The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2. BACKGROUND ...... 2 3. CURRENT ACTIVITIES...... 5 4. ASSESSMENT OF STOCK PERFORMANCE ...... 8 5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION...... 9 6. ACTION PLAN SUMMARY TABLE ...... 14 7. MANAGEMENT OF THE ACTION PLAN ...... 17 8. REFERENCES ...... 17

i The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

1. INTRODUCTION

The National Salmon Strategy, launched by the National Rivers Authority in February 1996 and inherited by the Environment Agency (NRA, 1996) sets out four objectives for the management of salmon fisheries in England and :

1) Optimise the number of salmon returning to home water fisheries. 2) Maintain and improve fitness and diversity of salmon stocks. 3) Optimise the total economic value of surplus stocks. 4) Ensure beneficiaries meet necessary costs.

These objectives are designed to preserve fish stocks for the future whilst protecting sustainable exploitation and recognising the economic value of the fisheries.

A basic principle of the Strategy is that it will be delivered locally following consultation with local interest groups. Consequently, Salmon Action Plans (SAPs) will be produced for each of the “principal salmon rivers” in England and Wales by the year 2002. On the Tawe this process started during 2001 with the production of the Tawe SAP Consultation Document. The Tawe SAP Consultation Document:

• Set a spawning target for the river • Identified the factors affecting the salmon population. • Suggested methods of addressing these limiting factors and • Invited feedback from local stakeholders and interest groups

The SAP itself sets out clearly what is required to be done in the next five years or so, how it is to be achieved, who is to be involved, when it will be delivered and how much it will cost. An important element of this Action Plan is that it reflects the feedback received during consultation. Moreover, the SAP will be the means of monitoring progress and reviewing the approaches of salmon management on the Tawe.

2. BACKGROUND

The Atlantic salmon has been declining throughout its range and this is believed to be largely due to cyclical factors impacting on fish during their time at sea. There is little that can be done to directly influence these factors. However, it is possible to address some of the problems facing salmon during the freshwater phase of their lifecycle. It is these latter elements that the SAP concentrates upon, with actions falling into three main categories:

• Measures to increase the number of spawners by reducing legal and illegal exploitation (e.g. Byelaws) • Measures to improve environmental factors (water quality issues and sustainable land use) • Measures to improve salmon production (in stream habitat improvements and accessibility).

The Tawe is a river that is recovering from an industrial heritage of heavy pollution. The improving nature of the fishery reflects this, and the river now supports a locally important salmon and sea trout (sewin) rod fishery. Sea trout are the predominant salmonid in the catchment, though a reasonable number of salmon are also present. The 2001 reported salmon rod catch of 113 from the Tawe ranked 10th out of 33 salmon rivers in Wales, and 29th out of 76 salmon rivers in England and Wales, whilst the reported sea trout catch of 373 ranked 15th out of 40 sea trout rivers in Wales and 31st out of 105 sea trout rivers in England and Wales. A map of the catchment is shown in Figure 1.

2 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

Figure 1. Tawe catchment map.

h rc w T i fon n A n s y y w y w T G t n t a n H N a a f N fr d e

l d s

e e f i re n f G By y nt l a l N

t

n a 6 N Pen-y-Cae Falls h rc w T n L fo ech A Ystalyfera Ystradgynlais5 Capitol4 Falls l u e d g d U E m L p " o p w w e C r e Panteg Weir r C l C y d l e y a w d c a a h T c r h e iv R 3 Pontardawe Lower Clydach Falls 2 1 Clydach

Beaufort Weir d endro t-y-F Nan

Swansea ! Barrage Impassable barrier (natural) Impassable barrier (man made) Partial barrier (natural) Partial barrier (man made) ! Fish pass Centres of population

Rod catch data are only available for the from 1976 onwards. During this time, the declared salmon rod catch has shown considerable annual fluctuation, though the overall trend has been upward. The five year annual catch has increased from 14.5 (1976-1980) to 81 (1997- 2001). Within the past decade, the highest recorded annual catch was 189 salmon in 1994.

3 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

Figure 2. Tawe declared salmon rod catch (1976 to 2001).

200 180 160 Rod catch 140 5 year mean 120 100 80

No. of Salmon 60 40 20 0 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Year

Sea trout constitute a considerably larger proportion of the reported annual rod catch than salmon. Reported sea trout catches were relatively high in the 1980s, but declined in the 1990s (Figure 3). The proportion of sea trout in the total annual rod catch has also fallen during this time. This indicates that factors affecting sea trout may not be influencing salmon, or if they are then not to the same extent.

As well as the general decline in sea trout catches there has also been a noticeable fall in the numbers of large, multiple spawning fish returning to the Tawe. Data from Panteg trap have shown the proportion of fish returning to spawn three or more times to have fallen since the Swansea barrage impoundment (Mee et al, 1996; Scranney & McMellin, 1998; Wilson, 1999).

