South and West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee 2nd April, 1979
Item Type monograph
Publisher North West Water Authority
Download date 29/09/2021 02:12:57
Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/27041 North West Water
Dawson House, Great Sankey Warrington WA5 3LW Telephone Penketh 4321
F2/A22 26th March, 1979
To: Members of the South and West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee: (Messrs W.F. Hobson (Chairman); F. Bunting; E.H. Fleming Smith; A. Gleaden; J.M. Mawson; S.G. Payne; G.B. Sedgwick; R.J.W. Slack; CS.N.F. Wingate; E. Young and the Chairman of the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee (T .A .F . Barnes) (ex officio)).
Dear Sir,
A meeting of the SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE w ill be held at 2 .3 0 p.m. on MONDAY, 2ND APRIL, 1979, at the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ALLERDALE DISTRICT COUNCIL, HOLMEWOOD, EGREMONT ROAD, COCKERMOUTH, for consideration of the following business.
Yours faithfully,
G. W. SHAW,
Director of Administration.
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the last meeting (enclosed herewith along with the Minutes of the meeting of the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee held on 15th February, 1979).
3. River Derwent Estuary and Coastal Environs Water Quality Survey 1978.
4. Calendar of Meetings 1979-80.
5. Proposed change of title for the Committee.
6. Ravenglass Salmon Garth, South West Cumbria.
7. Fisheries Income and Expenditure.
8. Long Term Objectives for Inland River Water Quality.
9. Report by Area Fisheries Officer on Fisheries Activities.
10. Any Other Business. P3/A3 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL,1979
RIVER DERWENT ESTUARY AND COASTAL ENVIRONS WATER QUALITY SURVEY 1978
1. Concern has been expressed over recent years that the condition of the Derwent Estuary and the adjacent coastal waters endangers the safe passage of migratory fish into the freshwater reaches of the catch ment. In consequence of this, on 5th July, 1978 a survey was under taken at intervals during the flood and ebb of a medium height tide.
2. The survey was planned with the following main purposes in mind:-
(i) To monitor the variations in dissolved oxygen concentrations during a tidal cycle, and at the same time, identify the major organic discharges which are likely to be significant factors in establishing the oxygen regime.
(ii) To compare and enhance the data collected and reported by MAFF in August 1958.
(iii) To identify the sources of toxic constituents and make a pre liminary assessment of their distribution and effect upon fish life and their food supplies.
(iv) To gather sufficient information to plan water quality strategy for the estuary for future years.
3. Five sampling stations were set up within the estuary itself, and an additional nine stations were located offshore and along the coastline, stretching from just north of the estuary mouth to a point on the southern side of the (British Steel) outfall. A small number of samples were also taken from the outfalls of the eight major discharges.
4. To supplement the chemical data, and acquire preliminary information concerning the effect of toxic constituents on marine fauna; rainbow trout, which were acclimatised in sea water in advance of the survey, were put into cages and placed offshore near a major industrial outfall. These fish soon died since at low water the chosen location of the cages appears to have suffered the full effects of the undiluted effluent plume. Rapid mixing and dispersion may have occurred beyond this location.
Although a detailed technical report is being prepared, a prelim inary examination of the chemical data has highlighted a number of areas for further investigation before firm recommendations can be made on any improvements. These areas are, as follows:- -2-
(i) Dissolved oxygen regime - Evidence has suggested that the incoming tide, carrying upstream previously discharged effluent loads from the coastal outfalls and the lower estuary, did cause a slight sag in the dissolved oxygen profile within the estuary but the minimum concentration remained well above that which /' would be harmful to migratory fish.
(ii) Levels of toxic constituents - Low concentrations of cyanide and monohydric phenols were detected in the estuary on some of the sampling events, which suggests that since these substances were not present in the freshwater flow, tracking of the effluent along the coastline was occurring.
(iii) Discharge load inputs - The very 1 imited number of samples ./ analysed indicate the large variability in the concentrations of constituent substances from the eight major effluent outfalls. This emphasises the need for more data to provide a more accurate estimate of loads discharged.
(iv) Effects upon fauna and flora - This is a more difficult area. Although the caged fish experiments demonstrated severe toxicity near an effluent discharge, further investigations require careful consideration and planning.
