2007 Status Report: River Deele and Tributaries by loughsagency

ATLANTIC SALMON AND TROUT POPULATIONS AND FISHERIES

River Deele & Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007 The Loughs Agency (FCILC)

_________________________________________

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

ATLANTIC SALMON AND TROUT POPULATIONS AND FISHERIES River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report ____________________________________ Report Reference LA/CSR/04/08

Written and Prepared by: Art Niven, Fisheries Research Officer Rachel Buchanan, Geographical Information System (GIS) Officer Declan Lawlor, Environmental Officer The Loughs Agency (Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission)

For further information contact: Loughs Agency 22, Victoria Road Londonderry BT47 2AB

Loughs Agency Carlingford Regional Office Darcy Magee Court Dundalk Street Carlingford, Co Louth

Tel: 028 71 34 21 00 Fax: 028 71 34 27 20 E-mail:general@loughs-agency.org

Tel: 042 93 83 888 Fax: 042 93 83 888 E-mail:carlingford@loughsagency.org

www.loughs-agency.org Cover picture of cock salmon courtesy of Atlantic Salmon Trust

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0

INTRODUCTION................................................................... 9 FIG 1.12 FOYLE AND CARLINGFORD CATCHMENTS ILLUSTRATING THE MAIN RIVERS OF THE SYSTEMS AND HIGHLIGHTING THE RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES ............ 11

1.2

ATLANTIC SALMON AND SEA TROUT ...................................................12

1.3

NON SALMONID FISH SPECIES ............................................................12

FIG 1.3 SAMPLE OF FISH FROM THE FOYLE ESTUARY ............................................ 12

2.0

ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS.......................................... 13

2.1

REDD COUNTS ...................................................................................13

TABLE 2.1 REDD COUNTS FOR FOYLE SYSTEM AND DEELE CATCHMENT 2003/04 – 2007/08. *NOTE 2006/07 HAD EXTREMELY POOR WATER CONDITIONS FOR REDD COUNTING........................................................................................................... 13

FIG 2.11 REDD COUNTS FOR FOYLE SYSTEM AND DEELE CATCHMENT 2003/04 – 2007/08 ............................................................................................................. 13

2.2

JUVENILE ABUNDANCE .......................................................................14

TABLE 2.2 LOUGHS AGENCY SEMI-QUANTITATIVE ELECTROFISHING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR 0+ SALMON AND TROUT ................................................................... 15

FIG 2.21 RIVER DEELE (FOYLE AREA) CATCHMENT FRY INDEX 1999-2007. NOTE NUMBER OF SITES SURVEYED HAS FLUCTUATED ANNUALLY................................... 15

FIG 2.22 SITE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR DEELE CATCHMENT SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED, 2003 - 2007 ............... 15

FIG 2.22 DEELE CATCHMENT SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATIONS AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED IN 2007....................................................... 16

FIG 2.23 FINN CATCHMENT SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATIONS AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED IN 2006.......................................................... 16

FIG 2.24 SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2007....................... 17 FIG 2.25 SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2006....................... 18 FIG 2.26 SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2005....................... 19

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

FIG 2.27 SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2004....................... 20 FIG 2.28 SALMON 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2003....................... 21

3.0

TROUT STOCKS ................................................................ 22 FIG 3 ELECTROFISHING SURVEY AND TROUT PARR ............................................... 22 FIG 2.21 RIVER DEELE (FOYLE AREA) CATCHMENT FRY INDEX 1999-2007. NOTE NUMBER OF SITES SURVEYED HAS FLUCTUATED ANNUALLY................................... 22

FIG 3.1 SITE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR DEELE CATCHMENT TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED, 2003 – 2007 ......................................... 22

FIG 3.11 DEELE CATCHMENT TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATIONS AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED IN 2007.......................................................... 23

FIG 3.12 DEELE CATCHMENT TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATIONS AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL SITES FISHED IN 2006.......................................................... 23

FIG 3.13 TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2007 ......................... 24 FIG 3.14 TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2006 ......................... 25 FIG 3.15 TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2005 ......................... 26 FIG 3.16 TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2004 ......................... 27 FIG 3.17 TROUT 0+ ELECTROFISHING SITE CLASSIFICATION 2003 ......................... 28

4.0

MARINE SURVIVAL ........................................................... 29 TABLE 4 MARINE SURVIVAL RATES FOR THE RIVER BUSH OF 1SW GRILSE (AFTER EXPLOITATION AT SEA) PRE 1996 AND 2002-2006 SMOLT COHORT. DATA SUPPLIED BY AGRI FOOD AND BIOSCIENCE INSTITUTE, RIVER BUSH SALMON RESEARCH

STATION ............................................................................................................. 29 FIG 4 PROPOSED MARINE SURVEY AREAS FOR SALMON IN 2008 ........................... 30 FIG 4A RV CELTIC EXPLORER ............................................................................. 30 FIGURE 4B PICTURE FROM THE IRISH RESEARCH VESSEL CELTIC EXPLORER TAKEN DURING THE SECOND SALSEA RESEARCH CRUISE 16-24

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

MAY 2008.................. 31

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

FIGURE 4C ROTARY SCREW TRAP IN POSITION ON THE RIVER FINN DIRECTLY BELOW THE ADULT TRAP AT KILLYGORDON FISH COUNTING STATION................................. 31

TABLE 4.1 NUMBERS AND AVERAGE WEIGHT AND LENGTH OF SALMON SMOLTS TAGGED ON THE RIVER FINN 2002-2006. CODED WIRE TAGGING EQUIPMENT WAS PURCHASED BY THE LOUGHS AGENCY IN 2005 WITH FUNDING SECURED FROM THE

EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND THROUGH THE INTERREG IIIA PROGRAMME, ADMINISTERED BY THE ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE SERVICE, ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT.................................................. 32

TABLE 4.12 RECAPTURE DATA FROM RIVER FINN CWT PROGRAMME. .................. 32 FIGURE 4D SALMON SMOLT RUN TIMING AND ABUNDANCE FROM ROTARY SCREW TRAP SUB SAMPLE, RIVER FINN 2004-2006. BREAKS IN DATA ARE DUE TO CLOSURE OF TRAP DURING HIGH WATER CONDITIONS .......................................................... 32

FIG 4E FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, ATLANTIC SALMON SMOLTS FROM THE FINN CATCHMENT, SEA LAMPREY, BROOK LAMPREY AND RIVER LAMPREY ALSO CAUGHT IN THE RIVER FINN SMOLT TRAP .............................................................................. 33

5.0

ADULT ABUNDANCE ........................................................ 34

5.1

RECREATIONAL FISHERIES .................................................................34

TABLE 5.1 DECLARED ROD CATCH RETURNS FOR SALMON AND TROUT IN THE FOYLE AND CARLINGFORD AREAS. NOTE FIGURES INCLUDE THE CLANRYE AND

WHITEWATER IN THE CARLINGFORD AREA FROM 2001 ONWARDS. CARCASS TAGGING WAS INTRODUCED IN 2001. ................................................................... 34

TABLE 5.11 DECLARED CATCH FROM THE DEELE CATCHMENT FOR SALMON AND SEA TROUT 2001-2007 .............................................................................................. 34

FIG 5.12 RECREATIONAL FISHER ON THE RIVER REELAN. PHOTOGRAPH BY GARDINER MITCHELL .......................................................................................... 35

5.2

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES ....................................................................35

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

TABLE 5.2 DECLARED CATCH FROM THE COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHERIES 19982007. NOTE 100% RATE OF CATCH RETURNS. *REDUCED NUMBERS OF COMMERCIAL NETS OPERATING IN THE FOYLE AREA FROM 2007................................................ 36