The observed variations in catches are dependent on a range of extrinsic factors, such as river flow and fishing effort, but may also reflect cyclical variation in stock performance. The increase of catches from the 1970s to 1980s may reflect an increase in fishing effort and improvement in techniques, whilst fluctuations of catches in the late 1980s and 1990s are likely to have been influenced by successive periods of low flows which occurred during the period.

Figure 3. Reported Sea Trout rod catches, 1976 to 2001. 1200

1000 Rod catch 5 year mean 800

600

400 No of sea trout sea of No

200

0 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Year

4 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

3. CURRENT ACTIVITIES

A considerable amount of work has already been carried out to protect and improve salmon stocks within the Tawe catchment. The work carried out in recent years includes the following:

• Swansea Barrage. As part of their redevelopment plans for the lower , the City and County of Swansea (CCS) initiated the development of an amenity barrage across the mouth of the River Tawe. In order to facilitate the passage of migratory salmonids, a ‘Pool and Traverse’ fish pass was incorporated into the barrage design. Construction commenced in 1990, and the estuary was fully impounded in 1992. The National Rivers Authority (now Environment Agency Wales) was able to undertake a limited preliminary fish tracking survey prior to impoundment, and further studies post impoundment were made possible with partial funding from CCS. A study of smolt migration past the barrage was also completed by MAFF, with assistance from the Environment Agency.

Early radio-tracking studies demonstrated the fish pass to be ineffective in assisting the upstream migration of returning adults. The majority of fish entering the river were found to do so during periods of tidal ‘overtopping’. The poor performance of the pass was thought to be due to a number of factors, particularly the turbulent flow conditions within the pass. The Environment Agency requested that improvements be made to the pass, and these were completed in 2000. CCS and Swansea University are currently co-funding a 3 year study to assess the effectiveness of these improvements. This is due to report in 2003.

In addition, salmonid stocks have been monitored by the Environment Agency through several methods: by trapping returning adult fish at Panteg weir and monitoring catches through an angler logbook scheme and statutory catch returns. A mark recapture study was also undertaken by the Environment Agency during the summer of 2001, with the aim of providing an estimate of the efficiency of sea trout and salmon at negotiating the fish pass. Unfortunately, a number of difficulties were encountered in capturing fish for tagging, and it proved impossible to tag sufficient fish to complete the project.

The construction of the Tawe Barrage also lead to a deterioration of water quality within the impoundment (Rogers & Bryson, 1994). Only 75% of tides overtop the structure, resulting in periods of four to seven days when no saline replenishment occurs. During the summer months, particularly under low flow conditions, saline stratification within the impoundment results in a freshwater layer overlying a body of saline water, which quickly becomes depleted of dissolved oxygen (DO). Such water quality problems may influence salmonid migration of both adults and smolts. CCS have now installed a remediation scheme which has improved water quality (Edwards & Bishop, 2001). The system was completed in July 2000, and long term monitoring of the impoundment will be carried out to ensure continuing success.

• Access to Spawning Habitat. Access to potential spawning tributaries is severely restricted on the Tawe by both natural and man made structures. Of the estimated 95.9km of river length within the catchment, only some 46km (47%) are accessible to migratory fish. Any increase in available spawning habitat that might be gained from opening up these rivers would benefit the migratory salmonid fishery resulting in increased numbers of adult salmon and sea trout returning to the system.

Some work has been done in the past to improve passage within the catchment; most notably the fish pass at Panteg weir (1990) and alleviation works at Pen-y-Cae falls (1985). Work on the remaining barriers will be dependent on the availablility of funding. The largest inaccessible tributary, and hence the most attractive in terms of spawning habitat, is the Twrch. This river, however, has several barriers, the most substantial of which is Capitol Falls. The most feasible 5 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

project involves opening up the lower Clydach, which potentially requires the least cost for the greatest potential benefit.

Recently during 1999, West Wales and the Valleys were designated as an Objective one area within Europe. This raised the possibility of substantial funding for fisheries projects, such as habitat improvement schemes, provided that they meet set criteria. The Environment Agency is currently progressing a bid for over £4M for fisheries improvements in Wales. Work is aimed at increasing employment opportunities and protecting posts currently dependant on revenue derived from fisheries. This will include habitat restoration and improvement, construction of fish passes, promotion of angling and tourism and provision of improved service to visiting anglers. This opportunity afforded by Objective one may well be a chance in a generation to put right environmental damage to our rivers, whilst maximising benefits from fisheries to the local economy.

