Alix
Bell - 20-Sep-2006 - Salmon and sea trout have
been given a boost with the completion of improvement
works on an important tributary of the River Ribble
in Lancashire.
The Environment Agency teamed
up with the Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust
to create a series of low stone weirs and off-stream
spawning channels in the River Dunsop at Dunsop
Bridge.
The weirs are designed to help
gravel build up to provide more spawning areas
in the main channel. They will also create a more
diverse habitat for young salmon and sea trout.
The off-stream channels have
a pool riffle sequence, which varies the speed
of the water flow within the river. These riffles
have been seeded with spawning gravel for salmon,
sea trout and brown trout. The channels also increase
the nursery area for young fish.
Andy Brown, fisheries team leader
for the Environment Agency in Lancashire, said:
"In recent years the River Dunsop has suffered
a loss of spawning grounds, which in turn has
resulted in less egg being laid and consequently
a lower salmon and sea trout fish population.
"We are confident that
the steps we have taken will go some way to overcome
these losses over the coming years."
The Ribble Catchment Conservation
Trust has completed similar works on Langden Brook
at Dunsop Bridge. This comprises low stone weirs
and off-stream spawning channels designed to replace
gravel lost from the main stream and increase
the areas available to fish for spawning. This
is part of the Trusts’ ongoing programme of habitat
improvements to restore the streams and rivers
of the Ribble Catchment to their former high standard.
