River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2008
Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2008
Report Reference LA/CSR/04/09
Headquarters 22, Victoria Road Londonderry BT47 2AB Northern Ireland Tel: +44(0)28 71 342100 Fax: +44(0)28 71 342720 general@loughs-agency.org www.loughs-agency.org
Regional Office Dundalk Street Carlingford Co Louth Republic of Ireland Tel+353(0)42 938 3888 Fax+353(0)42 938 3888 carlingford@loughsagency.org www.loughs-agency.org Inside cover picture of maturing cock salmon courtesy of Atlantic Salmon Trust
Written and Prepared by: Art Niven Rachel Scott Declan Lawlor
2
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Table of Contents 1.0
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 6 Fig 1.0 Main salmon producing rivers and tributaries in the Loughs Agency, Foyle and Carlingford areas ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.1
The Deele Catchment.............................................................................................................. 8
Fig 1.1 River Deele upstream of Magherahee Bridge ..................................................................... 8 Fig 1.11 Foyle and Carlingford catchments illustrating the main rivers of the systems ................. 9 1.2
Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout .............................................................................................. 10
1.3
Non Salmonid Fish Species.................................................................................................... 10
Fig 1.3 Sample of fish from the Foyle estuary............................................................................... 10 2.0
ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS ...................................................................................................... 11
2.1
Redd Counts .......................................................................................................................... 11
Table 2.1 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2004/05 – 2008/09. ................... 11 Fig 2.1 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2004/05 – 2008/09 ........................ 12 Fig 2.11 Redd counts for Foyle system 1952/53 – 2008/09 ......................................................... 12 2.2
Juvenile Abundance .............................................................................................................. 13
Table 2.2 Loughs Agency semi‐quantitative electrofishing classification system ........................ 14 Fig 2.2 River Deele catchment salmon fry index 1999‐2008. ....................................................... 14 Fig 2.21 The mean abundance of salmon fry in 17 catchments in 2008 ...................................... 15 Fig 2.22 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2008 ............................................................ 16 3.0
TROUT STOCKS .......................................................................................................................... 17 Fig 3.0 Electrofishing survey and trout parr.................................................................................. 17 Fig 3.01 River Deele catchment trout fry index 1999‐2008 .......................................................... 17 Fig 3.02 The mean abundance of trout fry in 17 catchments in 2008 .......................................... 18 Fig 3.03 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2008 ............................................................... 19
4.0
MARINE SURVIVAL .................................................................................................................... 20 Table 4.0 Marine survival rates for the River Bush of 1SW grilse ................................................. 20 Fig 4.0 Proposed marine survey areas for salmon in 2008 ........................................................... 21 Fig 4a RV Celtic Explorer SALSEA research cruise 2008 ................................................................ 22 Figure 4b Picture from the Irish Research Vessel Celtic Explorer ................................................. 22 Figure 4c Rotary screw trap in position on the River Faughan ..................................................... 23
3
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Table 4.01 Numbers and average weight and length of salmon smolts tagged........................... 23 Table 4.02 Recapture data from River Faughan CWT programme. .............................................. 24 Figure 4d Salmon smolt run timing and abundance from rotary screw trap sub sample ............ 24 Table 4.03 Age class of salmon smolts migrating from the Faughan catchment in 2004 ............ 25 Fig 4.01 Atlantic salmon smolts, brook lamprey, river lamprey and sea lamprey ........................ 25 5.0
ADULT ABUNDANCE.................................................................................................................. 26
5.1
Recreational Fisheries ........................................................................................................... 26
Table 5.1 Declared rod catch returns for salmon and trout in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.. 26 Table 5.11 Declared catch from the Deele catchment for salmon and sea trout 2001‐2008 ...... 27 Fig 5.1 Angler on the river ............................................................................................................ 27 5.2
Commercial Fisheries ............................................................................................................ 27
Table 5.2 Declared catch from the commercial salmon fisheries 1998‐2008 .............................. 28 Fig 5.2 Commercial Fishing ........................................................................................................... 28 5.3
Counters ................................................................................................................................ 29
Fig 5.3 Fish counting facilities at Sion Mills, River Mourne........................................................... 29 Table 5.3 Sion Mills fish counter figures 2002‐2008 ..................................................................... 29 Fig 5.31 Monthly fish counts on the River Mourne 2004‐2008 as recorded at Sion Mills ........... 30 Fig 5.32 Annual fish counts on the River Mourne 1987‐2008 ...................................................... 30 5.4 6.0