• Gravel extraction. Gravel extraction is a common practice on many Welsh rivers – on the River Tawe and its tributaries, there has been regular removal of gravel since the 1970s. Gravel removal at Trebanos has concentrated on the removal of two gravel bars immediately upstream of the sewage treatment plant. This has been undertaken to maintain channel capacity and so reduce the frequency of overbank flows that might affect the operation of the sewage plant.

A geomorphological study of the Trebanos area was commissioned recently to evaluate the long-term impacts of gravel removal at Trebanos, and to establish whether regular gravel removal at the site has any real long-term benefit in terms of flood defence. Studies are currently being carried out by Aberystwyth University, and the results will be reported in 2002.

• Sheep Dip. In 1997, a programme was instigated to ascertain the extent of sheep dip related pollution within Wales. Nineteen sub-catchments were investigated, with biological and chemical sampling used to assess the river quality. In total 680km of river throughout Wales was investigated for biological quality, and of this 34km (approx. 5%) was impacted as a result of sheep dip chemicals entering the watercourse. The Tawe catchment was not included in this initial survey because the catchment was not considered high risk. Subsequent water quality samples taken in 1988, however, have shown the presence of of the organophosphate sheep dip Propetamphos in the Tawe in low concentrations.

• Habitat Loss. Studies (Wightman, 1987(a) & (b)) have been carried out on the lower Tawe to investigate low egg survival rates. Although the results of these studies were inconclusive, it was suggested that mortality of eggs may be caused by deoxygenation of intra-gravel water due to infiltration by fine particulate solids. This is an issue that needs to be addressed in the future.

• Legislation. In 1999, a set of National byelaws designed to allow increased spawning escapement of declining spring salmon was passed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (now DEFRA), and the Secretary of State for Wales. The changes to angling require anglers to return with least possible injury, any salmon caught before June the 16th. Anglers may also only fish for salmon using artificial fly and spinner prior to June the 16th. These measures are in place for 10 years, and are subject to review after 5 years.

In recent years, the Agency and a section of the angling community have also promoted voluntary catch and release as a method of stock enhancement. This scheme was backed by the production, in 1999, of a video detailing the benefits of catch-and-release, produced through a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Fisheries Research Services, the Salmon and Trout Association, the Atlantic Salmon Trust and others. In 2000, there was a wider collaboration, known as ‘Salmonid 21C’, between fisheries managers, angling interests 6 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

and scientists across the UK, to develop a consensus on the best ways to improve the stocks of wild salmon, sea trout and trout. The work focused particularly on habitat improvement, stocking and control of exploitation, and a new video entitled ‘While Stocks Last’ was released in 2000. This latest video will have been sent out to all those who took out migratory salmonid licences in 1999, and can also be obtained free of charge by contacting the Environment Agency (Tel. 01454 624 400).

The practice of catch and release has become more widely accepted in Wales in recent years, with the realisation that the stock is not inexhaustible. The reported return rates in 2000 show that on over half of Welsh rivers, release rates for salmon are in excess of 20% (compared to under a third of rivers in 1998). Release rates for sea trout are even more encouraging, with a minimum release rate of 20% on over 90% of Welsh sea trout rivers. Recent returns from the Tawe, however, show that for salmon, this trend has yet to catch on significantly, with only 18% of salmon returned in 2001. Figures for sea trout are somewhat better, with 66% of sea trout returned in the 2001 season.

• Monitoring. Following a recent monitoring review, juvenile salmonid populations are to be surveyed annually at two sites on the Tawe as part of the Agency’s Regional Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Programme (RJSMP). In addition to this, 18 sites on the Tawe are also to be monitored on a five year rolling programme, commencing in 2005.

This Action Plan builds upon these achievements and sets out future proposals for the next five years.

7 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

4. ASSESSMENT OF STOCK PERFORMANCE

Underpinning the Action Plan is the derivation of a spawning target for the river. This target is the estimated threshold value for egg deposition, that will allow sufficient deposition to utilise available juvenile habitat within the catchment whilst maintaining current exploitation rates. The egg deposition target will provide an objective standard against which to assess the long term sustainability of the fishery it supports. The target led approach enables the annual egg deposition estimate for the river to be measured against the target to quantify ”performance”. It should be remembered that the science behind these targets is evolving and it is possible that improvements to our knowledge will enable further refinement of targets or our assessment of target compliance in the future.

The setting of objectively derived minimum acceptable spawning levels for Atlantic Salmon is now being actively promoted by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), and has been used successfully in North America for several years.

The target for the Tawe was based on an estimate of 756, 291m2 of accessible stream area, which equates to an annual egg deposition of 2.36 million eggs (312 eggs 100 m-2). On average, a spawning escapement of 906 salmon will ensure that the egg deposition target is met.

In assessing performance against the target, annual rod catches coupled with extant exploitation rates, based on known rates from 19 UK and Irish rivers, have been used. The trend in egg deposition inevitably reflects the rod catch figures (Figure 4).