6. To summarise, the 1978 water quality survey has identified a number of factors which require further investigation. There is at this stage no strong evidence that conditions in the estuary are such as to be harmful to migratory fish. A further survey has been planned for 1979 and this will provide additional information and contribute towards an understanding of the total estuarial situation. F1/B27 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL, 1979
CALENDAR OF MEETINGS 1979-80
1. On 5th March, 1979, the Policy and Resources Committee approved a draft calendar of meetings for the Authority, Committees and Sub-Committees for the "Authority Year" from June, 1979 for submission to the Authority for consideration at its Annual Meeting on 18th June, 1979, in accordance with Rule 1(3) of the Rules of the Authority.
2. The dates proposed for meetings of the Regional and Local Fisheries Advisory Committees are set out in the appendix hereto for infor mation. Any variations made at the Annual Meeting w ill be notified to members. F1/B30 APPENDIX
REGIONAL AND LOCAL FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEES
CALENDAR OF MEETINGS 1979-80.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TIME AND DATE OF MEETING
Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 20th June, 1979 South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m. Monday 25th June, 1979 Eden and District 2.30 p.m. Tuesday 26th June, 1979 South Lancashire 2.30 p. m. Wednesday 27th June, 1979 Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m. Monday 2nd July, 1979 REGIONAL 2.15 p.m. Monday 16th July, 1979
South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m. Monday 15th October, 1979 Eden and District 2.30 p.m. Tuesday 16th October, 1979 South Lancashire 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 17th October, 1979 Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m. Monday 22nd October, 1979 Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 24th October, 1979 REGIONAL 2.15 p.m. Monday 12th November, 1979
South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m. Monday 7th January, 1980 Eden and District 2.30 p.m. Tuesday 8th January, 1980 South Lancashire 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 9th January, 1980 Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m. Monday 14th January, 1980 Mersey and Weaver, 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 16th January, 1980 REGIONAL 2.15 p.m. Monday 4th February, 1980
South and West Cumberland 2.30 p.m. Monday 31st March, 1980 Eden and Distr ict 2.30 p.m. Tuesday 1st April, 1980 South Lancashire 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 2nd April, 1980 Mersey and Weaver 2.30 p.m. Wednesday 9th Apr il, 1980 Lune, Wyre and Furness 2.30 p.m. Monday 14th Apr il, 1980 REGIONAL 2.15 p.m. Monday 28th April, 1980 F2/A7 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL 1979
PROPOSED CHANGE OF TITLE FOR THE COMMITTEE
1. At the meeting of the Authority on 3rd December, 1973, (Minute No. 44(b)) the present five Fisheries Advisory Committees were established, this Committee being given the title of "South and West Cumberland".
2. The name of the Advisory Committee has remained unchanged since then although upon reorganisation of local government on 1st April, 1974, the area served by the Committee became part of Cumbria.
3. The fishery interests represented by the Committee comprise those in the central and western areas of Cumbria and at the meeting on 15th February, 1979, the Regional Committee considered whether it might now be more appropriate for the Committee's title to be changed to "Central and West Cumbria" but before making a decision, invited the Advisory Committee's views. F2/A16 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL 1979
RAVENGLASS SALMON GARTH - SOUTH WEST CUMBRIA
1. On 22nd January, 1979, (Minute No. 19) the Committee considered an application from the Agents for Muncaster Castle Estates, the owners and licensees of the Garth, for a reduction in the annual licence duty of £130, payable in respect of the Garth.
2. The Committee's recommendation that there should be no reduction in the existing licence duty was endorsed by the Regipnal Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee and subsequently approved by the Authority on 19th March, 1979.
3. The Agents for the Muncaster Castle Estates have been informed of the Authority's decision and this Committee's observations. F2/A5 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL 1979
FISHERIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
1. The Committee w ill have noted from Minute No. 40 of the Minutes of the meeting of the Regional Committee held on 15th February, 1979, the recommendations in relation to new licence duties made to the Policy and Resources Committee which were subsequently agreed by the Authority on 19th March, 1979.
2. The reasons for the Regional Committee reluctantly recommending Option 1 in preference to Option 2 are set out in Minute No. 40.
3. It is intended to publish the necessary not ices of the Authority's intention to fix the new duties in accordance with Option 1, in appropriate newspapers during the week commencing 26th March, 1979. F2/A6 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL 1979
LONG TERM OBJECTIVES FOR INLAND RIVER WATER QUALITY
1. On 22nd January, 1979, (Minute No. 18), the Committee recommended:
"(1) That a staged programme of spending be devised in order that the Authority's progress towards achievement of the long term objective may be monitored."
11 (2) That the long term objectives for the River Keekle and Dubwath Beck be reconsidered with the aim of achieving a higher standard."
