The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

Teifi Salmon Action Plan Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background Figure 1.River Teifi declared rod catch (1956-1999) Figure 2. Reported total catch seine and coracle fisheries (1956-1999)

3. Current Fisheries Activities

4. Assessment of Stock Performance Figure 3. River Teifi estimated egg deposition rates 1975 to 1999

5. Action Plan Summary Tables 5.1 Fisheries Issues 5.1.1 Failure to achieve salmon spawning targets in some years and an apparent decline in the abundance of early running multi sea winter fish 5.1.2 Obstructions to migration of salmon a and sea trout 5.1.3 Illegal fishing in the lower reaches and spawning tributaries continues to be a problem 5.1.4 The impact of bird predation on Fish stocks 5.1.5 Some water intakes may have inadequate screening arrangements 5.2 Conservation and habitat 5.2.1 The natural diversity of the River Dulais (Lampeter) have been affected by the routine river management procedures to alleviate flooding 5.2.2 Disease of Alder trees 5.2.3 Degradation of river corridors and wetlands 5.3 Agriculture 5.3.1 Increasing threats of pollution from sheep dipping 5.3.2 Agricultural activities impact on river quality and biology 5.3.3 Threats to the environment from changing agricultural land-use practices, especially cropping 5.4 Acidification and Metal Mines 5.4.1 Surface water acidification in parts of the upper catchment causes several reaches to fail River Ecosystem class 1 water quality targets 5.4.2 Forestry felling in Parts of the Teifi Valley could lead to water pollution and or siltation problems 5.4.3 Disused Metal mines in the upper catchment are causing ecological impacts 5.5 Abstraction 5.5.1 Balancing public water supplies against future demands 5.5.2 The impact of existing abstraction licences and any potential additional abstraction on the Teifi and its tributaries is unknown

6. Management of the Plan South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 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 Teifi this process started during 1998 with the production of the Teifi SAP Consultation Document.

The Teifi SAP Consultation Document. i Set a spawning target for the river i Identified the factors affecting the salmon population. i Suggested methods of addressing these limiting factors and i 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 Teifi.

2. BACKGROUND

The Atlantic salmon has been declining throughout its range across the North Atlantic 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: i Measures to increase the number of spawners by reducing legal and illegal exploitation (e.g. Byelaws) i Measure to improve environmental factors (water quality issues and sustainable land use) i Measures to improve salmon production (in stream habitat improvements and accessibility.

The Teifi valley area is rich in terms of its environmental value and diversity. The River Teifi is in particular good heart, which is reflected by its status as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). However, there is a The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan need to protect biodiversity, and we have a vital role to play with several species present in the area.

The Teifi is arguably the most productive salmon and sea trout fishery in Wales. However, over exploitation, either within the catchment or on the high seas is viewed by some as being a contributory factor in the perceived decline in salmon catches in recent years. The river supports a brown trout fishery, although like many fisheries within Wales many believe that the number of larger brown trout have declined in recent years.

During December 1997, the Teifi, ten major tributaries (R. Pilau, R. Cych and Dulais, R. Ceri, R. Tyweli and tributaries Gwddyl and Talog, R. Ceredin, R. Clettwr, R. Grannell, R. Dulais (Lampeter), R. Brefi, R. Brennig and its tributaries Groes and Berwyn), and the (Llyn Teifi, Llyn Hir, Llyn Gorlan, Llyn Bach and Llyn Egnant were notified as the Afon Teifi SSSI. Furthermore, its wider conservation status is illustrated by the recent designation and candidate Special Area for Conservation (cSAC) under the European Union, Habitats, and Species Directive. These designations afford additional protection for the river.

Salmon stocks in the River Teifi have remained stable through much of the 1990s with estimated spawning escapement of salmon attaining its optimal level for seven of the past ten years. This is in contrast to other rivers in the area, as well as nationally, where stocks have generally been assessed to fall below spawning targets more often than not.

While stocks generally remain at or about target levels set, some stock components do give cause for concern. Of particular concern is the decline in the pre-June salmon catch, which comprises of the larger Multi-Sea-Winter (MSW) salmon. These fish have continued to decline throughout the North Atlantic. This decline continues to cause grave concern despite measures by the Agency , predecessor organisations and Angling interests efforts to limit exploitation of this and other stock components.