Compliance is assessed by examining performance in blocks of three years, and by use of two rules which describe compliance failure. These are: Rule a. Episodes may last no longer than two years and Rule b. A clear gap between episodes should be at least two years. The sequence of egg shortfall or surplus in each three year block determines whether a “pass”, “failure” or “near miss” has occurred. Figure 3 shows the estimated egg deposition for the Tawe from 1975 to 2000. The red horizontal line indicates failure episodes and shows that the Tawe has consistently failed to reach the target level, and as such never achieved target compliance in any of those years. The general trend during this time has, however, been upwards, reflecting the improving nature of the fishery, albeit from a low level. The Tawe came closest to meeting its target in 1994 (90.4% of target).

Figure 4. Tawe estimated egg deposition, based on rod returns 1976 to 2000.

2,500,000

2,000,000 Eggs 1SW Eggs MSW Target

1,500,000

1,000,000 Number of eggs of Number

500,000

0 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Year

Note: Indicates spawning target failure episodes

8 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION

In our Tawe Salmon Action Plan Consultation Document, published and launched in April, 2001, we described details of the Tawe salmon stocks and their environment. We also highlighted what we believed to be the major constraints acting at present and proposed ways of reducing these to optimise stock levels on a sustainable basis.

In total, we distributed 31 copies to angling interests, and a further 43 to organisations and individuals. Each copy was accompanied by a short questionnaire, which sought consultees’ views on the document. The response rate from the anglers and was poor, given the number of copies distributed and the provision of a freepost envelope, although the responses that were received were fairly detailed. Eight completed questionnaires were received from anglers and riparian owners, many of which were accompanied by more detailed letters. Seven formal responses were also received from different consultees. Results of the consultation questionnaire are shown below.

To the question whether To the question whether To the question whether consultees agreed with our consultees thought we had consultees thought we are views of the state of salmon identified all the issues proposing the correct actions, stocks on the Tawe, 25% concerning salmon stocks in 57% agreed: agreed, and 75% partly the catchment, 13% agreed, agreed: and 38% partly agreed:

13% 25%

38% Yes Yes 43% Yes 0%No No No Par tly Unsure Unsure

75% 49% 57% 0%

From the responses received there was a high level of agreement or partial agreement with our description of the current status of salmon stocks, as well our proposed actions necessary to secure the future well being of stocks. There was, however, some concern that certain issues concerning salmon stocks had not received enough coverage in the consultation document, with 49% of consultees disagreeing.

The main concerns that have come to light through the consultation process relate to the Tawe barrage and fish pass, the decline in sea trout numbers since construction of the barrage, predation issues (with particular reference to seals and cormorants in the vicinity of the barrage), the impacts of flood defence works at Trebanos, and the lack of available funding for fisheries. Other areas of concern include exploitation at sea, catch and release, water quality, proposals for a canal and perceived errors in catch returns for the Tawe.

1.Tawe Barrage & Fish Pass. Whilst issues relating to the barrage received some coverage in the consultation document, it was felt that there was not enough emphasis on the decline of sea trout stocks. Reference was made by several respondents to the ranking of the Tawe as a sea trout river in Wales, and the fact that the river has dropped from being ranked as 6th in Wales in 1984, to 23rd in 2000.

Migratory salmonids on the River Tawe have been the subject of detailed monitoring since construction of the barrage across the lower estuary. Changes in stock abundance of migrating adults have been assessed by two main methods: fish trapping and angler catches. Stock levels of both salmon and sea trout, measured in terms of catch per unit effort (fish caught per hour), have 9 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan varied throughout the study period. However, whilst the overall trend for salmon has remained relatively stable, sea trout stocks have shown a gradual overall decline since the late eighties. This decline is most apparent in CPUE data from Panteg trap (see Figure 5). Length frequency data also suggests that the proportion of larger sea trout (>600mm) in the stock are in decline. Since construction of the barrage, the probability of sea trout successfully entering the river has been reduced (Stonehewer et al., 1995). Multiple spawning fish will have to overcome the barrier at each migration, and the combined probability for successive migrations will thus be multiplied each time the fish migrates into the Tawe. The barrage is unlikely to have the cumulative effect on salmon that it does on sea trout, because most of the salmon will ascend the barrage only once. The decline in multiple spawning sea trout is also confirmed by the analysis of scale data which shows an overall decline in the number of age classes recorded for sea trout since impoundment, only 9 sea age classes were recorded for sea trout in 2001, compared to to a pre-impoundment average of 16.