2. On 15th February, 1979 (Minute No. 39) the Regional Committee endorsed (2) above for submission to the Water Management Committee on 14th May, 1979. However, the Regional Committee felt unable to accept (1) above being of the opinion that the Authority should not be tied down to a programme which it might be impossible to achieve in view of the variability of financial constraints over a long period. F2/A8 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
SOUTH AND WEST CUMBERLAND FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2ND APRIL 1979
REPORT BY THE AREA FISHERIES OFFICER ON FISHERIES ACTIVITIES
1. RIVER CONDITIONS AND FISHING
An extended spate in early December made the counting of redds difficult, but allowed late spawning fish to make their way well up into the headwaters.
Coarse fishing was rendered distinctly unpopular by the intensely cold weather. Even pike fishermen were exceptionally scarce and no worthwhile catches were reported.
Salmon fishing on the Derwent had not really got underway by early March as the weather persistently deterred fishermen and it appeared that very few fish had entered the river. No catches have been r e p o r te d .
2 . HOLMWRANGLE HATCHERY
(i) Stock Year Hatched 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974
Border Esk Sea-Trout 3157 Northumbrian Sea-Trout 376 177 Kincardine Salmon 4459 Wye Salmon 6725 Eden Salmon 4788 Rainbow Trout 4294 38 Brown Trout 22809 8809 1879
(ii) General Comment
Poor water quality in the supply beck caused a few m ortalities in ova and fry during January and this combined with air temperatures of -13*C to -15*C, causing freezing of the supply feeder streams, required the almost continuous use of the borehole throughout the period.
Gill infections in the 1977 brown trout were alleviated by the use of drugs. As anticipated the hatching of the Northumbrian sea-trout has not been very good so far. Yolk sac deformities in the salmon fry have occurred this year, as last year. They have not caused very great losses so far, but high mortalities may occur due to starvation in the near future.
Growth rates during the period have been quite good despite the low water temperatures, with the exception of some of the salmon yearlings. The major difficulty has been attributed to the water-wheel feeders which are proving unsuitable to dispense the high oil salmon food. Two surplus fry troughs have been plumbed into the hatchery su p p ly and a re now o p e r a tio n a l.
(iii) Fish Distributed
60 Brown T ro u t 6-7" on 6.12.78 to Lancaster University 50 Brown Trout 8" on 2.02.79 to Lancaster University 30 Brown Trout 4" on 2 .0 2 .7 9 to Lancaster University 200 Brown Trout 8" on 2 1 .0 2 .7 9 to Endmoor A.A., Kendal 000+ Kincardine Salmon eyed ova on 31.01.79 to NWWA Hatchery, M id d le to n
RESTOCKING BY ANGLING ASSOCIATIONS
A consent was issued for the introduction of 20,000 rainbow trout ova to a commercial hatchery.
PREDATORS
During Spring the B ailiffs will be carrying out a survey of resident pairs and broods of mergansers and goosanders.
POLLUTION INCIDENTS AND/OR FISH MORTALITIES
(i) River Ellen, Aspatria;
An oral report will be presented to the Committee on organic pollution of the River Ellen downstream of Aspatria.
(ii) River Ehen;
On 20th February, 1979, at Cleator, it was found that vandals had discharged about 100 gallons of diesel oil into a tributary of the River Ehen. An extensive oil slick which formed on the surface of the River Ehen lasted for more than 24 hours but the river suffered no apparent harm.
FISH DISEASE
Numbers of diseased kelts have been seen in all rivers but losses appear to be no worse than in recent years.
YEARL WEIR FISH COUNTER
The counter was brought fully into use early January and since then has achieved an apparently reliable count of f ish over about 41bs., 30 of which had been counted by 4th March. Unfortunately the formation of an interm ittent standing wave has caused extensive inaccuracies in the count of smaller fish. This problem will be rectified as soon as river conditions allow. -3-
8. CHAR - ENNERDALE WATER
At the last meeting of the Committee the Area Fisheries Officer reported that a sample of 40 char were taken from Ennerdale Water for biological research. For the information of the Committee the investigations being carried out on these fish are:-
1. Serum protein analysis to determine racial differences between char populations - Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
2. Cataloguing of crustacean parasites particularly a rare type which is thought to occur on char - Freshwater Biologocal Association.
3. Student project on ecology of char - Lancaster University.
At the present time a survey is being conducted by the Authority to assess the char population in Ennerdale Water. However, it will be some time before this survey can be completed.