Catches by the rod fishery have remained relative stable throughout the past 20 years in contrast to other rivers in the area, the five year average being some 557 salmon per year (Figure 1).

In contrast however the catches by the two net fisheries (seine and coracle) have continued to decline since peaking in the late 1960’s ( five year average >1,000) to reported catches now less than 200 salmon per year.

The catches of salmon especially multi-sea-winter salmon are likely to continue to fall in the proceeding years as the net fishery is no longer allowed to kill salmon before June 1st each year. MSW catches from the rod fishery however will not be affected as seriously, Angling is allowed to continue, however national bylaws prohibit the killing of any rod caught salmon before the 16th of June each year and have also banned worming for salmon to improve the survival of fish released by anglers during the Catch and Release season South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 Figure 1. River Teifi declared rod catch (1956 to 1999)

2000

1800 Rods 1600 5 year mean 1400

1200 1000 800 600

400 200 0 1956 1959 1962 1965 1968 1971 1974 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998

Figure 2. Reported total catch from seine and coracle net fisheries (1956 to 1999)

2000

1800

Coracle nets 1600 Seine nets 5 year mean 1400 n 1200

1000

800 Number of salmo

600

400

200

0 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 Year The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

3. CURRENT ACTIVITIES

A considerable amount of work has already been carried out to protect and improve salmon stocks within the Teifi catchment. A bulleted list of some of the work carried out in recent years is listed below:

• Enforcement remains the major issue in the area demanding the majority of Agency fisheries resources. Enforcement Officers (Bailiffs) police the legal net and rod fishery as well as the illegal fisheries to enforce fisheries legislation. ‘Hot spots’ for illegal fishing have been the estuary, Cilgerran gorge and lower freshwater reaches such as Cenarth falls during the summer, while activity is concentrated on the vulnerable tributaries during the winter. Recent successes include cases of illegal netting, the use of illegal instruments such as gaffs, snares and the deliberate foul hooking of fish.

• In 1997 the commissioning and validation of a hydro-acoustic fish counter at Llechryd on the lower river began. The collaborative project has secured funding from, Teifi Fishermens Federation, the Countryside Council for Wales, and the Agency through its Water Resource and R&D functions.

The counter will enable the Agency to evaluate the different runs of fish that enter the Teifi. This will include the timing of these runs, their size, exploitation rates, and importance in terms of contribution to the spawning stock. At present, it is not possible to distinguish between salmon and sea trout of a similar size using acoustic techniques and therefore precise discrimination between large early running sea trout and salmon may not be possible.

• In 1996, a reducing Net Limitation Order was put into place on the Teifi following a Public Enquiry. The Order reduces the number of nets available. Whilst the number of Coracle net licences available remains unaltered at 12, the number of seine net licences has been reduced from 6 to 4.

This order was sought after an in-depth review of the status of fish stocks. As the Teifi was largely compliant with its spawning target, the Agency sought to maintain exploitation at the current levels. When the Order was reviewed the average uptake was 10 Coracle licences and 4 seine net licences each year.

Unlike other catchments in West Wales no bylaws were sought to reduce exploitation by the rod fishery, as the NLO had sought to maintain the status quo.

• Evidence was provided by the International Council for Exploration of the Seas (ICES) at their annual conference in 1998, suggesting that marine pre-fishery abundance estimates for stocks of MSW salmon have declined below a threshold for sustainable exploitation. After direction from the Ministry, the Agency sought and has received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the National Assembly for Wales to introduce new National Byelaws to provide even greater protection of spring running salmon via tough controls on exploitation of both rod and net fisheries.

This effectively made it illegal to kill spring salmon. All salmon caught by the rod fishery before 16th June must be returned to the river alive. In addition to this there is South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 also a ban on worm fishing for salmon until after this date. Following extensive consultations and lobbying by Welsh fisheries, it was accepted that all methods for angling for sea trout could continue.

The National Byelaw also removed all net fisheries before 1st June. The Welsh Office (now National Assembly for Wales) however gave dispensation to certain fisheries which were deemed to be dependant on sea trout. This includes both the Teifi seine and Coracle fisheries. However both net fisheries must return alive any salmon caught before 1st June each year.