Conservation Limits/Spawning targets ................................................................................. 31 HABITAT MONITORING ............................................................................................................. 32
Fig 6.0 Life cycle unit ..................................................................................................................... 32 Fig 6.01 Examples of spawning, nursery and holding habitat ...................................................... 32 Fig 6.02 Habitat overview key for Deele catchment ..................................................................... 33 Fig 6.03 Deele catchment habitat survey map 1 .......................................................................... 34 Fig 6.04 Deele catchment habitat survey map 2 .......................................................................... 35 Fig 6.05 Deele catchment habitat survey map 3 .......................................................................... 36 7.0
LAND USE .................................................................................................................................. 37 Fig 7.0 Deele catchment land use classification ........................................................................... 37 Fig 7.01 Deele catchment land use classification map ................................................................. 38
8.0
WATER QUALITY........................................................................................................................ 39 Fig 8.0 Loughs Agency chemical water quality testing in the laboratory ..................................... 39 Fig 8.01 Deele catchment average suspended solids results 2008 .............................................. 42 Fig 8.02 Deele catchment Ammonia results 2008 ........................................................................ 43 Fig 8.03 Deele catchment phosphorous results 2008................................................................... 44
4
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Fig 8.04 Deele catchment Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) results 2008 .................................. 45 Fig 8.05 Deele catchment Biological Monitoring Working Party results 2008 ............................. 46 Table 8.0 Biological Q values......................................................................................................... 47 Table 8.01 Biological water quality ratings ................................................................................... 47 8.1
Favourable condition tables, target levels ............................................................................ 48
Table 8.1 Favourable condition targets for Atlantic salmon......................................................... 48 Fig 8.1 Deele Biological Q values................................................................................................... 49 9.0
CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION .......................................................................................... 50 Table 9.0 Breakdown of conservation and protection duties 2006 ‐ 2008 .................................. 50 Table 9.01 Seized nets, salmon, rod/reels and vehicles in the Foyle system 2002‐2008 ............. 50 Table 9.02 Seizures in the Deele catchment 2006‐2008 .............................................................. 50
9.1
Habitat Improvement Works ................................................................................................ 51
Fig 9.1 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) pre habitat improvements, September 2006 ......... 51 Fig 9.11 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) post habitat improvements, April 2007 ................ 52 Fig 9.12. River Deele Upper Site Magherahee Bridge habitat improvement salmonid densities 52 Fig 9.13. River Deele Lower Site Magherahee Bridge before habitat improvement salmonid densities ........................................................................................................................................ 53 Fig 9.14. River Deele juvenile salmon length frequency distribution 2007 (n=87)....................... 53 9.15. River Deele juvenile salmon length weight relationship 2007 (n=87) ................................. 54 9.16. River Deele juvenile trout length weight relationship 2007 (n=13) .................................... 54 10.0
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.......................................................................................................... 55
11.0
DESIGNATED AREAS .................................................................................................................. 56
12.0
GENETIC STUDY ......................................................................................................................... 56
13.0
POLLUTION MONITORING ........................................................................................................ 57
14.0
FISHERY OFFICERS DEELE AREA REPORT 2008 .......................................................................... 57
14.1 15.0
Fishery Officers Report ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. ACTIONS FOR 2009.................................................................................................................... 57
15.1
Foyle and Carlingford Areas Ongoing Actions for 2009 ........................................................ 57
15.2
Deele Catchment Potential Habitat Improvement Schemes for 2009 ................................. 58
15.3
Deele Catchment Specific Actions for 2009 .......................................................................... 59
5
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report 2008 1.0
INTRODUCTION