Figure 5. Sea Trout data – Panteg CPUE & Rod catch 1991 – 2001. 0.60 800 Sea Trout rod catch Panteg Sea Trout CPUE 700 0.50

600

0.40 500

0.30 400 Rod catch

Panteg CPUE 300 0.20

200

0.10 100

0.00 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Year

Other studies carried out relating to the barrage included a radio tracking study and a study of smolt migration past the barrage. The radio tracking studies demonstrated the fish pass to be ineffective in assisting the upstream migration of returning adults. The majority of fish entering the river did so during periods of tidal overtopping. The poor performance of the fish pass was thought to be due to a number of factors, particularly the turbulent flow conditions within the pass. The Environment Agency requested that improvements be made to the pass which were completed in July 2000. CCS and Swansea University are currently co-funding a study to assess the effectiveness of these improvements: this will be reported in 2003. Provisional results from Panteg trap for 2001 show a slight increase in salmon CPUE compared to 2000, whilst sea trout numbers show a continuing decline with the lowest CPUE yet recorded for sea trout in 2001. Provisional rod catch figures for 2001, on the other hand, are relatively high, with a reported salmon catch of 113 (compared to only 47 in 2000), and a total reported sea trout catch of 367 (compared to 136 in 2000).

Data collected since construction of the barrage do therefore point to an overall decline in sea trout stocks. Despite this, it is impossible to apportion the impacts of the barrage, environmental pressures affecting the sea trout stock, and the natural variation in salmonid stocks. Indeed, data from an angler logbook scheme on the Tawe does show a steady declining trend in the sea trout logbook CPUE between 1988 and 1991, suggesting that the general decline of sea trout stocks on the Tawe began prior to the impoundment of the river. However, it is likely that the barrage may suppress recovery after a natural decline, and reduce the number of adults undertaking spawning

10 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan migrations in the Tawe (Stonehewer et al., 1995). It remains to be seen if sea trout stocks will show any overall improvement following the recent improvements to the fish pass.

2. Predation issues. Whilst predation by birds was cited as a limiting factor in the consultation document, predation by other animals such as seals did not receive any coverage. Respondents also took the view that the Agency was being over-complacent over the effects of bird predation, particularly in the vicinity of the barrage. Predation is a natural part of salmon ecology, and in most cases both predator and prey have adapted to each other’s presence. Salmon and their predators should therefore coexist without there being a serious threat to fish stocks. Indeed predation, through removing weaker individuals, may even benefit stocks. However, this relationship is dynamic, and predators can exert considerable pressure on fish stocks at any one time.

Grey seals feed on salmon and sea trout in the Tawe estuary below the barrage, and there have been reports of seals moving up into the chambers of the fish pass itself to feed. Recent improvements made to the fish pass should facilitate fish passage, and thereby lessen the risk of fish being taken by seals whilst held up below the barrage or within the fish pass. Research into seal populations and their diet would be of value on the Tawe. The Agency has assisted with attempts to relocate seals from rivers in West Wales to coastal areas, where the welfare of the animal has been paramount. However, this has proved to be an extremely difficult exercise, with limited success. It is also important to bear in mind that the grey seal is protected by European legislation.

Cormorant numbers are also thought to have increased in the vicinity of the barrage since impoundment in 1992, and it is believed that the barrage may be increasing the susceptibility of smolts to predation by birds, and particularly by cormorants. However, the overall abundance, distribution and potential impact of cormorants on the Tawe remains unquantified. Recent research in England and Wales found that cormorant predation, on the two rivers studied, was mainly focused on coarse fish. The impacts of goosanders on salmonid fisheries were shown to be potentially greater, agreeing with findings from another recent study in Scotland. Both studies, however, highlighted the inadequacy of fisheries data in accurately determining the extent of the impact, and further studies would be desirable in quantifying the impacts of avian predation on rivers such as the Tawe.

3. Flood defence works - gravel extraction. A number of the responses received raised concerns over the potential impacts of flood defence works in the Tawe catchment. Whilst these works do have the potential to impact on fisheries habitat, it is important to note that there are now, in most cases, mechanisms in place to mitigate or prevent such damage occurring – be that through consultation, consenting or environmental impact assessment. Flood defence works are now often carried out in conjunction with improvement schemes to improve the ecology and fisheries habitat in the area. The vast majority of the works in question are also necessary for public safety reasons, and should therefore be considered as legitimate uses of the river. Specific works undertaken by the Agency in discharging its Flood Defence functions to improve habitats on the River Tawe have included tree planting at Trebanos and Glan Tawe, general tree management at Pontardawe, and spraying and cutting of Japanese Knotweed along the length of the river. Flood defence staff also carrry out general maintenance of the disabled angling platform at Glais.

What is key is that effective communication links between the Environment Agency and river users are maintained and improved, to ensure that all works are carried out with proper regard to the fish populations and the riverine ecosystem as a whole.