• The major potable water abstraction at Llechryd operated by Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water has been fitted with a fish exclusion screen to comply with section 14 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act.

In addition to the potable abstraction on the Teifi two fish farms on the R. Ceri have also upgraded their screening arrangements ensuring that neither farm stock can escape, or wild fish (smolts and adults) enter the farm. Both farms currently comply with Section 14 screening arrangements. The remaining three fish farms are not currently covered by the legislation as the waters they abstract from and discharge to are not frequented by migratory salmonids.

• In recent years, the Agency and a section of the angling community have promoted voluntary catch and release as a method of stock protection. This, in addition to the new byelaws, has resulted in the numbers of fish released increasing dramatically throughout Wales in recent years, and in 1999 the highest return rate yet was recorded in the Teifi with 193 salmon returned out of a total of 554 caught (35%). It is also noteworthy that anglers returned 1857 sea trout out of a total of 3809 (48%).

This is a very encouraging trend, with anglers increasingly showing restraint at a time when stock abundance is low. Moreover, Catch and Release is an effective management tool for the fishery manager enabling the sport fishery to exist whilst enhancing egg deposition.

• All the major angling associations on the Teifi, which between them control over 90% of the angling waters, have various voluntary conservation measures to limit over- exploitation including; method restrictions, bag limits, restricted access to favourable beats, and importantly the ban on the sale of rod caught fish.

• The Agency does not stock any migratory salmonids in the Teifi at present, and views the general current status of salmon stocks to be good. However, local angling interests have a small hatchery facility which is run by volunteers. The Agency has assisted the anglers efforts by collecting brood stock and the stocking out of fry and smolts.

• The economic and social benefits of angling cannot be overestimated especially in rural communities. The Agency sells 60,000 rod licences in Wales, plus 60,000 visiting anglers. In an independent survey carried out by the UK tourist board, it estimated tourists spent £18.2M on angling in Wales in 1998.

An Agency R&D case study carried out on the Teifi in 1998, estimated the annual The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

expenditure on the Teifi at £1.1 million, equivalent to 15 full time jobs dependant on angling on the Teifi.

• The independent Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review commissioned by Ministers to review policy and legislation applying or relevant to salmon and freshwater fisheries was published in March 2000 by MAFF for public consultation. The report contains 195 recommendations, and recognises the economic and social importance of fisheries and recommends:

There is a need to develop and improve methods to assess the socio-economic values of all recreational activities that are dependent upon the freshwater environment, and to investigate the impacts of all recreational activities on fish and the environment.

The Government, through its Agencies, should extend its research into the socio- economic aspects of salmon and freshwater fisheries in order to determine the contribution that these fisheries make to employment in England and Wales and their potential for creating further sustainable jobs through suitably targeted fisheries improvement and development work.’

• Since 1998 a project to revitalise the upper Teifi brown trout fishery has been undertaken by Curriad Caron Cyf, Tregaron Angling Association and Llandysul AA. The project has a number of themes but has identified some of the major impacts on salmonids in the upper reaches. It has shown that the areas in the upper catchment above Cors Caron and the tributaries on the eastern side of the catchment are suffering from episodic acidification. It has also highlighted a number of other water quality and environmental factors believed to be detrimental to the quality of the fishery. The aim of that project is broadly similar to the SAP in identifying factors and looking to create partnerships to resolve issues.

In addition to the investigations carried out, the Agency and its partners Curiad Caron Cyf and landowners have completed five habitat improvement schemes on the Teifi and tributaries. These have principally been the creation of buffer strips, fencing river banks to exclude livestock and planting up of the riparian strip. The work has been completed by Agency staff along with the New Deal Environmental Task Force managed by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and local fencing contractors.

Large scale habitat restoration projects remain one of the key aims of the Agency’s Fisheries function as a sustainable way of enhancing fish stocks. They however require commitment from many other parties including landowners and angling interests to progress them.

