In a press release the Environment Agency state:
The South Coast Sea Trout Action Plan aims to deliver on the ground improvements to rivers and streams that are critical for sea trout across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It details what the Environment Agency, working with other partners, will do to improve those habitats critical for the long term success of sea trout.
The Environment Agency, working with the Wild Trout Trust and Atlantic Salmon Trust, has pledged to improve river flows and water quality, address obstructions to fish passage and restore degraded habitats, particularly critical spawning tributaries and headwater streams. The plan also sets out measures to protect sea trout from illegal fishing, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and learn more about the behaviour, lifecycle and genetics of this enigmatic species.
The measures will make a significant contribution to improving the state of rivers across the South East. It will involve working with fishing clubs, businesses, landowners, local authorities and NGOs to conserve this iconic species for future generations.
Lawrence Talks, Environment Agency Fisheries Specialist for the South East, said: “The Environment Agency, working with partners, is investing over £3million this year in improving rivers across the South East, and much of that work will directly benefit sea trout.
“Sea trout are magnificent fish which act as a barometer of the health of our rivers. Unfortunately, their numbers have declined in recent years, but with greater awareness and more investment, such as the £1.2million we have secured to improve river habitat and address obstructions to fish passage on the Sussex Ouse and Adur, we hope they will have a brighter future.”
Shaun Leonard, Director of the Wild Trout Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Atlantic Salmon Trust and we will be joining forces with local river and fishery interests to deliver practical habitat improvement schemes that will make a real difference to our rivers and their special sea trout stocks along the south coast.”
Ivor Llewelyn, The Atlantic Salmon Trust’s Director for England and Wales, said: “There is a great deal that we do not know about these enigmatic fish, and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Environment Agency and the Wild Trout Trust to improve our understanding of their behaviour and of the threats they face, not least from a changing climate.”
If you want to help in practical projects the Wildlife Trusts have an excellent volunteering programme and the Association of Rivers Trusts will be able to put you in touch with your local rivers trust. Visit www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk for more information.
To find out more, the South Coast Sea Trout Action Plan can be found at: www.atlanticsalmontrust.org www.wildtrout.org or www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish
