The River Taf 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 Wales:

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 Taf this process started during 1999 with the production of the Taf SAP Consultation Document. The Taf 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 River Taf.

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 River Taf supports a locally renowned salmon and sea trout (sewin) fishery. Sea trout are the predominant salmonid in the catchment, though a reasonable number of salmon are also present. The Taf ranked 12th out of 33 salmon rivers in Wales, and 37th out of 84 salmon rivers in England and Wales for salmon rod catch in 1999. The Taf also supports a Wade net fishery, and an historically important Coracle net fishery, which is unique to Wales and only occurs on two other rivers; the Teifi and Tywi.

Along with the rest of the Three Rivers estuary and the Burry Inlet, the tidally influenced stretches of the Taf are proposed for designation as the and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Union, Habitats and Species Directive for the estuary, salt meadows and wintering wildfowl. These designations afford additional protection for the river. The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

Salmon stocks in the River Taf have shown an overall decline since the early 1980s, with the exception of 1988 and 1994, which were good salmon years throughout Wales. Other than 1994, catches throughout the 1990s have been poor, with estimated spawning escapement of salmon falling below optimal levels. This is in keeping with many other rivers in England and Wales, which have seen salmon stocks decline over the same period. The reasons for this are many, although survival at sea is thought to exert a major influence. Of particular concern is the decline in the pre- June salmon catch, which comprises mostly larger Multi-Sea-Winter (MSW) salmon. These fish have continued to decline despite measures by the Agency and predecessor organisations to limit exploitation of this stock component.

Figure 1. River Taf declared rod catch (1956 to 1998)

300

250

200 5 year mean

150

100 Number of salmon 50

0 1956 1959 1962 1965 1968 1971 1974 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 Year

Figure 2. Reported total catch from coracle and wade net fisheries 1966 to 1996

60 Coracle Wade Total nets 5 year mean 50

40

30

20 Number of salmon 10

0 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 Year The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

3. CURRENT ACTIVITIES

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

• Abstractions. A number of abstraction points exist within the catchment for potable water supplies, agriculture, and fish farms. The Agency continues to monitor these, and ensure that suitable screens are fitted where necessary.

• Access to spawning areas. We have mapped obstructions to migration. The upstream migration of salmon on the Taf is impeded by two natural, and two artificial barriers, all of which are located high within the catchment, and thus do not markedly affect the usable spawning area available to salmon. Impassable barriers with a natural brown trout population upstream will not be opened up by the Agency, in keeping with the regional brown trout strategy.

• Habitat loss. It is becoming increasingly recognised that maintaining physical habitat is an integral component of managing salmon stocks within home waters. The Agency is currently looking to target degraded habitat, which can act as a bottleneck in the life cycle of salmon. In order to identify potential areas that require remediation, habitat mapping exercises are being carried out in a number of West Wales catchments. On the Taf, a habitat mapping exercise has been undertaken above , in conjunction with Whitland Angling Club, with the view to identifying stretches of river that could benefit from habitat remediation works.

• Farm effluent. The Agency advocates a control at source strategy to minimise the impact of organic farm effluents within the catchment, enforcing the legal minimum standards for new silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil installations, and undertaking pollution prevention visits where resources allow.

• Sheep dip. In upland areas of the catchment, where there is a high intensity of sheep farming, problems relating to pollution of watercourses by sheep dip chemicals have to be monitored. In 1997, a programme was initiated to ascertain the extent of sheep dip related pollution in Wales. The Taf catchment was not monitored at this time, although chemical analysis of water quality has been implemented since, and has shown the Taf to be relatively unaffected by sheep dip pollution.

• Industrial and domestic pollution. The Taf catchment is predominantly rural in nature, and most industrial pollution in the catchment has been minor in terms of numbers of fish killed. The Agency will continue to undertake pollution prevention visits within the catchment, where resources allow.

• Illegal exploitation. Effective enforcement and public awareness initiatives have resulted in a reduction in poaching in the area, though unlicensed netting in the lower reaches and the use of lamp and gaff and snares to take fish from the spawning grounds, continue to be a threat. The Agency has moved towards a more intelligence-led approach to enforcement.