This Salmon Action Plan builds upon these achievements and sets out future proposals for the next five years. 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 South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 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 and 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 Teifi was based on an estimate of 2.9 million square metres or 296 hectares of accessible stream area, which equates to an annual egg deposition 11.9 million eggs (401 eggs per 100 m2). The spawning target model indicates that the declared rod catch that would equate to target level is approximately 554 salmon. This suggests that the target level is suitable as it represents 60% of the average long term rod catch, although this should be guarded as the current five year average is only some 557 fish, just compliant.

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

This is because the nature of the river had prevented the deployment of a fish counter. Since 1997 however , a fish counter has been installed at Llechryd and it is anticipated that this will play an increasingly important role in quantifying future stock abundance estimates sufficient to assess performance against the egg deposition target. This is of particular importance, given the recent background changes to exploitation rates and effort, through modifications to angling byelaws and varying effort.

Figure 3. river Teifi estimated egg deposition rates 1975 to 1999 The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

50,000,000 45,000,000 Eggs 1SW Eggs MSW Target 40,000,000 35,000,000 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000

Number of eggs 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 0 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 Year

Compliance is assessed by examining performance in blocks of three years, and by the use of two rules which describe compliance failure. These are: Rule a. Episodes may last not 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 Teifi from 1975 to 1999. It is clear from the model that although there are shortfalls in egg deposition in individual years (1976,1984,1989,1991,1995 and 1998) there are no compliance failures during the past 25 years.

It should be noted that compliance against the target has changed since the publication of the Consultation Teifi SAP. This is because the target setting methodology has been refined and improvements made to the various data sources underpinning the model. South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 5. ACTION PLAN SUMMARY TABLES

The following tables identify the actions needed over the next five years to protect and restore salmon stocks. The responsibility for completion of these actions does not rest with one organisation alone. Only through effective partnerships can we hope to make progress with this plan. All of these actions issues and actions are linked to the Teifi valley Local Environment Plan (LEAP) and the Working Environment for Wales document.

5.1 Fisheries Issues

5.1.1 Failures to achieve salmon spawning targets in some years and an apparent decline in the abundance of early running multi-sea winter fish

We will implement a programme of fisheries restoration from 2001, subject to identification of additional external funding.

There are a number of high seas fisheries (Greenland, Faeroe and Irish) that take salmon originating from Welsh rivers. These high seas fisheries are unable to discriminate between salmon stocks from different rivers and therefore pose a risk that exploitation is unsustainable. As a National issue this is discussed in the WEW report, Key Issue 6. Although there is little local action we can take to resolve this problem, we will continue to support control measures currently in place, including quotas and buy-outs, and make representations through MAFF to the UK and Irish Governments to phase out the Irish drift net fishery.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Implement recommendations of SAP to Agency / U appropriate timescales. Anglers / Fishery •••••• owners Improve monitoring of adult runs through Agency / TFF / 80 installation and validation of fish counter. CCW •••••• Carry out five year review of Agency / Local 1.5 effectiveness of NLO and local byelaws fisheries • at protecting fish stocks in West Wales Interests in 2002. Implement and monitor national salmon Agency / 1.2 byelaws to protect multi-sea winter Consultees • salmon stocks, and carry out five-year review in 2004. Through our education programme, Agency / 21 promote stock conservation measures, Angling •••••• especially those affecting early running Interests and fish, e.g. Catch and Release video and governing leaflet, promotion of our salmon bodies magazine, Glas-y-Dorlan, presentations to angling clubs and Gelli Aur The Welsh Game fair. Review feasibility of extending angling Agency / TFF 2.5 season using catch and release • methods following completion of counter validation. Continue to stock juvenile salmon. LAA / Agency 12.5 •••••• Prepare a bid through partnership to Agency / 4.3 seek external funding for a programme Angling •• of fisheries development. interests and governing bodies

5.1.2 Obstructions to migration of salmon and sea trout The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Identify, assess and prioritise temporary Agency / CCW / 2.5 obstructions to migration in the area. Fishery owners •••••• Carry out improvement programme Agency / CCW / U whilst paying due regard to conservation Fishery owners ••••• duties and other impacts on the environment (costs dependent on action 1).