FIG 5.21 COMMERCIAL FISHING. DRAFT NETTING ON THE TIDAL RIVER FOYLE AND DRIFT NETTING IN LOUGH FOYLE .......................................................................... 36

5.3

COUNTERS ........................................................................................36

FIG 5.31 FISH COUNTING FACILITIES AT SION MILLS ............................................. 36 TABLE 5.32 SION MILLS FISH COUNTER FIGURES 2002-2007. *NOTE LOW COUNT IN 2007 WAS INFLUENCED BY HIGH WATER LEVELS DURING PEAK RUN TIMING DURING JUNE AND JULY. SION MILLS IS A PARTIAL COUNTER AND DOES NOT COVER THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WEIR. IN HIGH WATER LEVELS AS EXPERIENCED IN 2007 SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF FISH CAN BYPASS THE COUNTING CHANNELS. METHODS TO REDUCE THIS ARE BEING INVESTIGATED AS PART OF THE FISH COUNTER

PROGRAMME REVIEW, COMMISSIONED IN 2008.................................................... 37 FIG 5.33 MONTHLY FISH COUNT AT SION MILLS IN 2007 ....................................... 37 FIG 5.34 MONTHLY FISH COUNTS ON THE RIVER FAUGHAN, RIVER ROE, RIVER FINN AND RIVER MOURNE AT SION MILLS IN 2007 ........................................................ 37

5.4

6.0

CONSERVATION LIMITS/SPAWNING TARGETS .......................................38

HABITAT MONITORING .................................................... 39 FIG 6 LIFE CYCLE UNIT DEPICTING THE TYPE OF HABITAT FOUND IN SPAWNING, NURSERY AND HOLDING ZONES ............................................................................ 39

FIG 6.11 HABITAT OVERVIEW KEY FOR DEELE CATCHMENT ................................... 40 FIG 6.12 DEELE CATCHMENT HABITAT SURVEY MAP 1........................................... 41 FIG 6.13 DEELE CATCHMENT HABITAT SURVEY MAP 2........................................... 42 FIG 6.14 DEELE CATCHMENT HABITAT SURVEY MAP 3........................................... 43

7.0

LAND USE .......................................................................... 44 FIG 7 DEELE CATCHMENT LAND USE CLASSIFICATION ........................................... 44

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

FIG 7.1 DEELE CATCHMENT LAND USE CLASSIFICATION MAP ................................. 45

8.0

WATER QUALITY .............................................................. 46 FIG 8.01 DEELE CATCHMENT AVERAGE SUSPENDED SOLIDS RESULTS 2007. VALUES ARE IN MG/L ........................................................................................................ 49

FIG 8.02 DEELE CATCHMENT AMMONIA RESULTS 2007. VALUES ARE IN MG/L ........ 50 FIG 8.03 DEELE CATCHMENT PHOSPHOROUS RESULTS 2007. VALUES ARE IN MG/L 51 FIG 8.04 DEELE CATCHMENT BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) RESULTS 2007. VALUES ARE IN MG/L ........................................................................................... 52 FIG 8.05 DEELE CATCHMENT BIOLOGICAL MONITORING WORKING PARTY RESULTS 2007 * NOTE LOUGHS AGENCY INVERTEBRATE MONITORING WAS CONDUCTED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OF 2007............................................................... 53

8.1

FAVOURABLE CONDITION TABLES, TARGET LEVELS ..............................55

FIG 8.11 DEELE BIOLOGICAL Q VALUES 2006 & 2007. DATA SUPPLIED BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY .............................................................. 56

9.0

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION .............................. 57 TABLE 9 BREAKDOWN OF CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION DUTIES, DEELE CATCHMENT 2006 & 2007 ................................................................................... 57

TABLE 9.01 SEIZED NETS, SALMON, ROD/REELS AND VEHICLES IN THE FOYLE SYSTEM 2002-2007 ............................................................................................ 57

9.1

HABITAT IMPROVEMENT WORKS .........................................................57

FIG 9.11 MAGHERAHEE BRIDGE (UPSTREAM SITE) PRE HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS, SEPTEMBER 2006 ............................................................................................... 60 FIG 9.12 MAGHERAHEE BRIDGE (UPSTREAM SITE) POST HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS, APRIL 2007......................................................................................................... 61

10.0

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES............................................ 61

11.0

DESIGNATED AREAS .................................................... 62

12.0

GENETIC STUDY ............................................................ 63

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

13.0

POLLUTION MONITORING ............................................ 63

14.0

ACTIONS FOR 2008 ....................................................... 63

14.1

FOYLE AND CARLINGFORD AREAS ONGOING ACTIONS FOR 2008..........64

14.2

DEELE CATCHMENT SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR 2008 ...............................65

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 1.0

INTRODUCTION

The River Deele and tributaries catchment status report has been updated in 2008 to include results and reviews for 2007. This catchment status report introduces the major issues affecting the fishery resources of the River Deele and its tributaries. It is anticipated that circulation of this report will encourage debate between stakeholders and the Loughs Agency. Feedback would be welcomed and will contribute towards future reports. The fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford systems are of great environmental, social and economic importance. It is within this context that the Loughs Agency aims to manage, conserve, protect, improve and develop the inland fishery resources, preserving native biodiversity and contributing towards the sustainable development of the catchments. The River Deele and tributaries catchment status report provides background information on the aquatic environment within the Deele catchment, presents the results of survey work carried out by the Loughs Agency, disseminates catch statistics and outlines planned action. The primary fish species within the Deele catchment include Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), Trout (Sea Trout and resident Brown Trout) (Salmo trutta L.), Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), River/Brook Lamprey (Lampetra sp.) and European Eel (Anguila anguila L.). Flounder (Platichthys flesus L.), Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax Lacépède) and European Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus L.) are present within the upper tidal River Foyle near the confluence with the River Deele. Activities that have the potential to contribute negatively on the fishery resources and the habitats that support these populations are outlined and remedial activities presented. 1.1

The Deele Catchment

The River Deele rises in the Cark Mountain plateau which is located between the Derryveagh Mountains to the North and the Bluestack Mountains to the south. Upland areas within the catchment are covered by bog land supporting vegetation dominated by rough upland grasses, heathers, mosses and lichens. The dominant land use in the uplands is rough grazing for sheep and commercial forestry. A large windfarm is located within the uplands of the Deele catchment. The River Deele and tributaries are surrounded by pockets of native woodland. Lowland land use is dominated by arable and pasture farmland. The River Deele and tributaries have a channel length of approximately 32 km and has a catchment area of 313 km² including other smaller rivers which discharge directly to the tidal River Foyle.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

The Deele catchment is impacted upon by a wide range of anthropogenic factors within both the terrestrial and aquatic environments. A diverse array of impacts include amongst others; agriculture, sand and gravel extraction, commercial forestry, commercial and recreational fishing, industry, water abstraction, sewage treatment, diffuse and point source pollution, invasive plant species, urban sprawl and flood defences. Increasing pressures on the aquatic environment within the Deele catchment requires appropriate monitoring, control and remediation if native biodiversity is to be preserved. As the competent authority for fishery issues within the catchment the Loughs Agency are required to fulfil a variety of national and international obligations. European Directives including the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive and the transposing national legislation have assisted in creating a legislative framework in which to drive forward sustainable management of riparian and aquatic habitats and the native species which inhabit them.