• Legal exploitation. No counting or trapping facilities currently exist on the Taf, although information on the size and timing of adult runs has been obtained through statutory catch returns and fishery staff reports. Staff are keeping a watching brief on juveniles numbers and reported catches; these will be reported soon in relation to the Sea Empress oil spill. Radio tracking studies of salmon in the Tywi catchment from 1988 to 1991 have enabled exploitation rates of available stocks (in season) to be calculated, which are thought to be similar for the Taf. We are currently validating a fish counter on the Tywi which will help to identify trends in the numbers of fish running the river. This will also provide a useful index for Taf stocks. In recent years, the Agency and a section of the angling community have promoted voluntary catch and release as a method of stock enhancement. This scheme was backed by The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

the release, 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. This year, there has been a wider collaboration, known as ‘Salmonid 21C’, between fisheries managers, angling interests and scientists across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, to develop a consensus on the best ways to improve the stocks of wild salmon, sea trout and trout. The work has focused particularly on habitat improvement, stocking and control of exploitation, and a new video entitled ‘While Stocks Last’ was released in the winter of 2000. This 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 head office Customer Services on 01454 624 400.

Catch and release rates are generally low for the Taf, with only 2 to 3 fish released each year, though there has been a steady increase within the catchment and the 1999 season recorded the highest return rate yet at 8.7%. This is an encouraging trend, with anglers increasingly showing restraint at a time when stock abundance is low; nevertheless, an increase in awareness of catch and release still needs to be achieved.

• Legislation. In 1995, byelaws were introduced to restrict angling for spring salmon on several rivers, through a shortening of the season from the 1st April. In 1996, a new net Limitation Order was put into place on the Taf; this involved no change to the number of net licences available on the river, though amendments to byelaws brought the end of the netting season forward by one month, from the end of August to the end of July. These byelaws are to be reviewed in 2001. Recent national byelaws have now also delayed the start of the netting season until 1st June, with exemption by the National Assembly for Wales for a limited number of fisheries. The Taf Coracle net fishery was included in this exemption with the proviso that all salmon caught prior to June 1st be returned immediately with least possible injury.

During April 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 and the Secretary of State for Wales. With effect from April 1999, these byelaws have required all anglers to return, with least possible injury, any salmon caught before 16th June. Anglers may also only fish for salmon using artificial fly and spinner in the early part of the season, prior to 16th June. These measures are in place for ten years and subject to a review after 5 years.

This Action Plan builds upon these achievements and sets out future proposals for the next five years. The River Taf 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, which 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 Taf was based on an estimate of 901, 208 m2 of accessible stream area, which equates to an annual egg deposition of 2.3 million eggs (256 eggs100 m-2). The spawning target model indicates that this would equate to a declared rod catch of 111 salmon. This suggests that the target level is suitable as it represents 90% of the average long term rod catch.

In assessing performance against the target, annual rod catches coupled with existing exploitation rates have been used. Therefore, the trend in egg deposition inevitably reflects the rod catch figures (Figure 3).

Figure 3. River Taf estimated egg deposition rates 1975 to 1998

8,000,000

7,000,000 Eggs 1SW Eggs MSW Target

6,000,000

5,000,000 Failure period 4,000,000

3,000,000 Number of eggs 2,000,000

1,000,000

0 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 Year The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

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 Taf from 1975 to 1998. The red horizontal line indicates failure episodes and shows that since 1984 the Taf has failed to comply with the egg deposition target, despite meeting the target in 1985, 1988 and 1994, and a marginal failure during 1986. The decline in stock during the 1990s is supported by the Agency’s monitoring of salmon juveniles and informed opinion among fishery interests on the river. This evidence sends a clear message that further action is needed to support the Taf salmon stock.

5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION

In our Taf Salmon Action Plan Consultation Document, published and launched in December, 1999, we described details of the River Taf salmon stock and its 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 60 copies to angling interests and netsmen, and a further 20 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 netsmen was poor given the number of copies distributed and the provision of a free post envelope. Only eight completed questionnaires were received from anglers and riparian owners. Four 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 Taf, 75% concerning salmon stocks in 62% agreed: agreed: the catchment, 37.5% agreed: 0 2 2 1

3 No Yes Yes Yes No No Par t ly Unsur e Uns ur e 5 2 6 3

From the responses received there was a high level of 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 been raised in the consultation document, with 37.5% of consultees disagreeing.

Three particular issues were cited by consultees as not having received enough coverage in the SAP.

1. Water quality in the catchment has attracted concern, particularly on the Marlais and Gronw, where it has been suggested that a number of minor pollution incidents in the past have reduced numbers of both salmon and trout fry and parr. Concerns have also been raised over the impact of STW and CSO discharges on water quality in the catchment. However, there are several works in the AMP3 programme that will be improved in the next 5 years, including, for example, sewage treatment works at Glogue, , Heol Shon, Llanfrynach, and Whitland. The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

2. Predation pressure by cormorants has also been raised as a concern. This issue has been covered in the consultation document, though potential impacts have yet to be determined. Recently, a national R&D project sponsored by MAFF reported on this issue, and it was suggested that cormorants can affect juvenile salmon populations. Predation is however, a natural part of salmon ecology, and both predator and prey have adapted to each others’ 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.

