First sea trout in 40 years suggests river revival

It's the first migratory fish caught on the Clive family water at Nunnington on the River Rye in North Yorkshire in 40 years.

Edward Clive who landed it says: "I don't believe it is the first sea trout caught in the whole of the Rye recently – I gather that a local family friend, General Michael Charlton-Weedy, recently caught a sea trout further up the river, by Helmsley.

"May it be something to do with changes to the weir at Kirkham Priory which has allowed salmon and sea trout to get further up the river?

"My uncle, Charlie Clive, caught a salmon parr recently which would seem to bear that out. I'd be fascinated to hear of any other salmon/sea trout catches in the Rye and reasons for their reappearance after so long.

"My father remembers tales of people spearing plentiful salmon on the weir in Nunnington. It would be rather exciting if the Rye were to become a decent salmon /sea trout river once again."

Planting trees along stream banks could play an important part in protecting sensitive fish such as salmon and trout from rising temperatures as the climate warms, according to a new study. Salmon and trout are among the most temperature-sensitive of Britain's native cold-water species, typically preferring water temperatures below 20C. Temperatures greater than this cause changes in fish behaviour, growth and fertility. The findings come from a three-year study by Samantha Broadmeadow and Dr Tom Nisbet from Forest Research, the scientific research arm of the Forestry Commission, and Professor Terry Langford, Pete Shaw and John Jones, fisheries specialists from Southampton University. The scientists monitored stream water temperatures over three years in the New Forest and assessed how they related to the riparian tree cover. The study indicates that achieving about 20 per cent canopy cover along at least 500 metres of small, rain-fed streams could be effective in preventing current summer maximum water temperatures from exceeding potentially life threatening levels for native cold-water fish. However, higher proportions of riparian woodland are likely to be needed to address future climate warming.

Ms Broadmeadow said: "Most anglers are aware that fish such as brown trout are very sensitive to the water temperature, and will be concerned about the possible effects of climate change on fish populations in their rivers.

"This study will provide some reassurance that there are relatively simple, sustainable measures that can be taken to protect fish populations and the biodiversity of our cold-water stream habitats."

Copies of the study report are available from www3.interscience. wiley.com/journal/123248380/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 .