Fig 1.11 Upper reach of the River Deele. Picture taken upstream of Drumkeen.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 1.12 Foyle and Carlingford catchments illustrating the main rivers of the systems and highlighting the River Deele and Tributaries River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

1.2

Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout

Salmon and Sea Trout are referred to as being anadromous meaning that they migrate between the freshwater and marine environments returning to freshwater to reproduce. This complex life history exposes them to varied environmental pressures and recreational and commercial fisheries. Adult Atlantic salmon return to their natal rivers where spawning takes place. Sea trout also demonstrate an ability to return to their natal river but their homing instinct may not be as strong as those of the Atlantic salmon. After the eggs hatch the juveniles (initially referred to as fry and then parr) remain in freshwater for up to three years. Smoltification is the physiological adaptation which occurs when the juvenile salmon change from the parr stage (freshwater phase) to the smolt stage (marine phase). In the Foyle system this can occur after one, two or three years. Most Foyle salmon (referred to as post smolts) will remain after smoltification in the North Atlantic for one year and are referred to on their return to the coast and rivers as grilse. Salmon which stay at sea for longer than one year are referred to as multi sea winter (MSW) salmon. 1.3

Non Salmonid Fish Species

As highlighted earlier populations of other non salmonid fish species occur within the Deele catchment. At present monitoring is targeted at salmonid species however with obligations under the Water Framework Directive it is envisaged that other non salmonid fish species will be monitored more closely in the future. Fish species presence and abundance can act as a good environmental/ecological indicator demonstrating the ability of the aquatic habitat to support a diverse array of native species. Populations of European Eel, River/Brook and Sea Lamprey form an important part of the native fisheries biodiversity of the Deele catchment. Non native fish species including Pike and Perch have colonised still waters within the Deele catchment. Maintaining high standards of water quality and appropriate habitat for these species is essential for the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Fig 1.3 Sample of fish from the Foyle estuary

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

2.0

ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS

In order to describe the status of salmon stocks each of the following points need to be considered: • • • • • 2.1

Redd Counts Juvenile abundance Marine survival Adult abundance Exploitation

Redd Counts

Redds are spawning nests created by salmon or trout. Differentiation between salmon and trout redds can be made as salmon redds tend to be larger in size and trout tend to spawn earlier than salmon within the Foyle system. Research within the Foyle system using extensive annual redd count data has highlighted a good relationship between the number of redds and the total annual catch of salmon. Table 2.1 shows redd count data for the Finn catchment and the Foyle system. Water flow is of significance when monitoring redds as in high water conditions the ability to see and count redds in rivers is impaired. Figure 2.11 outlines redd counts within the Foyle area and the Finn catchment. Area

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Foyle System

3163

2478

5354

*1338

3039

Deele Catchment

N/A

Deele as a % of Foyle

N/A

Table 2.1 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2003/04 – 2007/08. *Note 2006/07 had extremely poor water conditions for redd counting.

Foyle System

6000

Deele Catchment

Number of Redds

5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2003/4

2004/5

2005/6

2006/7

2007/8

Year

Fig 2.11 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2003/04 – 2007/08

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

2.2

Juvenile Abundance

Within the Loughs Agency jurisdiction trends in abundance of juvenile salmonids are monitored by annual semi-quantitative electrofishing surveys. The numbers, age and species of fish captured during five minute timed electrofishing surveys are compared with previous years data allowing for change to be monitored, facilitating suitable fishery management practices to be implemented. In 2007 a total of 487 sites were semi-quantitatively electrofished within the Foyle system. The results for each site for salmon and trout are classified as excellent (>25 fish), good (15-24 fish), fair (5-15 fish), poor (1-4 fish) and absent (0 fish), Table 2.2. Figures 2.21 to 2.29 outline the salmon 0+ electrofishing results and site classifications for the Finn catchment over recent years. Semi-quantitative electrofishing was developed to monitor 0+ salmonids (fry/young of the year). In order to quantify the abundance of 1+ salmonids (parr and older) fully quantitative electrofishing surveys are required which can be used to calculate fish densities within a defined area. Rivers and tributaries with good environmental quality are more likely to support good populations of each year class. Fish populations can vary considerably over time and location, it is therefore necessary to monitor the populations over a period of years to highlight meaningful trends before considering remedial activities such as habitat improvement works. These trends are being continually monitored by the Loughs Agency and the most appropriate management options considered. There are a variety of reasons why electrofishing sites may be perceived to be under producing, these can include, lack of suitable juvenile habitat, the presence of impassable obstacles to migratory fish species on lower sections of a tributary, pollution, inconsiderate channel maintenance, tunnelling by bank side vegetation, stream gradient and poor forestry practices etc. The critical point is to recognise the major factors at play and to investigate all possible reasons for underproduction accepting that there may be inherent reasons as to why production may not be improved upon in certain areas. When the same areas are surveyed for other non salmonid species it may be discovered that they provide habitat more suited to these species. Habitat improvement works and the rational behind them are discussed in greater detail later. Obligations under the Water Framework Directive will drive future quantitative surveys of both salmonid and non salmonid species under proposed Surveillance, Operational, Investigative and Protected Area monitoring programmes.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Symbol

Grade

Number of 0+ Salmonids >25

Excellent Good

15-24

Fair

5-14

Poor

1-4

Absent

Table 2.2 Loughs Agency semi-quantitative electrofishing classification system for 0+ salmon and trout Salmon 0+

River Deele Fry Index

Trout 0+ Salmon & Trout 0+

Average Fry/5 Minute Fishing

18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Year

Fig 2.21 River Deele (Foyle area) catchment fry index 1999-2007. Note number of sites surveyed has fluctuated annually.

Salmon Fry 2003-2007

Classification

Absent

Poor

Fair

2007 2006

Good

2005 2004

Excellent

2003 0

Proportion of Sites %

Fig 2.22 Site classifications for Deele catchment salmon 0+ electrofishing as a percentage of all sites fished, 2003 - 2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Salmon Fry 2007

31%

Excellent Good Fair Poor Absent

61%

Fig 2.22 Deele catchment salmon 0+ electrofishing site classifications as a percentage of all sites fished in 2007

Salmon Fry 2006

8% 8%

17%

Excellent Good Fair Poor

50%

Absent

17%

Fig 2.23 Finn catchment salmon 0+ electrofishing site classifications as a percentage of all sites fished in 2006

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

! ( ! ( ! (

( ! (! ! (

Legend

! ( ! (

! (! ( ! (

! ( ! (

! ( None (0) ! Poor (1 - 4) ( ! ( Fair (5 - 14) ! ( Good (15 - 24) ! ( Excellent (25 - 200)

Deele Electrofishing Results for Salmon 0+ 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 2.24 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 2.25 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2006

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 2.26 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2005 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 2.27 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2004 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 2.28 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2003

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

3.0

TROUT STOCKS

Annual trends in the populations of juvenile trout are also monitored within the Loughs Agency jurisdiction using the same methodology and classification system as those employed for salmon. The semi quantitative electrofishing results for trout fry in the Deele catchment and site classifications are displayed in Figs 3.1, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14,3.15, 3.16 and 3.17.