5.1.3 Illegal fishing in the lower reaches and spawning tributaries continues to be a problem

. Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur Action (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Develop and implement an intelligence Agency / 13 led annual enforcement plan. NWNWSFC •••••• Develop and implement a scheme to Agency / 5.5 increase the provision of intelligence by NWNWSFC / •••••• anglers, fishery owners and general Anglers / Fishery public and other enforcement agencies owners / Other on illegal activities. enforcement agencies

Promote the awareness of illegal fishing Agency / 5.5 and its impact by publicising NWNWSFC •••••• enforcement successes and briefing influential parties. Continue rod licence enforcement Agency / 43 'blitzes'. Fishery owners ••••••

5.1.4 The impact of bird predation on fish stocks

A National R&D programme to assess the impact of these birds has now been completed. The report has shown that in some instances they may have an impact on fish stocks. We will consider carefully the R&D findings before implementing any recommendations.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Review findings of R&D report and Agency / 1 consult widely with key stakeholders and Anglers / CCW / • interested parties before implementing RSPB any recommendations in the area. South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 5.1.5 Some water Intakes may have inadequate screening arrangements

Under Section 14 of the Environment Act 1995, we require fish farms to be adequately screened to ensure that stock cannot escape from the farms and to prevent the accidental intake of both adult and juvenile migratory salmonids. Two fish farms in the catchment have suffered losses in recent years and both have instigated improvement programmes to minimise the risk of fish escaping in future. Other major intakes in the catchment such as the DCWW abstraction at Llechryd have been adequately screened. We will continue to enforce the Act in future and implement a monitoring programme to ensure that intakes are screened effectively and compliant with legislation.

Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur Action (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Implement agreed installation Fish farms / 2+ programme at Brongest and Rhydlewis Agency • fish farms. Implement programme of monitoring to Agency / Fish 5.5 determine compliance with legislation. farms / Other •••••• abstractors + Cost to fish farms.

5.2 Conservation and Habitat

It is becoming increasingly recognised that safe guarding physical habitat is an integral environmental component of managing salmon stocks within home waters. Changes in land practices, land drainage, flood elevation, agricultural practices and the spread of non- native plant species and disease have all had an impact within the Teifi valley. It should be noted that within Wales the Teifi is still remains one of the highest in terms of the habitat quality, nevertheless a range of activities and issues are highlighted he as impacting on fish and salmon stocks in the future.

5.2.1 The natural features and diversity of the River Dulas (Lampeter) have been affected by routine river management

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Costs 01 02 03 04 05 £k Review river management programme. Agency / CCW / 0.5 Landowners • Implement habitat creation and Agency / CCW 2 improvements compatible with • conservation objectives of river SSSI. Audit. Agency / CCW 0.2 •• The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

5.2.2 Disease of alder trees

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Carry out reactive surveys and collate Agency / FC / 1.6 sightings to assess extent of dead or Landowners / ••• diseased alders on riverbanks. CCW Provide advice on best practice to FC / Agency / 1.7 reduce the impact on bankside Landowners / •••• vegetation, in the light of current CCW / FRCA research. Implement schemes (e.g. coppicing, Agency / CCW / 7 tree planting and fencing) to Landowners •• regenerate bankside vegetation, in collaboration with key partners.

5.2.3 Degradation of river corridors and wetlands

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Review existing data and undertake Agency / CCW 3 appropriate surveys, where appropriate, •• to assess the physical features and conservation value of river corridors. Consider the development of a key to Agency / CCW 5 evaluate wetlands based on the National •• Vegetation Classification. Produce and implement a programme of Agency / 5 works, in collaboration with landowners Landowners / • and relevant organisations, to protect CCW / RSPB / valuable habitats and improve degraded WTWW habitats with particular regard to priority biodiversity species and habitats (see also Issue TE/5). Promote the protection and creation of Agency / CCW / 5 wetland habitats, including buffer zones RSPB / WTWW ••••• and ditches, throughout our operations / LAs (including those activities we carry out and those we consent, authorise or advise). Investigate the possibility of protecting Agency / CCW / 0.5 valuable bankside vegetation through LAs / FC / MAFF ••••• local byelaws (e.g. Tree Preservation Orders) and liaising with licensing authorities.