A number of respondents had particular concerns with the gravel extraction work currently undertaken at Trebanos. As mentioned previously, gravel removal at Trebanos is undertaken to maintain channel capacity, and reduce the frequency of overbank flows that may affect the operation of the sewage plant upstream. A hydrogeological study of the Trebanos area has

11 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan recently been commissioned to establish long-term rates and patterns of river channel change on a 4.3 km reach of the River Tawe between Pontrdawe and Glais and to evaluate the impacts of river engineering works and gravel extraction. The results of this will be used to guide us towards assessing how best we can manage the river in the long term to minimise impacts and maximise benefits to the river at Trebanos. Studies are currently being carried out by Aberystwyth University, and the results should be reported in 2002.

4. Funding. Some respondents raised concerns over the lack of available funding for salmonid fisheries in Wales. The Environment Agency currently spends about £8.5 million on salmon and sea trout fishery management, for which the two main sources of funding are licence income from anglers and Grant-in-Aid (GiA). In Wales, Grant-in-Aid has been cut back substantially over the last decade. However, the Agency is very pleased that the National Assembly has recently agreed to an additional £800, 000 GiA for each of the next 3 years to support the Agency’s fisheries work in Wales. This new money will fund work over the next three years to implement the some of the recommendations of the government appointed Review Group’s report on Fisheries Policy and Legislation. Funds are earmarked for several priority areas, including conserving and restoring salmon stocks, restoring fish habitats, removing barriers to fish migration and developing and restoring community fisheries.

Another source of funding relevant to the Tawe is Objective 1, which is aimed at increasing employment oppertunities in the most economically depressed areas of Europe. West Wales and the Valleys were designated as an Objective 1 area. The Environment Agency is currently progressing a bid for over £4M for fisheries improvements in Wales. Work is to include habitat restoration and improvement, construction or improvement of fish passes, promotion of angling and tourism and provision of improved service to visiting anglers. There are also a number of potential sources of collaborative funding such as the National Lottery, Development Agencies, Landfill tax, and other EU sources.

4. Other issues.

Exploitation at sea. Exploitation of migratory salmonids at sea is one of the major limiting factors in the return of stocks to home waters. There is some concern that salmon and sea trout are taken as by-catch from the sea-fish net fisheries within inshore waters, and many salmon are also taken by the Irish, Greenland and Faeroes fisheries. There have recently been moves by local funding authorities to constrain the expenditure of the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee (SWSFC); this could have implications for collaborative working between EA and SWSFC to protect migratory salmonids in the marine environment. The Agency has supported SWSFC’s case to maintain an adequate level of expenditure, however this has yet to be resolved.

Water quality. Water quality in the catchment has attracted concern, particularly regarding the impact of sewage treatment works and combined sewer overflow discharges on water quality. The improvement of sewage collection and treatment facilities owned by DCWW is managed through Asset Management Plans (AMPs). These plans are produced by the company in consultation with this Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (for potable water issues), DETR, and the National Assembly for Wales. The plans are drawn up to ensure compliance with European Directives, at a pace which both meets any relevant statutory timescale and is deemed to be appropriate and affordable to the water company reflecting its customers views. There are several works on the AMP3 programme for the Tawe that will be improved in the next 5 years, including, for example, sewage treatment works at Trebanos and Ystradgynlais. Phosphate stripping is also currently being trialed at the Trebanos works.

Errors in Catch Returns. There was concern amongst several respondents over the accuracy of catch return data for the Tawe. It is believed that current figures are often overstated as a result of 12 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan misidentification of salmon and sea trout, and possible confusion of the Tawe with other rivers such as the Tywi. Whilst the Environment Agency currently makes every effort to screen catch return data at a Regional level in order to highlight anomalies, there will unfortunately always be some inaccuracy involved with subjective data of this type. For the River Tawe, rod catch data may be examined in conjunction with data provided by Panteg trap which are subject to more stringent scientific methodology and are therefore less subjective, to provide best available data on stock levels.

Swansea Canal Proposals. A final concern that was raised during the consultation process was apparent plans by Swansea Canal Society to connect the Swansea Canal with the impoundment and thence with the and Tennant Canals. A consortium promoting restoration of the Swansea Canal has recently commissioned a feasibility study to consider restoration of the Swansea Canal and connections to the Neath and Tennant Canals to create an integrated 35-mile waterway. The Environment Agency is as yet unaware of any definite proposals on this matter, and we are therefore unable to offer any comment at this stage. Any implications of the proposals with regards to water quality or fisheries issues would certainly be picked up at the planning stage.

Several suggestions for alternative actions and for priority adjustments were also received in the consultation process. These have been considered carefully and evaluated, and where appropriate have been assimilated into the Action Plan.

Some additional actions from the Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) have also been subsumed in the actions table as these are believed to be of potential benefit to salmon.

The Agency would like to thank all those who have contributed to the consultation process of the Action Plan.