9. NET AND ROD CATCH RETURNS - 1978 SEASON
A summary of the monthly net and rod returns submitted to the Authority for 1978 are shown on the Appendix to this report. Details for rod licences are based on a 25.6% return. Approximately 8,000 salmon and migratory trout licences were sold and 2,047 returns have been received.
10. SUMMARY OF PROSECUTIONS
Name and Address Offence River Court Fine
John Adams, taking salmon and Derwent Workington £50 13 Mitchell Ave., migratory trout 7.9.78 6.2.79 Northside, otherwise than by Workington means of a licensed instrument
using a net in a Derwent Workington £50 prohibited area 7.9.78 6.2.79
taking salmon in the Derwent Workington £50 annual close season 7.9.78 6.2.79
taking migratory Derwent Workington £50 trout in the annual 7.9.78 6.2.79 close season
illegal mesh size Derwent Workington £50 7.9.78 6.2.79 -4-
Name and Address Offence River Court Fine
William Leonard taking salmon and Derwent Workington £50 Foster, migratory trout 7.9.78 6.2.79 37 Trinity Drive, otherwise than by Northside, means of a licensed Workington. instrument
using a net in a Derwent Workington £50 prohibited area 7.9.78 6.2.79
taking salmon in the Derwent Workington £50 annual close season 7.9.78 6.2.79
taking migratory Derwent Workington £50 trout in the annual 7.9.78 6.2.79 close season
illegal mesh size Derwent Workington £50 7.9.78 6.2.79
James Joseph throwing stones to Cocker Cockermouth £50 Cullen, facilitate the 21.9.78 26.2.79 9 Brooklands Ave., taking or killing of Maryport, salmon, trout or Cumbria. freshwater fish
refusing to state Cocker Cockermouth £50 name and address 21.9.78 26.2.79
refusing to allow Cocker Cockermouth £50 a Water Bailiff to 21.9.78 26.2.79 search a container
Ross Murdoch, throwing stones to Cocker Cockermouth £50 13 Church Terrace, facilitate the 21.9.78 26.2.79 Maryport. taking of salmon, trout or freshwater fish
refusing to allow Cocker Cockermouth £50 Water Bailiff to 21.9.78 26.2.79 search a container
Michael Thompson, using a spear for Cocker Cockermouth £75 21 Goat Road, the purpose of 26.8.78 26.2.79 Cockermouth. taking or killing salmon, trout or freshwater fish
fishing for salmon, Cocker Cockermouth Absolute trout or freshwater 26.8.78 26.2.79 discharge f ish other than by means of a licensed instrument - 5 -
Name and A d d ress O ffen ce River Court F in e
Michael Thompson, fishing for salmon Cocker Cockermouth £25 21 Goat Road, or trout during the 26.8.78 26.2.79 Cockermouth. weekly close time
II refusing to allow a Cocker Cockermouth £50 Water B ailiff to 26.8.78 26.2.79 search vehicle -PPENDIX NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
MONTHLY SALMON CATCHES - ROD AND LINE - 1978 SEASON
Average
Jan• Feb. Mar. Apr Mav June...... Julv ..... Sent.-- Or±.----- TOTAL height River No. wt. No. Wt. No. wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No0 Wt. No. wt. (l£>s.)
Border Esk (Eng.) 8 894 3 27l 5 554 2 25l 2 15 2 18 11 72l 33 2994 9 694 75 672 8.96 Eden 50 705 91 lOfel 172 20204 :.151 1,207 ?o 7291 27 3064 32 2^54 66 S 67I 94 919 109 1083l 862. 88474 10.26
Derwent - - 1 - - 2 2*4 2 13 3 16 4l 3211 160 13714 152 13^94 112 11304 *+73 42414 8.97 Cocker 1 6 z 14 29 2154 29 2331 18 153 79 6234 7.90 Ellen 2 81 13 781 14 S9l 29 1761 6.09 Ehen ------1 6i 12 7^1 3^ 2354 21 1364 7 50 75 503 6.71 Calder ------5 391 5 324 7 51 4 261 21 1494 7.13 Irt 4 25* 12 731 33 2301 13 1184 17 1404 79 .5881 7.^5 Annas 2 13 3 281 - - 5 4ll 8.30
Esk ------... -- - 2 17 5 521 2 16 9 851 9.50
Duddon - -- - 1 4 -- — - - - 2 184 2 91 2 15 7 ^74 6.75 Leven - - -— - 1 10 - - T --- 6. 33i 16 1264 5 3^4 28 2081 7.^5 Kent - - - - 8 79l 5 594 - 4 231 24 1504 85- 460^ 69 4221 24 140 219 1336 6.10 Bela 3 l H - 3 144 k.75 Lune - - 1 12* 8 88 11 1164 9 65 ‘11 84 37 282I Ikk 11885 238 2152 161 1512 620 5500i 8.87 Ribble -- 1 5 11 127 4 584 L2 155 8 671 20 1834 58 ^774 98 8464 92 7991 30427191 8.93 Hodder 2 121 7 k7 17 173 ko 3954 66 6274 9.51 Wyre - 1 5 1 11 6ll 11 58 24 129 5.38 TOTALS 50 705 102. 1185J 203 23^64 179 1531^ 95 9884 61 5524 190 14194 647 49944 824 70714 627 57164 2 978 26512* 8.90 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
MONTHLY MIGRATORY TROUT CATCHES - ROD AND LINE - 1978 SEASON
Average May June July Aug. Sept. • Oct TOTAL River Weight No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. Wt. No. wt. No. Wt. (Lbs.)