Fig 3 Electrofishing survey and trout parr Salmon 0+

Average Fry/5 Minute Fishing

River Deele Fry Index

Trout 0+ Salmon & Trout 0+

20 15 10 5 0 1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Year

Fig 2.21 River Deele (Foyle area) catchment fry index 1999-2007. Note number of sites surveyed has fluctuated annually. Trout Fry 2003-2007

Classification

Absent Poor Fair

2007 2006

Good

2005 Excellent

2004 0

2003 90

Proportion of Sites %

Fig 3.1 Site classifications for Deele catchment trout 0+ electrofishing as a percentage of all sites fished, 2003 – 2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Trout Fry 2007

15%

Excellent Good Fair Poor 54% 31%

Absent

Fig 3.11 Deele catchment trout 0+ electrofishing site classifications as a percentage of all sites fished in 2007

Trout Fry 2006

8% 17%

33%

Excellent Good Fair Poor Absent

42%

Fig 3.12 Deele catchment trout 0+ electrofishing site classifications as a percentage of all sites fished in 2006

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

! ( ! ( ! (

( ! (! ! (

Legend

! ( ! (

! (! ( ! (

! ( ! (

! ( None (0) ! ( Poor (1 - 4) ! ( Fair (5 - 14) ! ( Good (15 - 24) ! ( Excellent (25 - 200)

Deele Electrofishing Results for Trout 0+ 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 3.13 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 3.14 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2006 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 3.15 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2005

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 3.16 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2004 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 3.17 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2003 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

4.0

MARINE SURVIVAL

The numbers of salmon that survive to return to the freshwater environment are greatly influenced by conditions in the marine environment. Climate change leading to changes in sea surface temperatures, prey abundance, high seas fishing, marine pollution, sub lethal levels of pollution and predation all have an effect on the Atlantic salmon and indeed other migratory fish species chances of survival. Marine survival trends are monitored on a number of index rivers in the North East Atlantic where total trapping facilities are available for both migrating juvenile and adult populations. Total trapping allows for an accurate count of all migrant smolts (total freshwater production) and returning adults to be made and therefore an accurate estimate of marine survival. These projects are facilitated by the use of Coded Wire Tags (CWT). Coded wire tags are small (2-3mm long) micro tags that are injected automatically by a CWT device into the snout cartilage of anaesthetised fish remaining there for the duration of the life of the fish. CWT fish also have their adipose fin (small fin between the dorsal fin and caudal fin (tail fin)) removed so that they can be identified in the various fisheries that may intercept them. In Ireland a comprehensive screening programme is conducted at all major landing ports and markets. This programme is important in monitoring the effect of the salmon fisheries on salmon stocks from rivers both within and outside of the island of Ireland. Trends in marine survival for the River Bush (nearest index river to the Foyle system) confirm patterns observed elsewhere on the southern stocks of North Eastern Atlantic salmon, which indicate that marine survival can be variable between stocks and years. In the River Bush marine survival has decreased considerably over recent years as outlined in Table 4. Year of Smolt Cohort Pre 1996 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year of Returning 1SW Grilse Pre 1998 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Marine Survival % Circa 20% 5.9 4.3 4.6 4.2 13.0

Table 4 Marine survival rates for the River Bush of 1SW grilse (after exploitation at sea) pre 1996 and 2002-2006 smolt cohort. Data supplied by Agri Food and Bioscience Institute, River Bush Salmon Research Station

The figures outlined in table 4 are mirrored by those for other index rivers monitoring the southern stocks of North Eastern Atlantic salmon populations. These figures suggest that salmon are facing increased pressure for survival at sea. A major new international research project called SALSEA - Merge has been developed by scientists from the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) parties and its research wing the International Atlantic Salmon Research Board (IASRB). There are twenty

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

consortium members in total including the Loughs Agency. SALSEA aims to monitor how Atlantic salmon use the ocean; where they go; how they use ocean currents, and the ocean’s food resources, and what factors influence migration and distribution at sea. Research cruises commenced in 2008 to collect the necessary data to answer the questions listed above. Over 426 post smolts were caught by the two Irish cruises and 363 post smolts caught by the Faroese in the areas highlighted below. Further information and project details can be found at: http://www.nasco.int/sas/salsea.htm

Fig 4 Proposed marine survey areas for salmon in 2008

Fig 4a RV Celtic Explorer

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Figure 4b Picture from the Irish Research Vessel Celtic Explorer taken during the second SALSEA research cruise 16-24th May 2008

Since 2002 partial smolt trapping including CWT tagging has been conducted in the Finn catchment using a rotary screw trap, Fig 4.

Figure 4c Rotary screw trap in position on the River Finn directly below the adult trap at Killygordon fish counting station.

Smolt trapping can have a number of objectives including the monitoring of both salmonid and non salmonid species. Sampling of the age composition, obtaining information on run timing and recording length/weight data is conducted in tandem with the tagging programme. As mentioned above total counts of migrating smolts can be made on rivers. Where this is unfeasible due to the absence of total trapping facilities, total smolt migration can be estimated by means of a mark-recapture experiment. Tables 4.1 and 4.12 outline numbers of salmon smolts tagged from 20022006 (no tagging took place in 2007) and recapture data for 2003 and 2007.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Year

No of Salmon Smolts Tagged 690 2252 773 390 779

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Average Length (mm) 125 127 127 129 120

Average Weight (g) 19.8 20.2 20.31 20.5 19.29

Table 4.1 Numbers and average weight and length of salmon smolts tagged on the River Finn 2002-2006. Coded Wire Tagging equipment was purchased by the Loughs Agency in 2005 with funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IIIA Programme, administered by the Environment and Heritage Service, on behalf of the Department of Environment.

Year Tagged

Year Recaptured Numbers Recaptured 2003 10

2002

2004

2003

2004

2005

2005 2006

2006 2007

1 8

Recapture Location Donegal Coast, North Coast, Mayo, Galway River Donegal, Mayo, Kerry, River Foyle Area and River Torr Ballycastle, River Finn, Foyle Area

Table 4.12 Recapture data from River Finn CWT programme.

250 2004 200

2005 2006

150 100 50

15/05/04

13/05/04

11/05/04

09/05/04

07/05/04

05/05/04

03/05/04

01/05/04

29/04/04

27/04/04

25/04/04

23/04/04

21/04/04

19/04/04

17/04/04

15/04/04

13/04/04

11/04/04

09/04/04

07/04/04

0 05/04/04

Number of Salmon Smolt Trapped

River Finn

Date

Figure 4d Salmon smolt run timing and abundance from rotary screw trap sub sample, River Finn 2004-2006. Breaks in data are due to closure of trap during high water conditions

All micro-tagged fish have had their adipose fin removed (small fin between dorsal fin and tail), if any fisher catches a salmon or grilse without this fin a bounty is payable on the return of the fish head to Loughs Agency

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Headquarters in Prehen, please include location and date fish was caught, length, weight and scale sample.

Fig 4e From top to bottom, Atlantic salmon smolts from the Finn Catchment, sea lamprey, brook lamprey and river lamprey also caught in the River Finn smolt trap

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

5.0

ADULT ABUNDANCE

Adult Atlantic salmon abundance is assessed in three ways: directly by using commercial netting/recreational rod catches and fish counters and indirectly by reference to conservation limits/spawning targets. Using catch data as a measure of population status is a well established and extensively used technique. In the Foyle system annual commercial and recreational catch data has been recorded since the establishment of the Foyle Fisheries Commission in 1952, with some data available before this period. The relationship between catch and stock is complex and care should be applied in interpretation. A more precise measure of catch incorporates fishing effort (number of licences issued or the amount of time fished) and is referred to as catch per unit effort (CPUE). 5.1

Recreational Fisheries

One problem encountered when analysing catch data is unreported catch. All recreational fishers are required by law to make catch returns. This information facilitates management decision making and therefore it is vitally important that all catch returns are accurate and made promptly at the seasons end. Year

Declared Rod Catch Salmon

Declared Rod Catch Sea Trout

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

1022 723 3188 5117 1844 2285 4084 3476 4929

679 417 450 1010 361 75 413 469 379

Returns as a % of Licences Issued 3.74 2.55 17.68 27.93 15.5 13.99 25.77 37 22.11

Table 5.1 Declared rod catch returns for salmon and trout in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Note figures include the Clanrye and Whitewater in the Carlingford area from 2001 onwards. Carcass tagging was introduced in 2001.

