Fish pass aimed at boosting population in River Wharfe

WORK is about to start on a fish pass to help to boost the fish population in the River Wharfe.

The fish pass at Boston Spa weir will help a wide range of species to by-pass the obstruction as they swim upstream to spawn.

Conservationists have welcomed an increase in the numbers and variety of fish in the Wharfe in the past decade and the fish pass will help the creatures to overcome a man-made obstacle to reach their spawning grounds in the middle and upper reaches of the river.

Species such as salmon, sea trout, barbel, chub and dace all move up and downstream at different times of the year.

Environment Agency fisheries technical specialist Dave Bamford said: “Large weirs like the one at Boston Spa have a serious impact on fish communities because they affect the flow of water and can pose a difficult obstacle to overcome.

“All species of fish, at one or several stages of their life, depend on upstream and downstream migration.

“Large numbers of salmon are now accessing the tidal River Ouse because water quality has improved and they and other species are trying to move up rivers such as the Ure and Wharfe.

“The presence of salmon is a useful indicator of good water quality and the Wharfe is particularly suitable for salmon habitat as it has a lot of gravel, which is important for the fish in the earliest stages of their life.”

Work on the fish pass is due to be completed by summer. A fish counter will also be installed, which will help the Environment Agency to monitor the success of the fish pass.

The work has been supported by a number of organisations.

Residents and river users can contact Dave Bamford with any queries on 01904 822588 or by emailing [email protected]