resolve the many problems causing WFD failures in the Severn rivers basin district. The Environment Agency co-ordinated the Magnificent Severn Partnership with Shropshire (SWT), Worcestershire (WWT) and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) along with Severn Rivers Trust (SRT), to deliver a programme of actions primarily designed to address environmental damage caused by diffuse rural pollution and degraded riverine habitat. In 2013 Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT) became actively involved in the partnership which now covers the whole Severn catchment. The Canal and River Trust (CRT) are also involved on a specific issue around barriers to fish migration. Private sector partners include Severn Trent Water (STW) and Ricoh.

21 EA /Defra funds have been secured for the partnership and following Project Appraisal Board (PAB) approval we have drawn up partnership agreements with three Wildlife Trusts and The Severn Rivers Trust who have provided significant match funding. The Trusts are the lead partners in implementing programmes of work identified from EA WFD investigations and the production of activity plans by partners. This approach is proving to be a successful example of the Governments drive to use the third sector. The EA has also undertaken some stand alone projects with the secured funding. Staff from, Fisheries, Biodiversity and the Land and Water teams are heavily involved in this work. The overall partnership is now given direction by a recently formed Executive group of five senior officers from SWT, EA, SRT, NRW and STW. Each county based partnership is managed by a small steering group and detailed input is provided by technical officers from each of the partners. Magnificent Severn: Target outcomes for 2013: Reduce the damaging impacts of rural diffuse pollution. Improve river, river corridor and flood plain habitats. Gain community and landowner support. Support livestock farmers in developing clean water supplies for livestock and wildlife. Reduce the damaging impacts of barriers on fish migration Baby salmon as an example of a species Fencing erected to prevent bank side poaching / damaged by rural diffuse pollution / siltation siltation Magnificent Severn: Outcomes in 2013: 2450m of river restoration (bank re profiling, riffle creation, LWD, spawning gravels). Creation of x5 rural SUDS. Creation of x5 fish refuges. Dialogue entered into with over 150 landowners. Co-ordination of the Perry Catchment Group. Community events organised x12. Numerous farm events including methaldyhyde / farmed environment / soil health events. Installation of x9 livestock drinks and x2 mains water supplies. Completion of x5 university thesis plus x3 other works by students. Improved maintenance standards undertaken by IDB over 2km of Weir brook. Installation of 7605m of livestock fencing to prevent bank side poaching. X8 feasibilities for fish passage projects. Detailed designs completed for x6 fish passes plus x1fish refuges and x1brook restoration. Landowners signed up to HLS agreements x2. Erection of numerous bird and bat boxes. Control of 3.5 km Himalayan Balsam, 5km of Giant Hogweed plus an additional 7km of surveying. Protected species surveys completed and the establishment of a wildlife group within Shropshire Paddle Sports.

22 We are currently developing a Communications strategy but have publicised our works through local and national radio, including radio 4 and local papers and to Wildlife Trust members. 510 trees planted. New livestock and machine access crossings x2. Re pollarding of old bank side willows x12. Further development and additional value of the Partnership in 2013: Because of the strength of the partnership the third sector partners made a successful submission to DEFRA to manage six Catchment Host Partnerships within the Severn basin. Within these catchments they are now a) Leading the partnership within these catchments b) Inspiring the partners c) Coordinating agreed actions and d) Exploring funding opportunities. An application was made by the partnership for a 2million LIFE+ Information and Communications fund in June The project aims to tackle diffuse rural pollution in eight sub catchments across the Severn basin, two sub catchments in each of the counties through which the Severn flows, notably, Montgomeryshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. We are awaiting a request for points of clarification from LIFE+ in late December The partnership is also working on a 6million LIFE Nature submission to address issues caused by barriers to migration and their impacts on Twaite Shad, an Annexe 2 Habitats Directive species and the adverse impact these barriers are having on the Severn Estuary SAC. The Canal and River Trust have joined the partnership to tackle this specific issue. A project proposal has been submitted to the Shropshire and Marches Local Enterprise Partnership promoting the economic benefits of a Fish the Magnificent Severn Fishery programme of work.

23 UNCLASSIFIED