5.3 Agriculture

5.3.1 Increased threats of pollution from sheep dipping

On 1st January 1999 the Government implemented the Groundwater Regulations, which require the disposal of certain substances to be authorised. Sheep dip pesticides are one such group of substances and many sheep farmers have submitted applications. Those that are granted will be monitored. Inspection programmes will also identify those dips not covered by authorisations and, where necessary, enforcement action will be undertaken. Our education programme is currently being formulated and will include a substantial region-wide plan to change attitudes in order to reduce the numbers of sheep dip incidents. This plan will help enhance the campaign to increase awareness as described in action 3 below.

Investigations across Wales in 1997 and 1998 suggested widespread presence of sheep dip compounds in surface waters, with associated damage to invertebrate fauna. National South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 work relating to this issue is covered in the WEW report.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Carry out chemical and biological Agency 40 monitoring in vulnerable areas to identify •••••• where environmental impact occurs. Undertake visits to sheep dipping and Agency 61 disposal sites in areas identified from /1 •••••• above. Implement the campaigns to promote Agency / NFU / 2.5 safer practices and adherence to the FUW / CLA / •••••• Groundwater Regulations 1998, Farming specifically to encourage authorisations Organisations / for disposal of used dip and to ensure NAW / UK dipping facilities represent minimal risk Government of pollution.

5.3.2 Agricultural activities impact on river water quality and biology

Agricultural practices, particularly those resulting in discharges of wastes such as slurry and effluents from silage making, may have chronic, ongoing impacts on river water quality and biology. Agricultural waste storage and disposal activities present risks of acute more widespread impact from major spillages, such as from storage lagoon failures etc.

Our ongoing monitoring and inspections programmes have identified a possible problem within the catchment of the Morgenau. Although this tributary remains in River Ecosystem class 1, the data from BOD analyses indicate the possibility of an impact from an organic pollutant, possibly a farm waste. Further investigations are needed to identify the source of this problem.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Carry out additional biological and Agency / 5 chemical monitoring and pollution DCWW / Farm •••• prevention inspections to help eliminate owners the problem. The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

5.3.3 Threats to the environment from changing agricultural land-use practices, especially cropping

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Futur (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 e Encourage good practice by promotion Agency / MAFF 1.5 of MAFF’s booklet “Controlling Soil / NAW •••••• Erosion”. Use farm visits where appropriate to Agency 30 promote All Wales Agri Environment •••••• Scheme. Encourage good practice by promotion Agency / MGA 1.2 of the "Managing Maize" booklet, •••••• produced jointly by the Agency and the Maize Growers Association. Promote sustainable agricultural Agency / CeCC 0.5 practices in line with UDPs and / CaCC / PeCC ••••• Countryside Strategies, with particular reference to Tir Gofal and the All Wales Agricultural Strategy.

5.4 Water Quality, Acidification and Metal Mine Pollution

5.4.1 Surface water acidification in parts of the upper catchment causes several reaches to fail River Ecosystem class 1 water quality targets

National work relating to this issue is covered in the WEW report, specifically in Chapter 4 ‘State of the Environment’, Section 4.4 ‘Health of the Environment’ (page 75), and as Key Issues 10 ‘The impact of diffuse pollution’ and 17 ‘Unsustainable land use’. Other related Key Issues are 2 and 3, which cover air quality and critical loads. Therefore actions required to reduce acid gas emissions at a National or International level will not be included in this SAP. National R&D findings were implemented through discussion with the Forestry Commission during 1999/2000. Revised guidelines are to be issued in due course.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Ensure protocol agreed by Forestry Agency / FC / 1.4 Commission / Agency for forestry design FE / Forest ••••• • plans in sensitive areas is followed to owners control new planting and restocking by reinstating procedures. Implement revised guidelines, once FC / Agency / 4 published, through pollution prevention FE / Forestry •••• • activities. industry Contribute to an All Wales Acid Waters Agency / FC / 2 Strategy to reverse the effect of surface FE / CCW / •• water acidification by identifying sites in NAW / the area as candidates for ameliorative Landowners / action. Fishery owners South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 5.4.2 Forestry felling in parts of the Teifi Valley could lead to water pollution/siltation problems

Forestry felling may have a number of impacts including on water quality, habitat diversity, water resources and flood defence. If good practice is not followed then there is a risk of unsustainable land use, as described in Key Issue 17 in the WEW report.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Establish location of sites and notify Agency / Forest 1 owners of potential problems. owners • Review and reinstate procedures for Agency / FC / 2.5 consultation via FC Public Register and FE ••••• Forest Plans to allow comments to be made on harvesting proposals by March 2001.