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Declared Catch Deele Catchment (Salmon) 1 0 0 0 0 3 18

Declared Catch Deele Catchment (Sea Trout) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 5.11 Declared catch from the Deele catchment for salmon and sea trout 2001-2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 5.12 Recreational fisher on the River Reelan. Photograph by Gardiner Mitchell

5.2

Commercial Fisheries

Commercial fisheries have traditionally operated within the Foyle sea area, Lough Foyle and tidal River Foyle. The drift net and draft net fisheries as well as the rod fisheries have been closely regulated with a real time management regime in place to monitor the numbers of fish migrating up key rivers. If predetermined numbers of fish have not been counted by the strategically placed electronic fish counters at Sion Mills weir (River Mourne), Campsie Barrage (River Faughan) and the Plumb Hole (River Roe) then specified closures of the commercial and/or recreational fisheries are enforced. In 2007 new regulations were introduced to reduce the number of commercial nets operating within the Foyle area and all mixed stock interceptory drift nets seaward of Lough Foyle were curtailed. This decision was made to comply with the EU Habitats Directive, similar curtailment of mixed stock fisheries were introduced in the rest of the Republic of Ireland. Within the Foyle area this was achieved through a voluntary hardship scheme. 18 out of 112 drift nets remain in Lough Foyle, those remaining have been reduced in size from 900m to 500m and 10 out of 50 draft nets remain. This represents a significant reduction of netting effort. Regulations were also introduced to limit the numbers of fish which could be retained by the recreational rod fishery throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Year

Drift Catch

Draft Catch

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 *2007

22333 13500 28851 15741 12800 13391 5558 *2598

10339 9476 11917 16991 9490 12143 6031 *2774

Total Drift and Draft 32672 22976 40768 32732 22290 25534 11589 *5372

Table 5.2 Declared catch from the commercial salmon fisheries 1998-2007. Note 100% rate of catch returns. *Reduced numbers of commercial nets operating in the Foyle area from 2007.

Fig 5.21 Commercial Fishing. Draft netting on the tidal River Foyle and drift netting in Lough Foyle

5.3

Counters

Within the Foyle system a number of river catchments have electronic fish counting facilities that provide estimates on the run timing and abundance of fish >45cm. The Deele catchment does not have a fish counter at present. In the absence of a counter the fisheries within the Deele catchment are controlled by monitoring the run timing and abundance of fish passing over the Sion Mills fish counting facilities on the River Mourne. A time series of counts for the Sion Mills fish counting station on the River Mourne is outlined in table 5.32. The Sion Mills fish counting station counts fish destined for all rivers located upstream of this point and is used to control both commercial and recreational fishing within the entire Foyle system.

Fig 5.31 Fish counting facilities at Sion Mills

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 *2007

Number of fish >45cm 12991 12129 10270 9397 9926 *3714

Table 5.32 Sion Mills fish counter figures 2002-2007. *Note low count in 2007 was influenced by high water levels during peak run timing during June and July. Sion Mills is a partial counter and does not cover the entire length of the weir. In high water levels as experienced in 2007 significant numbers of fish can bypass the counting channels. Methods to reduce this are being investigated as part of the Fish Counter Programme Review, commissioned in 2008. Sion Mills (River Mourne) 1200

Number of Fish >45cm

1000

800

600

400

200

0 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Month

Fig 5.33 Monthly fish count at Sion Mills in 2007 Fish Counts 2007 Faughan Roe

2500

Mourne Finn

Number of Fish >45cm

2000

1500

1000

500

0 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

M onth

Fig 5.34 Monthly fish counts on the River Faughan, River Roe, River Finn and River Mourne at Sion Mills in 2007

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

5.4

Conservation Limits/Spawning targets

Another way to assess adult salmon stock status is to monitor run sizes on rivers and to compare them with predefined reference points called conservation limits. In the Foyle system the conservation limits define a level of spawning that optimises the sustainable catch by commercial and recreational fisheries. If exploitation rates increase above the sustainable catch levels the catch may increase in the short-term but the stock will eventually reduce. Conservation limits demarcate the spawning stock level at which recruitment would begin to decline significantly (NASCO). The real time management regime incorporating the setting of management targets and spawning targets implemented in the Foyle aims to manage the fisheries and spawning populations in a sustainable manner. The management and spawning targets are set for the various river catchments based on the amount and quality of nursery habitat present. River habitat surveys are carried out along each stretch of river and graded according to the type and quality. Egg deposition levels are set according to the quality grading of each section of nursery habitat. There are four grades of nursery habitat, however for the purpose of setting egg deposition levels only grades 1-3 are utilised. Grade 1 denotes the best quality habitat. The egg deposition rate/carrying capacity is set as follows. Grade 1 = 10 eggs per m², grade 2 = 5 eggs per m² and grade 3 2.5 eggs per m². The total number of eggs is calculated by multiplying the area of each grade of nursery habitat by the appropriate density of eggs per m². 25% is deducted from the management target allowing for loss of salmon by angling (15%) and poaching and predation (10%). The remaining figure is referred to as the conservation limit/spawning target. Once the number of eggs required for each river has been established this can be converted to a total number of fish required to achieve the management targets and conservation limit/spawning targets. The average fecundity (number of eggs produced per female) of Foyle salmon has been estimated at 2500 and the ratio of female to male salmon estimated at 60:40. When combined with the amount of nursery habitat of the various grades this equates to the conservation limit/spawning target. A management target of 8000 adult Atlantic salmon has been set for above Sion Mills, this equates to a conservation limit/spawning target of over 6000 salmon.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

6.0

HABITAT MONITORING

The Loughs Agency has carried out extensive habitat surveys on all the major rivers and tributaries within the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. Habitat surveys are carried out on foot. Although time consuming this is at present the best method for classifying the various grades of habitat. Habitat is classified into one of three life cycle units Fig 6, the presence and order of which is essential to the productive capacity of a salmonid river. Other non salmonid species also benefit from diverse in-channel habitat. The life cycle unit categories include spawning, nursery and holding habitat. Each category is then graded on a scale of 1-4, 1 representing the best quality attainable and 4 the worst. Other data collected during these surveys include channel width and impassable barriers to migratory fish species.

Fig 6 Life cycle unit depicting the type of habitat found in spawning, nursery and holding zones

Fig 6.1 Examples of spawning, nursery and holding habitat

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

3 2

0.75

1.5

2.25

3 Kilometers

Deele Habitat Overview

Fig 6.11 Habitat overview key for Deele catchment River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Habitat Survey Ungraded 1 Nursery 2 Nursery 3 Nursery 4 Nursery 1 Holding 2 Holding 3 Holding 4 Holding 1 Spawning 2 Spawning 3 Spawning 4 Spawning 0

0.25

0.5

0.75

1 Kilometers

Deele Habitat Survey 1

Fig 6.12 Deele catchment habitat survey map 1

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Habitat Survey Ungraded 1 Nursery 2 Nursery 3 Nursery 4 Nursery 1 Holding 2 Holding 3 Holding 4 Holding 1 Spawning 2 Spawning 3 Spawning 4 Spawning 0

0.25

0.5

0.75

1 Kilometers

Deele Habitat Survey 2

Fig 6.13 Deele catchment habitat survey map 2 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Habitat Survey Ungraded 1 Nursery 2 Nursery 3 Nursery 4 Nursery 1 Holding 2 Holding 3 Holding 4 Holding 1 Spawning 2 Spawning 3 Spawning 4 Spawning

0.25

0.5

0.75

1 Kilometers

Deele Habitat Survey 3

Fig 6.14 Deele catchment habitat survey map 3 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

7.0

LAND USE

Land use classification is an important tool when assessing the potential impacts within a particular river catchment or indeed when looking at specific land use and land management practices. Land use impacts could have either a positive or negative impact on rivers and tributaries. A good understanding of the land use within a catchment is therefore imperative in managing at a catchment scale. Land use in Northern Ireland has been captured using satellite imaging technology and classified to type. The following figures outline the broad land use classification within the Deele Catchment.