13 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

6. ACTION PLAN SUMMARY TABLE

ACTION COST (£K) AND TIMESCALE

FUNDING SOURCES EAW (LEAD IN BOLD) Cost 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ £K 2003 2004 2005 2006

ISSUE 1: Swansea Barrage

Design and implement alterations to fish pass Completed CCS, Agency (completed). Implement a plan of ‘free flow’ to improve both - nnn CCS, Agency smolt and adult fish passage. Monitor effectiveness of fish pass alterations. 3.6 nn EAW, Fishery owners, AAs. Monitor the status of migratory salmonid stocks 66.5 nnnnAgency, CCS, Angling clubs in the Tawe. Design and implement measures for addressing poor water quality in the impoundment 34 Completed. Maintenance ongoing. CCS, Agency. (completed). Monitor effectiveness of measures ? nnnnCCS, Agency.

ISSUE 2: Habitat Degradation.

Habitat mapping of catchment prioritising MSW Agency salmon spawning areas Assessment of impacts such as silt runoff and Agency, Fishery owners, education of landowners. AAs. Develop action plan for optimisation of channel Agency, Fishery owners, morphology for salmon life stages with priority for AAs. MSW stock component, and implement. Produce a programme of works, in collaboration with flood defence, landowners and relevant organisations, to protect valuable habitats and improve degraded habitats with particular regard n Agency, Landowners, CCW, to priority biodiversity species and habitats. 5 RSPB, WTWW Action to review hydro geologocal survey and implement reccomendations, possibly extend catchment wide. Seek to secure collaborative schemes (e.g. to Agency, Fishery owners, secure European funding) where the need for AAs. improvements is identified.

ISSUE 3: Exploitation of mixed salmon stocks in distant water fisheries.

The Agency recommends the UK Government No Agency, Fishery owners, continue to press for the phasing out of the Irish direct AAs drift net fishery. costs Agency to continue to support the control No measures currently in operation on the Faeroes NASCO, Agency, Fishery direct and Greenland fisheries, including NASCO owners, Aas. costs quota and buyouts by NASF.

ISSUE 4: Illegal exploitation.

Develop and implement an intelligence led 13 nnnnAgency, SWSFC enforcement plan. Develop and implement a scheme to increase the provision of intelligence on illegal activities Agency, SWSFC, Anglers, 5.5 nnnn by anglers, fishery owners, the general public Fishery owners, Police and other enforcement agencies. Promote the awareness of illegal fishing and its impact by publicising enforcement successes 5.5 nnnnAgency and briefing influential parties. 14 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

Continue rod licence enforcement ‘blitzes’. 43 nnnnAgency, Fishery owners

ACTION COST (£K) AND TIMESCALE FUNDING SOURCES EAW (LEAD IN BOLD) Cost 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ £K 2003 2004 2005 2006

ISSUE 5: Failures to achieve egg deposition targets in recent years. Also the uncertainty of some of the factors utilised in the egg deposition target estimates, such as the ‘out of season’ run and interspecific competition with sea trout.

R&D project to investigate the effects of interspecific competition between salmon and Ongoing – Agency, NSTC sea trout on egg deposition rates Improve monitoring of adult salmon and sea trout runs through the installation of an acoustic 80 nnnnEAW, CFF, CCW counter on the Tywi (completed). Use data to make predictions for the Tawe. Review the need for a counter on the Tawe and UUUUUEAW look for opportunities for funding. Maintain Agency’s current hydrometric network and use data for fisheries management.

ISSUE 6: Legal Exploitation

Implement and monitor national salmon byelaws to protect MSW salmon stocks, and carry out 5- 1.5 nnAgency, Consultees year review in 2004. Continue to monitor pre- June catches. Continue to publicise methods of catch and release. Ensure wide distribution of the catch Agency, Angling interests and release video and leaflet, the new Salmon 12.5 nnnn and governing bodies. 21C video, and our samlon magazine – Glas-y- Dorlan.

ISSUE 7: Sheep Dip.

Implement a targeted programme of farm Agency, NFU, FUW, inspections and advice to farmers where 2.5 nnnn Farming organisations, NAW resources allow

ISSUE 8: Organic Farm Effluent

Continue to liaise on improvements to farm Ongoing Agency effluent storage and disposal systems. Seek to establish ‘buffer zones’ alongside appropriate stretches of the Tawe and its Ongoing Agency, Farmers. tributaries (also see Issue 2).

ISSUE 9: Industrial and Domestic Pollution

Ensure that dischargers meet the requirements of their discharge consents, monitor discharges Ongoing Agency for compliance, and review data periodically Undertake required work to identify required improvements for remaining schemes in DCWW 4 nnnnAgency, DCWW AMP3 programme. Continue a pollution prevention programme of Agency, Angling interests, site visits, where resources allow, to reduce the ? nnnn General public likelihood of pollution incidents. Maximise the use of the 0800-80-70-60 24 hour ? nnnnAgency emergency telephone service.