Border Esk(Eng.) 10 16 109 1901 29^ *+26£ 307 5 H | 108 185* 2k ifO£ 852 l,370f 1.6 1 Eden 8 1*+ 95 l64^ 232 *f07l 163 265 9k 153i 32 i+7l 62k l,05ll l. 68
Derwent - - 6 9l 39 75l ^7 79 23 27% 7 H 122 196 1.6 1
Cocker ------2 *4 ■ - - - - 2 - ^ 2.25
Ellen - - -- 2 2 10 9 9 10I 3 51 2k 27 1.13 Ehen 1 il if 81 10 181 77 106ij: 37 k5 8 12 137 19li l.ko Calder - - - - 1 3? 3 6-J 1 2 3 7 141 2.07 Irt - - -- - 2k 63i 35 7k 11 2^1 if 7 7^ 168^ 2.28 Esk - -- - 21 55 69 961 62 92^ 3 61 155 250£ 1.6 1
Duddon - - 2 7 13 27 21-J 11 ll£ 2 31 k9 51 1.04 Leven - ■- 3 7i 16 261 60 89i 32 36 13 13 12k 1721 1.39 Kent l i 7 Si 38 73 121 20?i 87 163^ 17 17* 271 468-J 1.73 Lune 23 115 196£ 278 533| W 91^1 370 6051 101 137 1.384 2k20% 1.75 Others Northern Area - - y 5* 6 6* 31 if ^ 22 27 3 ll 65 tiki 1.30 Ribble - - 7 5* 12 171 k7 8 ^ 3k 65I 13 27i 113 200 1.77
Hodder - - 8 13* 33 71 96 1921 66 130$ 18 221 kk9i 2.04
Wyre - - 1 ll n 8 10J 8 ill 1 i 22 31 1.41 TOTALS k3 651 560 611 1017 I799i 1600 2716£ 975 15911 251 369 42.44 7153 1.68 NORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY
MONTHLY SALMON CATCHES -NETS AND FIXED ENGINES - 1978 SEASON
February March April May June Jul;r August Sept 'Aver Total Wt No. Wt No. WT No. WT No. WT No. wt No. wt. No. wt No. Wt lbs No. Wt t
Eden & Esk - - 8 82 65 668 145 1,380 358 5,392 731 5,100 669 5,614 39 358 8.24 2,015 16, 59*+
Coastal Drift ---- - ■ - 3 20 17 121 240 1,542 204 1,573 - - 7.02 464 3,256
South 8c West -“- - -- ■ - -- 66 > 11 28 222 - 6.73 94 633 Cumbria !» Duddon ------~ 8 67j 35 zkft 29 212 - - 7o32 72 527
Leven --“ - - • 1 10j 5 if2j 74 574£ 9 63 - - 7»76 89 690f
Kent ------30 290j 117 1,072i- 174 1,167^ 53 372J - 7.76 374 2,903
Lune - - -- 2 19£ 116 1,202i 550 *,972fc 1,760 12,63*4 1,466 11, 464J - - 7o78 3,894 30,2933
Ribble ------28 327 48 469j 202 2,015I 41 391 - - 10.04 319 3,203
Total __ ' 8 82 67 323 3,230i 1,10 3 10,137i 3,282 53,692J 2,499 19,912i 39 358 7.94 7,321 58,10Ch