Tyne Angler Scale Sampling Programme. November 2011

[Editor]

River Tyne Salmon and Sea Trout Upstream Movement during November 2011

The upstream count for November 2011 was 3,304 and is the fourth highest in our records; the highest (9,242) was recorded in 2003. The 2011 count was 1703 higher than the 5 year average (1,601) but 309 lower the 15 year average (2,995). The upstream count for 2011 up to the end of November was 35,964 which is the fifth highest total for the period January through to November; the highest (48,668) was recorded in 2004. The highest daily counts were recorded on 1st, 2nd and 13th November, with 513, 309 and299 being recorded respectively. The upstream count for December up to approximately 10:00 on the 2nd was 0.

The majority of the upstream counts were recorded between 8am and 2pm, while the fewest counts were recorded between 4pm to 6am. The timing of when upstream counts were being recorded in 2011 is similar to what has been observed in previous Novembers with the vast majority of counts being recorded during the day. Looking closely at the count data indicated that almost all the counts recorded during the period 5pm and 7am occurred at the start of the month water temperatures were much higher. Once the river temperature drops below 6°C, movement over the counter becomes quite infrequent during the hours of darkness.

Further details of the daily upstream counts for 2011 and historic monthly counts can be found by following the link below:

Environment Agency - River Tyne fish counts

The underlying trend in upstream counts in November generally downward, coinciding with a similar underlying trend in the river temperatures. A short period of warming 7th - 12th November also showed an increase in the number of upstream counts recorded. Looking more closely at the counts recorded during the colder months appears to show that the river height at which counts at no longer recorded is reduced as the temperature reduces. During milder conditions counts can be recorded at a relatively high level but in colder conditions. It is rare to see counts being recorded when levels are above 0.9m at Bywell Gauge, as can be seen during the last few days of November where counts only recovered when the river temperature rises slightly and levels dropped below 1m.

If you are not already aware, we have a system on the internet that will allow you to check river levels before you head out. Please follow the link below:

Environment Agency - River and sea levels


Angler Scale Sampling Programme 2011 Annual Review

During 2011 we received 466 scale samples; 367 from salmon and 99 from sea trout. Since the programme began the number of scale samples received each year had increased each until 2010(see chart below). However, this year we have seen a drop in the numbers of samples received from both salmon and sea trout, although lower than 2010 the total for this year was still greater than all other years.

The greatest monthly number of scale samples received in 2011 was during September, when 125 were sent in (see figure below). This month also accounted for the greatest number of salmon scale samples (104) received, however, the greatest number of sea trout samples (33) were received during July. As in last three years, we received scale samples from salmon throughout the fishing season, whilst sea trout, similar to the last three years, were mainly restricted to the months June through to October.

Salmon

It was found that throughout the fishing season, the majority of samples received were from 2 sea winter fish (both early and late running). In 2011, 3 sea winter fish were found amongst samples through out almost all the fishing, although the significance of this component declines towards the end of the season. One sea winter fish, as in most years, appeared in the samples from June onwards but did not become a strong component until August.

Salmon returning to the river in previous year showed up in samples from February through to the end of May. Other than in March, the majority of the samples received from February through to the end of the June came from early running multi sea winter (MSW) fish, however, from July onwards this component became less evident in samples and was almost absent during October. Late running MSW (summer/autumn) salmon appeared in the samples from June onwards, becoming the largest component from July onwards. Samples from one sea winter (1SW) salmon or grilse first appear in July and gradually became more numerous for the remainder of the fish season, with good numbers being received through out August, September and October. This year several samples were received from previous spawning salmon. These samples appeared in March, June, July and September; two further examples are also included amongst components returning in the previous year.

When 2011 is compared with results from previous years, it was found that the timings of the different age class groups were broadly similar. However, there were some differences in the proportions of components. These differences were mainly found in the early running MSW fish and 1SW fish, however, these differences were found to exist for only month or two in the latter half of season rather than a full season. The noticeable number of samples from repeat spawning salmon in 2011 was surprising, in previous years we have only received one or two, furthermore two of these samples came from spring returning repeat spawning fish.

Sea trout

As indicated early, scales from sea trout did not start appearing in sample until June as in most other years. Occasionally one or two samples 2008 & 2010 are received early but the majority of samples are received between June and the end of the season. Each month sea trout samples were received the vast majority came from maiden fish. The numbers of samples from repeat spawning sea trout was very low each month.

Compared with previous years, 2011 has shown the lowest proportion (~12%) of repeat spawning sea trout; in previous years this proportion is between 26% - 43%. All though the majority of sea trout scale samples are received during July and August there doesn’t appear to be a particular pattern for the proportions of repeat spawning and maiden fish with the peak months varying from year to year.

Although scale samples submitted now will not be entered into the prize draw, they will still be gratefully received, so if you have a salmon or sea trout sitting in freezer and haven't sent in scale from it please do so.

Furthermore, I do hope you will continue support the Angler Scale Sampling Programme and the Angler Logbook Scheme in 2012, without the support of the angling community these programmes would not be the success that they are.

Details of the 2012 programme will be sent out in January, however, if you would like scale packets and scale sampling instructions please drop me an email. If you are not participating in the Angler Logbook Scheme and would like to join please drop me an email.

Again many thanks

Morton


The Angler Scale Sampling Programme is supported by:



Morton Heddell-Cowie
Tyne Tunnel Monitoring Officer

Tel 0191 203 4140 (internal 728 4140)
Email: morton.heddell-cowie@environment-agency.gov.uk

Environment Agency
Tyneside House
Newcastle Business Park
Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR

Part of the Environment Agency's Yorkshire and North East Region