5.4.3 Disused metal mines in the upper catchment are causing ecological impacts

The impact of abandoned metal mine discharges on the rivers in the area are of concern, however the solutions needed to solve the issue often requires significant financial resources. We will work with other organisations to develop a prioritised remediation plan for these mine discharges. We will also seek opportunities to secure funding in partnership with others to enable actual implementation of these plans. Until any additional funding is secured, it is unlikely that any improvements will take place on the ground.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Use the output from the Regional metal Agency / LAs / 4.1 mines survey and local information to CCW / WDA / ••••• • produce a priority list of abandoned Landowners / MI metal mine sites where remedial action / CCs may be appropriate. Develop a list of appropriate solutions on LAs / Agency / 53 a site specific basis. WDA ••••• • Prepare bids through partnership to seek Agency / LAs / 5 external funding for remedial measures. WDA ••••• •

5.5 Abstraction

5.5.1 Balancing public water supplies against future demands

We have worked closely with DCWW in the production of its water resources plans. These plans assess the reliability of water supplies and the likely demand that may occur over the next 25 years. They also indicate the likely actions DCWW may take to meet these demands, based on the cost and impact of schemes such as new abstractions, enhanced leakage and pressure control, or demand management. To ensure fair comparison, schemes are considered by looking at the capital, operational, environmental and social costs, over their lifetime. The River Teifi Salmon Action Plan

Within this area DCWW supplies water to one supply zone. This will require action to meet forecast demands within the lifetime of this LEAP. DCWW proposes to transfer water between sources to meet these demands.

We will continue to help DCWW refine its plans to ensure future demands are met in a sustainable way. These solutions, whether to reduce demand or increase supplies, will be carefully assessed to ensure they provide the lowest overall impact, cost and lowest risk. New abstractions will only be granted when any concerns have been adequately satisfied.

Our education programme is being formulated and will include a campaign to persuade water users to reduce their water consumption.

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost £k 01 02 03 04 05 Review and refine plans to ensure DCWW / Agency 7 appropriate and timely steps are taken to / OFWAT ••••• • progress schemes with least overall impact, cost and lowest risk with which to meet future demands. Carry out projects to test the reliability Agency / 35 and cost of demand management DCWW ••••• • options. Progress proposed solution to DCWW / Agency 4 implementation. ••••• •

5.5.2 The impact of existing abstraction licences and any potential additional abstraction on the Teifi and its tributaries is unknown

Action Responsibility Agency 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ Future (Lead in Bold) Cost 01 02 03 04 05 £k Develop and apply abstraction licensing Agency / 13 policy to assess impact of existing and DCWW •• future abstraction. Assess the impact of reduced flows on Agency / 10 the fisheries and ecology of the Teifi CCW ••• below Llechryd abstraction.

Key to abbreviations in Table Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning CLA Country Landowners Association MAFF Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food CCW Country side Council for Wales MGA Maize Growers Association DCWW Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water NASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation FAW Forestry Authority Wales NASF North Atlantic Salmon Fund FC Forest Commission NAW National Assembly for Wales NFU National Farmers’ Union FE Forest Enterprise NWNWSFC North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committees FRCA Farming and rural Conservation Agency OFWAT Office of Water Services FUW Farmers’ Union of Wales TFF Teifi Fishermens Federation FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group WDA Welsh Development Agency LAs Local Authorities WEW A working Environment for Wales LAA Llandysul Angling Association WTWW Wildlife Trust West Wales LO Land Owners

6. MANAGEMENT OF THE ACTION PLAN South West Wales Fisheries Ecology and Recreation, 2000 The production of the Teifi SAP closely follows the conclusion of the consultation process for the Teifi Valley Area LEAP. The LEAP document deals with the wider environmental issues, encompassed by the Agency’s remit and includes all the main issues covered in this SAP document relating to salmon. It is reasonable therefore to monitor progress with the Teifi SAP as part of the annual LEAP review process. Namely, annual reports will be made to the Area Environment Group and to the local fishery group.