The annual River Deele and Tributaries Catchment Status Report has been updated to include results collated on the fishery resources within the catchment in 2008 and reports and discusses additional environmental information which when combined can facilitate in the sustainable management of aquatic resources within the catchment. This is one of an annual series of catchment status reports produced by the Loughs Agency. The primary objective of the catchment status reports is to disseminate catchment specific information to all interested stakeholders. Over recent years the catchment status reports have been consulted widely by a variety of stakeholders including local angling associations, fishery owners, statutory bodies, environmental consultants and private individuals. The catchment status reports provide summary data which demonstrates the work that the Loughs Agency conducts within specific catchments and outlines catchment specific objectives. The theme for the 2008 catchment status reports is aquatic and riparian habitats. Both habitats are essential for a balanced ecosystem ensuring that the biodiversity of wild salmonids and other native flora and fauna is preserved. Significant focus has been placed on aquatic resource management by a combination of national, European and international legislation and conventions. In 2009 the first River Basin Management plans produced under the European Union Water Framework Directive will outline a structure for classifying all water bodies as having good ecological status. This will be an iterative process over many reporting cycles with significant improvements in water quality expected over coming years. Partnership development and collaborative working has been highlighted as an essential mechanism to achieve this and the Loughs Agency is playing an active role as a significant stakeholder and manager of aquatic resources within the Foyle and Carlingford areas. In addition the European Union Habitats Directive and Birds Directive have resulted in the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). Together these designations have formed the NATURA 2000 network of protected sites. Throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas there are significant areas designated as SAC or SPA. Under the SAC designation Atlantic salmon is one of the main species that led to the significant number of Foyle area tributaries being
6
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
designated. Designation provides an additional mechanism for the protection and conservation of these important aquatic ecosystems. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are also a signatory through their membership of the European Union to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) convention for the conservation of salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean. Contracting parties are required to contribute towards the compilation and implementation of focus area reports the most recent of which was on the Protection Restoration and Enhancement of Salmon Habitat. The Loughs Agency provided input for areas within its jurisdiction.
Figure 1.0 Main salmon producing rivers and tributaries in the Loughs Agency, Foyle and Carlingford areas. Foyle 1 Burn Dennet, 2 Camowen, 3 Culdaff, 4 Deele, 5 Derg, 6 Drumragh, 7 Fairywater, 8 Faughan, 9 Finn, 10 Muff, 11 Glenelly, 12 Glenmornan, 13 Mourne, 14 Owenkillew, 15 Owenreagh East, 16 Owenreagh South, 17 Roe, 18 Strule, 19 River Foyle (tidal). Carlingford Only the Whitewater (10) has a consistent population of Atlantic salmon present. 1 Bessbrook, 2 Cassy Water, 3 Clanrye, 4 Ghann, 5 Greenore, 6 Killbroney, 7 Moygannon, 8 Newry, 9 Ryland, 10 Whitewater
Under the Foyle Fisheries Acts 1952 and the recent amendment by the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Act/Order 2007 there are various legislative requirements and offences including under the 2007 legislation a new offence of removal of any bed material from the freshwater portion of any river in the Foyle or Carlingford areas without consent of the Loughs Agency. This has provided an important control on activities likely to impact directly on aquatic habitats and indirectly on fish populations.
7
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 wind farm 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. 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 1.1 River Deele upstream of Magherahee Bridge
8
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Fig 1.11 Foyle and Carlingford catchments illustrating the main rivers of the systems and highlighting the River Deele and Tributaries
9
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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. In the past monitoring was targeted at salmonid species however with obligations under the Water Framework Directive other non salmonid fish species are being monitored more closely. 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 the European Eel, European Smelt, Stickleback, River/Brook and Sea Lamprey form an important part of the native fisheries biodiversity of 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
10
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
2.0
ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS
In order to describe the status of salmon stocks each of the following points need to be considered: • • • • •
Redd Counts Juvenile abundance Marine survival Adult abundance Exploitation
2.1 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 Deele 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 2.1 outlines redd counts within the Foyle area and the Deele catchment. 2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
Foyle System
2478
5354
*1338
3039
5507
Deele Catchment
N/A
52
N/A
37
118
Deele as a % of Foyle
N/A
1
N/A
1
2
Table 2.1 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2004/05 – 2008/09. *Note 2006/07 had extremely poor water conditions for redd counting
11
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Deele Redd Count 6000
Number of Redds
5000 4000 3000 Deele Catchment 2000
Total Foyle
1000 0 2004/5
2005/6
2006/7
2007/8
2008/9
Year
Fig 2.1 Redd counts for Foyle system and Deele catchment 2004/05 – 2008/09. *Note 2006/07 had extremely poor water conditions for redd counting
Total Number of Redds in Foyle 1952/53 ‐ 2008/09 25000
Number of Redds
20000 15000 10000 5000
1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002/3 2004/5 2006/7 2008/9
0
Year
Fig 2.11 Redd counts for Foyle system 1952/53 – 2008/09
12
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 year’s data allowing for change to be monitored, facilitating suitable fishery management practices to be implemented. In 2008 a total of 403 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 2.2 - 2.22 outline the salmon 0+ electrofishing results and site classifications for the Deele catchment in 2008. Please consult previous status reports for site classifications in other 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 rationale behind them are discussed in greater detail later. Obligations under the Water Framework Directive are driving quantitative surveys of both salmonid and non salmonid species under proposed Surveillance, Operational, Investigative and Protected Area monitoring programmes.