Land Use in the Deele Catchment

3% 11%

1% 3%

11%

1% 10%

Discontinuous Urban Fabric Non-irrigated Arable Land Pastures Complex Cultivation Patterns

Agriculture/Natural Vegetation 52%

Coniferous Forests Transitional Woodland Scrub Peatbogs Moors and Heathland

Fig 7 Deele catchment land use classification

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

112 211

522 141 112 121 312

112

412

411 242

242

242 231 511 211 324 322

Legend 111 - urban 112 - discont. urban 121 - industrial 131 - mineral 141 - green urban 211 - arable 231 - pastures 242 - complex cultiv. 243 - agric. & nat. veg. 312 - coniferous forest 322 - moors and heath 324 - trans. wood. 412 - peatbogs 511 - water courses 512 - water bodies 522 - estuaries

112

242

211 324 312 243

243

312 312

324

112 412

511

242

112 112 131

312

211

231

324 243

324 242 112 322

4 Kilometers

Deele Corine 2000 Landuse Survey

Fig 7.1 Deele catchment land use classification map River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

8.0

WATER QUALITY

Routine water quality monitoring within the Foyle and Carlingford areas is conducted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in conjunction with the County Councils in the Republic of Ireland (Donegal County Council and Louth County Council). Sampling is conducted for both chemical and biological Quality Assessments. In the Finn catchment chemical water quality monitoring is conducted by Donegal County Council and biological monitoring is conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to the routine river monitoring carried out by the NIEA and the County Councils the Loughs Agency conducts proactive and reactive pollution investigations to investigate or highlight problems or potential problems which may have an effect on the aquatic environment and ultimately on the fish species and aquatic habitats. In 2007 the Loughs Agency instigated a programme of monitoring at the tributary level for assessments of chemical and biological water quality. Five stations on tributaries of the River Deele were monitored for chemical water quality parameters including Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Suspended Solids, Ammonia and Phosphorous. Biological water quality was assessed using the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) a biotic scoring index.

Fig 8.0 Loughs Agency chemical water quality testing in the laboratory

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

The Loughs Agency also maintains a mobile pollution response unit containing aerating equipment and absorbent and non absorbent booms for oil and chemical spills. The unit can be rapidly deployed to the site of a pollution incident. Water Quality Parameters The following water quality parameters are monitored through the Loughs Agency monitoring programme and determined from water samples in the laboratory: • • • •

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Ammonia Phosphorus Suspended Solids

BOD Any organic matter discharged into a river provides an immediate source of food for bacteria. These bacteria will break down the organic matter eventually into simple compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Biochemical Oxygen Demand or Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a chemical procedure for determining how fast biological organisms use up oxygen in a body of water. It is considered as an indication of the quality of a watercourse Ammonia (NH3) Ammonia is generally found in small amounts in rivers and streams. This is due to microbiological activity and the resultant reduction of compounds containing nitrogen. High levels of ammonia can occur as a result from sewage pollution and have detrimental impacts on fish species. Phosphorus (PO4) The over-loading of nutrients such as phosphorus in watercourses often leads to a process known as eutrophication. Eutrophication is a major environmental issue in Irish rivers and lakes. Sources of phosphorus include agricultural fertilizers and household detergents. Suspended Solids Particulate matter may be organic or inorganic in nature. Organic solids may consist of algal growths, indicative of eutrophic conditions. Inorganic solids generally are the result of discharge washings from sand and gravel extraction activities or quarries. Suspended solids can affect plant growth and fish habitats. The following parameters are also recorded at each sample station by means of an electronic measuring probe:

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

• • • •

pH Temperature Dissolved Oxygen Conductivity

pH This is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution and therefore an indication of whether a liquid is acid or alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 (very acid) to 14 (very alkaline), with results generally influenced by geological conditions. Fish can be susceptible to changes in pH. Low pH levels are generally found in catchments with high forestry operation impacts. Temperature The effect of changes in temperature on living organisms, such as fish, can be critical. Thermal discharges from urban and industrial sources can lead to temperature increases in watercourses and increased stress on aquatic habitats and associated species. Dissolved Oxygen Sufficient levels of oxygen saturation in fresh waters are generally an indication of good ecological status and ideal for fish life. The main point to remember about oxygen solubility is that it has an inverse relationship with temperature. This helps explain why DO levels are generally lowest during summer low flow conditions, increasing the risk of pollution from discharges at this time. Conductivity The conductivity or electrical conductivity of a watercourse is a measure of its ability to conduct an electric current. Electrical conductivity estimates the amount of total dissolved salts, or the total amount of dissolved ions in the water. Electrical Conductivity is controlled by geology and any variations may be sourced to increased ions from wastewater from sewage treatment plants or urban run-off from roads.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

( !

04-01

( !

04-05

04-04

04-03

04-02

Legend

! 0 - 10 Favourable Nursery Conditions ( ( 10 - 25 Acceptable Migratory Passage ! ( > 25 Unacceptable !

Deele Average Suspended Solids Results 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 8.01 Deele catchment average suspended solids results 2007. Values are in mg/l River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

( !

Legend

04-01

( !

04-05

04-04

04-03

04-02

! 0 - 0.25 Very Good ( ( 0.25 - 0.6 Good ! ( 0.6 - 1.3 Fairly Good ! ( 1.3 - 2.5 Fair ! ( 2.5 - 9 Poor ! ( > 9 Bad !

Deele 90th Percentile Ammonia Results 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 8.02 Deele catchment Ammonia results 2007. Values are in mg/l River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

( !

04-01

( !

04-05

04-04

04-03

04-02

Legend

! 0 - 0.20 Acceptable Conditions ( ( > 0.20 Unacceptable Conditions !

Deele 90th Percentile Phosphorus Results 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 8.03 Deele catchment phosphorous results 2007. Values are in mg/l River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

( !

Legend

04-01

( !

04-05

04-04

04-03

04-02

! 0 - 2.5 Very Good ( ( 2.5 - 4 Good ! ( 4 - 6 Fairly Good ! ( 6 - 8 Fair ! ( 8- 15 Poor ! ( > 15 Bad !

Deele 90th Percentile BOD Results 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 8.04 Deele catchment Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) results 2007. Values are in mg/l River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 8.05 Deele catchment Biological Monitoring Working Party results 2007 * Note Loughs Agency invertebrate monitoring was conducted during the summer months of 2007 River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

The Loughs Agency is in the process of obtaining chemical water quality data from Donegal County Council. These results will be presented in the status reports when available. Biological water quality assessments conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency are based on the composition of the macroinvertebrate communities which inhabit rivers and streams. The macroinvertebrate communities are mainly comprised of immature aquatic stages of insects, crustacea (freshwater shrimps), mollusca (snails and bivalves), oligochaeta (worms) and hirudinea (leeches). Riffle sections (shallow, fast flowing, well aerated reaches), of a river are sampled as they are the most representative area of a river in relation to the water quality status. The assessment used divides the macroinvertebrate communities into four groups, sensitive, less sensitive, tolerant and very tolerant forms. The relative proportions of the various organisms in a sample are determined and the water quality status is then inferred by comparison with the expected ratios in unpolluted habitats of the same type as those being investigated. The assessment also takes into account the intensity of algal/weed development, water turbidity, bottom siltation, nature of the substratum, water velocity and water depth. This information is then all condensed into a five point biotic index (Q values) in which macroinvertebrate community composition and water quality are related. Biotic Index (Q value) 5 (diversity high) 4 (diversity slightly reduced) 3 (diversity significantly reduced) 2 (Diversity low) 1 (diversity very low)

Water Quality Good Fair Poor Bad

Table 8.01 Biological Q values

Intermediate values e.g. Q3-4 or Q1-2, are used to describe conditions where appropriate. If toxic influences are suspected the suffix 0 is appended to the relevant Q rating, e.g. Q1-2/0. Four main classes of water quality have been defined, relating to the Q value scale and indicate the degree of pollution as follows: Quality Ratings Q5, Q4-5, Q4 Q3-4 Q3, Q2-3 Q2, Q1-2, Q1

Category of River Water Quality Unpolluted Slightly polluted Moderately polluted Seriously polluted

Table 8.02 Biological water quality ratings

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Figure 8.03 Flattened mayfly nymph from the order ephemeroptera. Photograph by Gardiner Mitchell.