MAFF and the National Assembly for Wales have established a licensing procedure for those seeking to control predation by avian predators. Licences to shoot birds are only granted where serious damage can be demonstrated at a specific fishery and where other deterrents have failed. The Agency does not support the killing of birds unless these factors have been addressed. The Agency will continue to provide information, on an impartial basis, to help determine the impact on the fisheries.

The National Assembly for Wales has also set up a working group involving the Agency, angler representatives and conservation interests to review the implications of the recent MAFF R&D reports on avian predators.

3. In river blockages were considered a particular problem on the main river above Whitland, and on many of the feeder streams. The Agency continues to monitor instream obstructions, and is currently involved with an improvement programme (Action 10.1). It is, however, important to note that some instream debris can be beneficial to fish populations. Coarse woody debris, for example, is a natural part of the river system, providing substrate, food and shelter for in-stream organisms, and scouring out pools and rejuvenating gravels downstream. The Agency therefore seeks to remove major blockages only where they are impeding the passage of migratory fish, or where it is considered there is a flood risk, and the cost of carrying out work can be justified.

We have also received several suggestions for alternative actions and for priority adjustments. These have been considered carefully and evaluated, and where appropriate have been assimilated into the Action Plan, such text has been italicised in the table of actions.

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. The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

6. ACTION PLAN SUMMARY TABLE

ACTION COST (£K) AND TIMESCALE FUNDING SOURCES (LEAD IN BOLD) EAW 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ Cost £K 2001 2002 2003 2004

ISSUE 1: Habitat Degradation.

Prepare a bid through partnership to seek external funding for a programme of fisheries EAW, angling interests development (Objective 1, Millennium, Lottery 4.3 nn and governing bodies etc..) Identify reaches where adult or juvenile holding capacity can be improved, prioritising MSW UUU EAW (FER) salmon spawning areas. Produce and implement a programme of works, in collaboration with landowners and relevant EAW (FER), Landowners, organisations, to protect valuable habitats and 7 nn Fishery Owners, AA improve degraded habitats with particular regard to priority biodiversity species and habitats. Promote sustainable agricultural practices in line with Local Plans and Countryside Strategies, 0.5 nnnnEAW, CaCC, CCW with particular reference to Tir Gofal and the All Wales Agricultural Strategy. Investigate the possibility of protecting valuable bankside vegetation through local byelaws (e.g. 0.5 nnnnEAW, CCW, LAs, FC, MAFF Tree Preservation Orders) and liaising with licensing authorities. Carry out surveys and collate sightings to assess EAW, FC, Landowners, 1.3 nnnn extent of dead or diseased alders on riverbanks. CCW Provide advice on best practice to reduce the FC, EAW, Landowners, impact of alder disease on bankside vegetation, 1.7 nnnn CCW, FRCA in the light of current research Implement schemes (e.g. coppicing, tree EAW (FER/FD), CCW, planting and fencing) to regenerate bankside 10 nnnn Landowners, FRCA vegetation, in collaboration with key partners.

ISSUE 2: Exploitation of mixed salmon stocks in distant water fisheries.

Agency and others to continue to support control EAW (FER), Owners, measures of high seas fisheries currently in nnnnAnglers, Angling bodies, operation, including NASCO quota and buy outs Netsmen, NASCO, NASF by NASF of Faeroes and Greenland Fisheries. Agency and others to continue to make EAW (FER), Owners, representations to the UK and Irish Government nnnnAnglers, Angling bodies, to press for phasing out of the Irish drift net UK and Irish Governments fishery.

ISSUE 3: Illegal Exploitation

Develop and implement an intelligence led 13 nnnnEAW, SWSFC annual enforcement plan. Develop and implement a scheme to increase the provision of intelligence by anglers, fishery EAW, SWSFC, Anglers, 5.5 nnnn owners, the general public and other Fishery Owners, Police enforcement agencies on illegal activities. Promote the awareness of illegal fishing and its impact by publicising enforcement successes 5.5 nnnnEAW and briefing influential parties.