13
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Symbol
Grade
Number of 0+ Salmonids
Excellent
>25
Good
15-24
Fair
5-14
Poor
1-4
Absent
0
Table 2.2 Loughs Agency semi-quantitative electrofishing classification system for 0+ salmon and trout
Deele Salmon Fry Index 16 Salmon 0+
Average Fry/5 Minute Fishing
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Year
Fig 2.2 River Deele catchment salmon fry index 1999-2008. Note number of sites surveyed has fluctuated annually, the number of sites surveyed has stabilised since 2002.
14
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Summary of Salmon Fry Semi Quantitative Electrofishing Results 2008 35
Average Salmon Fry/5min
30
25
20
15
10
5
Catchment
Fig 2.21. The mean abundance of salmon fry in 17 catchments in 2008 from semi quantitative electrofishing.
15
Fairywater
Owenreagh S
Glenmornan
Deele
Foyle South
Drumagh
Camowen
Culdaff
Finn
Strule
Derg
Glenelly
Burn Dennet
Owenkillew
Owenreagh East
Roe
Faughan
0
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
( ! ! ( ( ! ( !
( ! ( !
! ( ( !
( !
( !! ( ( !
Legend
! None (0) ( ( Poor (1 - 4) ! ( Fair (5 - 14) ! ( Good (15 - 24) ! ( Excellent (25 - 200) !
( !
River
0
Deele Electrofishing Results for Salmon 0+ 2008
0.5
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 2.22 Salmon 0+ electrofishing site classification 2008
16
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 3.0, 3.01, 3.02 & 3.03.
Fig 3.0 Electrofishing survey and trout parr
Deele Trout Fry Index
Average Fry/5 Minute Fishing
5
4
3
2
Trout 0+
1
0 1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Year
Fig 3.01 River Deele catchment trout fry index 1999-2008. Note number of sites surveyed has stabilised since 2002.
17
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
25
Summary of Trout Fry Semi Quantitative Electrofishing Results 2008
Average Trout Fry/5 min
20
15
10
5
Fairywater
Drumagh
Owenreagh S
Camowen
Derg
Deele
Finn
Strule
Owenkillew
Culdaff
Owenreagh East
Roe
Glenelly
Burn Dennet
Faughan
Glenmornan
Foyle South
0
Catchment
Fig 3.02. The mean abundance of trout fry in 17 catchments in 2008 from semi quantitative electrofishing. Note Sites selected were biased towards salmon habitat
18
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
( ! ! ( ( ! ( !
( ! ( !
! ( ( !
( !
( ! ! ( ( !
Legend
! None (0) ( ( Poor (1 - 4) ! ( Fair (5 - 14) ! ( Good (15 - 24) ! ( Excellent (25 - 200) !
( !
River
0
Deele Electrofishing Results for Trout 0+ 2008
0.5
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 3.03 Trout 0+ electrofishing site classification 2008
19
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 remaining 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 4.0. Year of Smolt Cohort
Year of Returning 1SW Grilse
Marine Survival %
Pre 1996 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pre 1998 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Circa 30% 5.9 4.3 4.6 4.2 13.0 7.5
Table 4.0 Marine survival rates for the River Bush of 1SW grilse (after exploitation at sea) pre 1996 and 2002-2007 smolt cohort. Data supplied by Agri Food and Bioscience Institute, River Bush Salmon Research Station
20
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
The figures outlined in table 4.0 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 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 and will continue in 2009 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 4.0 Proposed marine survey areas for salmon in 2008
21
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Fig 4a RV Celtic Explorer SALSEA research cruise 2008
Figure 4b Picture from the Irish Research Vessel Celtic Explorer taken during the second SALSEA research cruise 16-24th May 2008
22
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Since 2003 partial smolt trapping including CWT tagging has been conducted in the Faughan catchment using a rotary screw trap, Fig 4c.