European Council Directive 92/43/EEC of the 21st of May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and on Wild Flora and Fauna (Also known as the Habitats Directive) was enacted in Ireland under the European Natural Habitats Regulations, 1997. This indicates that those areas designated as areas of nature conservation designated for salmon should strive to achieve the water quality targets that are necessary for the designated species. While it is current government policy for all rivers to meet national water quality standards, the Agency feels that favourable condition standards as detailed below should be the water quality targets for all salmonid rivers within its jurisdiction. 8.1

Favourable condition tables, target levels

The publication, Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers, the European Life Series, Ecology Series; No 7 Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar L. have indicated that there are specific favourable conditions for this species. An annual mean of less than 10 milligrams per litre suspended solids for nursery grounds, and annual mean of less than 25 milligrams per litre for migratory passage and the setting of soluble reactive phosphorous targets in relation to river reach types which should be as near background levels. Parameter

Level

Percentile

2.5

0.25

0.025

10 25 Background

BOD mg/l

Ammonia mg/l Dissolved Oxygen % Saturation Unionised Ammonia mg/l Suspended solids mg/l Nursery grounds Migratory passage

Soluble Reactive Phosphorous mg/l Table 8.1 Favourable condition targets for Atlantic salmon

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

! ( 1-2/0

! (

2-3

4-5

! ( Q Values ! ( High ! ( Good ! ( Moderate ! ( Poor ! ( Bad

! (

Deele Biological Q Values 2007

4 Kilometers

Fig 8.11 Deele Biological Q values 2006 & 2007. Data supplied by Environmental Protection Agency River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

9.0

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION

The Loughs Agency continues to carry out an active fishery protection role throughout the catchments of the Foyle and Carlingford areas including the sea area, River Foyle and on all tributaries. Tables 8 and 8.1 outline the number of patrols and some duties carried out by the Loughs Agency staff in the Deele catchment and seizures for the Foyle area. A team of Fishery Officers are responsible for the Deele catchment dividing their time between the Finn catchment, Culdaff catchment and the standing waters within the Loughs Agency western zone. This is in addition to regular fishery protection patrols on the River Foyle. Year

Patrol Hours

2006 2007

2457 41 (Patrols)

No of Licence Checks 395 463 (W. Zone)

Joint Patrols

On-site Inspections

3 0

18 12

Table 9 Breakdown of conservation and protection duties, Deele catchment 2006 & 2007

Year Nets Salmon Rod&Reel Vehicles

2007 100 56 85 0

2006 97 91 26 2

2005 114 118 10 1

2004 181 130 16 1

2003 198 155 12 0

2002 207 94 22 0

Table 9.01 Seized nets, salmon, rod/reels and vehicles in the Foyle system 2002-2007

9.1

Habitat Improvement Works

In addition to the traditional protection duties carried out by the Loughs Agency staff conservation and improvement of habitat has been increasing over recent years. Over time man has imposed significant changes on the natural courses of many rivers and flood plains. The driving forces behind these changes have included amongst others; arterial drainage schemes to provide more suitable land for agricultural purposes, urban sprawl, infrastructure expansion (roads etc.), flood defences, water abstraction and hydro power generation. All have had a significant impact on the natural meanderings and discharges of rivers and tributaries resulting in faster runoff of floodwaters ultimately leading to a change in the morphology and flow regime of rivers and resultant impacts on fisheries. While all these processes have had some impact within the Foyle system, it is still considered to be a relatively natural system with natural river structure present in the catchments headwaters. In areas that have been altered methods for reinstating lost habitat are investigated and where appropriate action taken.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

In 2006 the Loughs Agency carried out significant habitat improvement works within the Deele Catchment. Funding was secured with a joint bid with the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure under a Financial Instrument of the European Economic Area (EEA). Parallel programmes were carried out on the Clanrye River in the Carlingford area and on the Rivers Maine and Braid (tributaries of Lough Neagh) within the Fisheries Conservation Board area The following information highlights the sites where work was undertaken on the Deele River and a brief description of the type of work carried out. Specification 1 River

DEELE

Site No

Grid Ref

172008

Townland

Callanacor

Site description

This is a known spawning area for salmon, but channel is deficient in in-stream stone cover

Objectives

Reduce base width to increase flow velocity and create deeper sinuous channel Create scour pools and riffle areas Increase holding capacity for fry and parr

Specification

Construct a series of 7 D-groynes (rock deflectors) of different dimensions in main river to reduce base-width and create sinuosity Addition of 3 rubble mats in association with D groynes Rock revetment of banks opposite single D-groynes Addition of 5t of rock (300-500mm diameter) to channel in downstream of bridge Construct a series of 4 small D-groynes (rock deflectors) at lower end of Cloghroe Fencing – approx 500m stock-proof (sheep) fence required, (300m Cloghroe; 220m Deele)

Estimated quantities

Rock: 350t (various grades) Fencing: 520m stock-proof (sheep) fence

Specification 2 River

DEELE

Site No

Grid Ref

202006

Townland

Glasly Br (upstream)

Site description

Reasonable nursery area but low gradient and deficient in in-stream stone cover

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Objectives

Reduce base width to increase flow velocity and create sinuous channel Create scour pools and riffle areas Increase holding capacity for fry and parr

Specification

Construct a series of 8 D-groynes (rock deflectors) of different dimensions in main river to reduce base-width and create sinuosity Addition of 2 rubble mats in association with D groynes Rock revetment of banks opposite single D-groynes Addition of 5t of rock (300-500mm diameter) to channel in downstream of bridge

Estimated quantities

Rock: 650t (various grades) Fencing: nil

Specification 3 River

DEELE

Site No

Grid Ref

206007

Townland

Glasly Br (downstream)

Site description

Low gradient area and deficient in in-stream stone cover; channel excessively wide

Objectives

Increase flow velocity in two area to create riffle areas Increase holding capacity for fry and parr

Specification

Construct 2 double D-groynes (rock deflectors) to reduce base-width and increase flow velocity over localised sections Addition of 2 rubble mats in association with D groynes Repair of damaged bank area using rock revetment Addition of 15t of rock (300-500mm diameter) to channel in downstream of bridge

Estimated quantities

Rock: 460t (various grades) Fencing: nil

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Specification 4 River

DEELE

Site No

Grid Ref

228007

Townland

Magherahee Br (upstream)

Site description

Historically good area for salmon spawning, - channel requires some restoration to improve juvenile habitat

Objectives

Develop areas for fry and parr to increase holding capacity Reduce channel base-width in localised areas

Specification

Construct a series of 9 D-groynes (rock deflectors) of different dimensions, some by enhancing existing natural stone deposits. Addition of 5 rubble mats in association with D groynes Rock revetment of banks opposite single D-groynes Fencing – approx 600m stock-proof (sheep) fence required, left bank

Estimated quantities

Rock: 650t (various grades) Fencing: 600m stock-proof (sheep) fence

Fig 9.11 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) pre habitat improvements, September 2006

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Fig 9.12 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) post habitat improvements, April 2007

10.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Some environmental issues affecting water quality have already been outlined previously. The following list presents some of the main habitat pressures to salmonids within the Foyle system: • •