Continue rod licence enforcement ‘blitzes’. 43 nnnnEAW, Fishery Owners The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

ACTION COST (£k) AND TIMESCALE FUNDING SOURCES (LEAD IN BOLD) Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ Cost £K 2001 2002 2003 2004

ISSUE 4: Failures to achieve egg deposition targets in recent years. Uncertainty of some of the factors used in the egg deposition 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 UUUUUOngoing - NSTC sea trout on egg deposition rates. Improve monitoring of adult salmon and sea trout runs through the installation of an 80 nnnnEAW, CFF, CCW acoustic fish counter on the Tywi. Use data to make predictions for the Taf. Review the need for a counter on the Taf and U UUUUEAW look for opportunities for funding

ISSUE 5: Legal Exploitation

Carry out five-year review of effectiveness of EAW, Local fisheries NLO and local byelaws at protecting fish 1.5 nnn interests stocks in West Wales by 2002. Through our education programme, promote stock conservation measures, especially those affecting early running fish, e.g. Catch and EAW, Angling Interests Release video and leaflet, promotion of our 12.5 nnnn and Governing Bodies salmon magazine, Glas-y-Dorlan, presentations to angling clubs, and distribution of the new ‘Salmon 21C’ video. Implement and monitor national salmon byelaws to protect multi-sea winter salmon 1.2 n EAW, Consultees stocks and carry out a five-year review in 2004.

ISSUE 6: Sheep Dip

Carry out chemical and biological monitoring in vulnerable areas to identify where impact 40 nnnnEAW occurs. Undertake visits to sheep dipping and disposal 61 nnnnEAW sites in areas identified by monitoring.

ISSUE 7: Organic Farm Effluent

Review water quality data and undertake biological monitoring to assess the impact of 5 nnnnEAW agricultural activities on river water quality and biology Continue to liaise with farmers on improvements to farm effluent storage and UUUUUEAW, ADAS disposal systems, where resources allow, and seek to influence other key organisations. Promote the management of ‘streamside CCW (Tir Gofal scheme), corridors’ on appropriate stretches of the Taf nnnn EAW, Landowners and its tributaries.

ISSUE 8: Industrial and Domestic Pollution

Continue to ensure that dischargers achieve the requirements of their discharge consents, nnnnEAW, Dischargers monitor discharges for compliance and review data periodically. Maximise the use of the 0800-80-70-60 24 nnnnEAW, Angling Interests, hour emergency telephone service. General Public The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

ACTION COST (£k) AND TIMESCALE FUNDING SOURCES Agenc (LEAD IN BOLD) 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ y Cost 2001 2002 2003 2004 £K

ISSUE 9 : Avian predation

Review findings of R&D report on the impact of fish eating birds on fish stocks. Consult widely with stakeholders and interested 5.5 nnnnEAW, Anglers, CCW, RSPB parties before implementing any recommendations in the area.

ISSUE 10: Instream obstructions to migration.

Carry out a sustainable improvement programme, whilst paying due regard to U n EAW (FER) conservation and other impacts on the environment.

ISSUE 11: Localised low flows may be affecting fish stocks in some reaches.

Identify all possible low flow reaches and 2.5 nn EAW associated abstractions.

Key to abbreviations in Table

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning AA Angling Association LA Local Authority ADAS Agricultural Development Advisory Service LO Land Owners CaCC County Council MAFF Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food CCW Country side Council for Wales NASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation CFF Carmarthen Fisheries Federation NASF North Atlantic Salmon Fund EAW Environment Agency Wales NFU(W) National Farmers’ Union of Wales EP Environment Protection Team NK Not known FC Forestry Commission NSTC National Salmon and Trout Centre FD Flood Defence Team RO Riparian Owners FER Fisheries Ecology and Recreation Team RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds FRCA Farming and Rural Conservation Agency SWSFC South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group WOAD Welsh Office Agriculture department

Key to Action Tables

U (in cost column) Unknown cost at this time

+ (in cost column) Partner costs (as indicated) • (in financial year columns) Action in the financial year indicated The River Taf Salmon Action Plan

7. MANAGEMENT OF THE ACTION PLAN

The production of the Taf SAP closely follows the conclusion of the consultation process for the Carmarthen Area LEAP. The LEAP document deals with the wider environmental issues, encompassed by the Agency’s remit and includes all of the main issues covered in this SAP document relating to salmon. It is therefore reasonable to monitor progress with the Taf SAP as part of the annual LEAP review process. Accordingly, annual reports will be made to the Area Environment Group and to the local fishery group.

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 Taf catchment, as well as advances in our knowledge of the fishery. Annual progress will be monitored as part of the annual LEAP review process.

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.