A new fish pass to help migrating fish on the River Alyn has been opened by Environment Agency Wales.
The new fish pass at Caergwrle Weir, was completed in September 2011 and aims to help improve fish stocks in the River Alyn.
It was opened by North Wales Assembly Member, Aled Roberts.
Removing man-made barriers
The Alyn, a tributary of the River Dee, has several historic man-made barriers, which have prevented fish from moving upstream to spawn, resulting in fewer fish in the river.
As a result of this, the river is failing to meet the ecological standards required by the European Union’s Water Framework Directive, largely due its fish population.
The new fish pass has been built as part of the Agency’s ‘Salmon for tomorrow’ project, funded by the European Fisheries Fund and the Welsh Government.
The new pass will allow migratory fish to travel upstream on the Alyn to spawn, which will increase the fish population and improve the river’s ecological status.
Alan Winstone, Environment Agency Wales said:
“The construction of the fish pass at Caergwrle has opened up 22km of habitat for juvenile and spawning fish, and will benefit species such as salmon, trout and eels that rely on a healthy river corridor.
“Tackling barriers for fish migration is a key factor in helping us meet new EU standards for rivers and the fisheries which depend on them.
“Fisheries such as the Alyn make a positive contribution to communities in Wales and we will continue to work with all partners to ensure that they are sustainable for the future.”
Aled Roberts, AM for North Wales said:
“The Environment Agency has been carrying out important clean-up work in our rivers.
“The removal of physical barriers is a most welcome development, especially in relation to an increase in fish stocks.
“I am delighted to have been asked to open the Caergwrle Fish Pass on the beautiful River Alyn - it is a testament to ongoing progress in North Wales.”
The new fish pass at Caergwrle Weir, was completed in September 2011 and aims to help improve fish stocks in the River Alyn.
It was opened by North Wales Assembly Member, Aled Roberts.
Removing man-made barriers
The Alyn, a tributary of the River Dee, has several historic man-made barriers, which have prevented fish from moving upstream to spawn, resulting in fewer fish in the river.
As a result of this, the river is failing to meet the ecological standards required by the European Union’s Water Framework Directive, largely due its fish population.
The new fish pass has been built as part of the Agency’s ‘Salmon for tomorrow’ project, funded by the European Fisheries Fund and the Welsh Government.
The new pass will allow migratory fish to travel upstream on the Alyn to spawn, which will increase the fish population and improve the river’s ecological status.
Alan Winstone, Environment Agency Wales said:
“The construction of the fish pass at Caergwrle has opened up 22km of habitat for juvenile and spawning fish, and will benefit species such as salmon, trout and eels that rely on a healthy river corridor.
“Tackling barriers for fish migration is a key factor in helping us meet new EU standards for rivers and the fisheries which depend on them.
“Fisheries such as the Alyn make a positive contribution to communities in Wales and we will continue to work with all partners to ensure that they are sustainable for the future.”
Aled Roberts, AM for North Wales said:
“The Environment Agency has been carrying out important clean-up work in our rivers.
“The removal of physical barriers is a most welcome development, especially in relation to an increase in fish stocks.
“I am delighted to have been asked to open the Caergwrle Fish Pass on the beautiful River Alyn - it is a testament to ongoing progress in North Wales.”