15 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

ACTION COST (£k) AND TIMESCALE FUNDING SOURCES EAW (LEAD IN BOLD) Cost 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ £K 2003 2004 2005 2006

ISSUE 10: Predation

Review national R&D outputs and develop Agency, Anglers, CCW, regional policy for the management of avian 1 nn RSPB predators. Review research carried out in West Wales, on seal populations. Look at options for reducing ? n Agency, CCS the impact of seal predation in the vicinity of the Tawe barrage

ISSUE 11: Instream Obstructions to Migration

Identify funding and carry out improvements to Lower Clydach Falls and other barriers when 30 nn Agency, CCS. possible. xAssess effectiveness of the fish pass on the Tywinni culvert, secure funding and carry out ? nnHighways, Agency improvements. Sensitive removal of instream blockages and Agency, CCW, Fish pass maintenance of fish passes, consistent with ? owners. our conservation duties.

Key to abbreviations in Table

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning AA Angling Association FMD Foot & Mouth Disease ADAS Agricultural Development Advisory Service NASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation CCS City and County of Swansea NASF North Atlantic Salmon Fund CCW Country side Council for Wales NAW National assembly for Wales DCWW Dwr Cymru Welsh Water NFU(W) National Farmers’ Union of Wales DEFRA Department for the Environment, Food NK Not known and Rural Affairs EAW Environment Agency Wales NSTC National Salmon and Trout Centre EP Environment Protection Team NT National Trust FC Forestry Commission RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds FD Flood Defence Team SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest FER Fisheries Ecology and Recreation Team SWSFC South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee FUW Farmers Union Wales WTWW Wildlife Trust West Wales LA Local Authority

Key to Action Tables

U (in cost column) Unknown cost at this time

• (in financial year columns) Action in the financial year indicated

16 The Tawe Salmon Action Plan

7. MANAGEMENT OF THE ACTION PLAN

The production of the Tawe SAP shortly follows the production of a a Local Contibution for South West Area which identifies how we will achieve our targets for the environmental improvements. SAPs will support the salmon element of the Local Contribution at a local level as well as providing the basic information to enable Regional and National overviews of salmon stocks, their fisheries and the issues facing them. Such information is needed to report to Government and to the Public on the National salmon resource and to contribute to the international management of salmon fisheries via the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO).

A review of the Action Plan will also be produced after 5 years, with a similar format to this Plan. It will report the progress achieved over the preceding five years and examine the need to revise actions in light of changes to salmon stocks, the state of the Tawe catchment, as well as advances in our knowledge of the fishery.

Whilst we have every expectation of delivering the SAP actions, the following points should also be noted:

- Many of the costs quoted consist of staff time, and these actions will be carried out in conjunction with our routine work. Actions requiring input other than from in-house staff will be treated as special projects, subject to prioritisation with other initiatives and bidding procedures for available funding. - Some actions will require feasibility studied and cost-benefit appraisal of options before work starts. Where the costs outweigh the potential benefits, further action may not be viable. The Agency and participating organisations must balance limited resources with prioritised plans. These plans may be subject to change if funding becomes restricted, where there is a change in government policy or where new priorities emerge.

8. REFERENCES

Edwards P.J. & Bishop M.H.J. (2001). A review of water quality in the Tawe barrage impoundment from May to September 2001, including an appraisal of Phase II of the aeration system. Environment Agency Report No. TMW/01/35.

Mee D.M. (1996). Environment Agency Panteg trap report 1996. Environment Agency Report.

Rogers A.P. & Bryson P. (1994). An assessment of the impact of the Tawe Barrage on water quality in the Tawe estuary. NRA Report No. EAW/94/2.

Scranney D. & McMellin G. (1998). The Results of CPUE Data From Panteg Trap (1991 to 1997) and the Angler Logbook Survey (1988 to 1997). Environment Agency Report No. EA/wr/w/030.

Stonehewer R.O., Kirkpatrick A.J. and Mee D.M. (1995) The results of the Tawe Barrage Post Impoundment Fisheries Impact Study 1993 – 1994. National Rivers Authority Report No. NRA/WR/W/028.

Wightman R.P. (1986a). An Assessment of the Quality of Spawning Gravels in the River Tawe Catchment. Welsh Water Report No. WW/202.

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Wightman R.P. (1986b). Further Studies of the Salmonid Populations of the R.Tawe (1986) with Emphasis on the Effects of Habitat Degradation and Consequent Improvement Works. Welsh Water Report No. WW/124.

Wilson (1999). Panteg trap summary, 1998. Environment Agency Report No. TMW/99/04.

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