• • •

Agricultural activities – enrichment from natural and artificial fertilisers often make their way into watercourses, enhancing problems with eutrophication. Forestry activities – planting and felling operations can lead to increased loading of suspended solids in watercourses. Established forestry as a major upland land use has been attributed to increased acidification. Barriers to migration – a range of natural and anthropogenic features on rivers can lead to barriers for migrating salmonids and other fish species. These can include weirs and hydro-electric schemes. Gravel removal – gravel is extremely important for the creation of redds for spawning fish. Removal of gravel from the river bed in sensitive areas can destroy potential spawning and nursery habitat. Quarrying activities – the extraction of aggregates such as rock, sand and gravel has the potential to cause increased levels of suspended solids in nearby watercourses. Sufficient mitigation measures should be in place at such sites to trap increased sediment loads entering rivers and streams.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

•

• •

•

• •

Abstraction – water abstraction from watercourses for a range of uses is increasing throughout the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. Unless appropriately assessed and licenced, these activities have the potential to reduce residual flow levels and alter the ecological status of our rivers. This is even more concerning in the light of climate change. Peat harvesting – Peat harvesting still occurs in small upland pockets throughout the Foyle system. It has the potential to increase sediment loading in receiving waters. Sewage treatment – sewage and waste water treatment works are under considerable pressure with the increase in urban development in our towns and villages. Several inadequate systems throughout the Foyle system continue to pollute rivers. Hydropower – small-scale hydropower schemes are beginning to appear on rivers throughout the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. Baseline fishery data must be provided to allow for sufficient assessment of any proposed scheme, unless located above an impassable fish barrier. Urban development – the expansion of large-scale housing developments and the associated pressures on waste water and sewage treatment works are a potential source of water pollution in the event of overflows. Drainage and canalisation – these have direct impacts on the quality of available fishery habitat within the catchments. Canalisation in particular can lead to the removal of important spawning, nursery or holding areas of rivers. Industrial discharges – larger urban areas with industrial discharges have the potential to cause pollution through toxic discharges and can alter the temperature of the watercourse. Septic tanks – a proliferation of single dwellings and their septic tanks is an ongoing area of concern. Initial research from parts of the Foyle system indicate that this is major contributor to decreased water quality and local increases in suspended solids.

11.0 DESIGNATED AREAS The European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC) requires that all member states designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in order to protect threatened habitats and species. The European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive 79/409/EEC) also requires the designation of Special Protected Areas (SPA’s). Together the designated SAC’s and SPA’s create the NATURA 2000 network of protected sites. A number of rivers have been designated as SAC’s both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. The River Deele however does not form part of this designation.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

12.0 GENETIC STUDY A baseline genetic survey was carried out in the Foyle system in 2003 and a resurvey conducted between 2006 and 2008 to analyse the populations of Atlantic salmon present within the Foyle catchment. Results confirmed the existence of genetically distinct populations between and within the rivers and tributaries of the Foyle area. An understanding of these genetically differentiated populations is required to facilitate appropriate management of conservation measures and the commercial/recreational fisheries. The report concluded that genetic diversity is high between and within the various salmon populations present in the Foyle system. Each population has evolved over time creating distinct populations (with some gene flow from straying fish) that are best suited to the conditions present in a particular river or tributary. The non-uniform nature of the populations adds to the diversity of life history strategies exercised by Foyle salmon. Distinct differences such as run-timing and age at smolting can act as natures insurance policy to any catastrophic events which would threaten a homogenous population. The report stated that the current genetic structure and diversity of Foyle salmon is representative of what might be regarded as the native structure of wild salmon populations. The maintenance of genetic diversity is a core requirement for the long-term sustainability of wild populations, preserving the biodiversity of the wild salmonids of the Foyle system is therefore a primary objective of the Loughs Agency.

13.0 POLLUTION MONITORING The Loughs Agency has a statutory obligation to monitor the pollution of watercourses. In conjunction with Donegal County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency all reported pollution incidents are investigated.

14.0 ACTIONS FOR 2008 In order to fully utilise the extensive data resources collected and held by the Loughs Agency on the fish populations and habitats of the Deele catchment it is necessary to focus attention on specific management objectives. The Loughs Agency has stated in its corporate plan 2008-2010 that it will conserve, protect, manage and improve the fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. By way of fulfilling these objectives a targeted series of actions utilising data collected over recent years will be implemented. Fishery owners and local angling associations will continue to be consulted regarding any proposed works and stakeholder input sought.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

14.1

Foyle and Carlingford Areas Ongoing Actions for 2008

Good water quality is essential for the conservation of productive aquatic ecosystems. Fish populations rely on unpolluted water for survival and feeding. The Loughs Agency is committed to ensuring deleterious matter does not enter any watercourse. Routine monitoring is conducted throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Proactive pollution visits and water quality monitoring will continue in 2008. Water quantity is becoming an increasingly important issue from a fisheries management perspective with continuing demand from a variety of sources including industry, hydro power generation and abstraction for meeting the ever growing needs of industry and the wider population. The Loughs Agency are aware of the conflicting needs of aquatic environments and water resource users and comment on development issues which may have an impact on the important aquatic resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas with reference to national and international obligations. In-channel and riparian habitat improvement projects provide an important mechanism by which to improve and protect valuable fishery resources. Over recent years the Loughs Agency has developed a number of projects designed to improve the survival and production of robust populations of juvenile salmonid and other native fish species. These programmes will continue where funding is available, The Loughs Agency also encourages local stakeholder groups to source appropriate funding to develop collaborative habitat improvement projects. The Loughs Agency can provide advice and recommendations for in-channel and riparian improvements and are eager to facilitate the development of such programmes. Work is continuing to assess and record all Barriers to Migration within the catchments of the Foyle and Carlingford areas and these will be incorporated into the Loughs Agency Geographical Information System (GIS). Where finances are available the removal of artificial barriers will be investigated. Predation by cormorants and seals of economically important fish species continues to be a contentious issue. The Loughs Agency will continue to promote the development of a management strategy incorporating economic, social and environmental factors. The Loughs Agency will continue to monitor the salmon and inland fishery resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas, utilising best practice methods including fish counters, juvenile population surveys and catch returns. The importance of the Atlantic salmon resource has been further highlighted by recent genetic studies which have identified the presence of genetically distinct populations of salmon between and within main river catchments. This information will be utilised when developing habitat improvement programmes to ensure the presence of a diverse resource capable of withstanding change.

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007

Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

Invasive species in both aquatic and riparian habitats have become an important issue in fisheries management and in wider environmental management. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter ecosystems and their function. The Loughs Agency are contributing towards the development and implementation of invasive species codes of practice. 14.2

Deele Catchment Specific Actions for 2008

•

Develop potential habitat improvement projects including riparian buffer zone creation, fencing, native species planting and in-channel habitat improvements including spawning bed and nursery habitat improvement.

•

Chart the location of significant discreet spawning habitats and protect from disturbance using appropriate means including fencing to prevent stock access.

•

Monitor forestry operations adjacent to watercourses or areas likely to impact on watercourses.

•

Encourage native forestry in riparian and upland areas following best practice methods

•

Report all observed fly tipping to Donegal County Council

•

Monitor all referred development proposals.

•

Conduct ongoing water quality monitoring and investigate areas highlighted as being of concern.

•

Assist with Water Framework Directive fish monitoring programme.

•

Conduct annual fish population surveys and spawning specific habitat surveys.

•

Monitor all sand and gravel extraction sites and onsite water management practices.

•

Ensure all fish passes, dams and mill races meet required standards.

•

Promote partnership working with respect to the conservation and protection of riparian and aquatic habitats and species

River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2007