Figure 4c Rotary screw trap in position on the River Faughan directly below the fish pass at Campsie barrage.
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. In 2004 an estimate of total smolt production for the Faughan catchment was made by a mark-recapture study resulting in a minimum run size estimate of 33,854 migrating salmon smolts. The estimate was a minimum due to a number of high water events that prevented the smolt trap from fishing for a period of time during the peak smolt migration period. Tables 4.01 and 4.02 outline numbers of salmon smolts tagged from 2003-2008 and recapture data for 2003 and 2004. Year
No of Salmon Smolts Tagged
Average Length (mm)
Average Weight (g)
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2113 2500 2210 1025 2062 1865
149 134 133 133 135 130
33.45 24.6 23.6 25.36 27.1 22.1
Table 4.01 Numbers and average weight and length of salmon smolts tagged on the River Faughan 2003-2008. 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.
23
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Year Tagged
Year Recaptured
Numbers Recaptured
Recapture Location
2003
2004
12
Greencastle, Burtonport, Malin Head, Belmullet and Torr Head
2004
2005
16
Greencastle, Malin Head, Donegal and Galway Bay
2005
2006
3
Greencastle
2006
2007
2
Greencastle and Ballycastle
Table 4.02 Recapture data from River Faughan CWT programme. Data for fish tagged in 2007 and recovered in 2008 will not be available until 2009.
600 2004
River Faughan
2005
Number of Salmon Smolts Trapped
500
2006 2007 400
2008
300
200
100
23‐May
21‐May
19‐May
17‐May
15‐May
13‐May
11‐May
09‐May
07‐May
05‐May
03‐May
01‐May
29‐Apr
27‐Apr
25‐Apr
23‐Apr
21‐Apr
19‐Apr
17‐Apr
15‐Apr
13‐Apr
11‐Apr
09‐Apr
07‐Apr
05‐Apr
03‐Apr
0
Date
Figure 4d Salmon smolt run timing and abundance from rotary screw trap sub sample, River Faughan 2004-2008. Breaks in data are due to closure of trap during high water conditions
24
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
In 2004 a detailed examination was carried out on the age class of migrating salmon smolts in the Faughan catchment, Table 4.03. Age at Smolting 1 2 3
% 13 83 4
Table 4.03 Age class of salmon smolts migrating from the Faughan catchment in 2004
Fig 4.01. From top to bottom, Atlantic salmon smolts from the Faughan Catchment, brook lamprey, river lamprey and sea lamprey also caught in the River Faughan smolt trap
25
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
Returns as a % of Licences Issued
1999
1022
679
3.74
2000
723
417
2.55
2001
3188
450
17.68
2002
5117
1010
27.93
2003
1844
361
15.5
2004
2285
75
13.99
2005
4084
413
25.77
2006
3476
469
37
2007
4929
379
22.11
2008
4060
815
54.94
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.
26
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Year
Declared Catch Deele Catchment Salmon 1 0 0 0 0 3 18 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Declared Catch Deele Catchment Sea Trout 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 5.11 Declared catch from the Deele catchment for salmon and sea trout 2001-2008
Fig 5.1 Angler on the river
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
27
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 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. Year
Drift Catch
Draft Catch
Total Drift and Draft
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 *2007 2008
31296 15397 22333 13500 28851 15741 12800 13391 6160 2598 1248
11141 7893 10339 9476 11917 16991 9490 12143 6031 2774 2924
42437 23290 32672 22976 40768 32732 22290 25534 12191 5372 4172
Table 5.2 Declared catch from the commercial salmon fisheries 1998-2008. Note 100% rate of catch returns. * Reduced numbers of commercial nets operating in the Foyle area from 2007
Fig 5.2 Commercial Fishing. Draft netting on the tidal River Foyle and drift netting in Lough Foyle
28
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 5.3. 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 5.3 Fish counting facilities at Sion Mills, River Mourne
Year 2002
Number of fish >45cm
2003
12129
2004
10270
2005
9397
2006
9926
*2007
*3714
*2008
*3452
12991
Table 5.3 Sion Mills fish counter figures 2002-2008. *Note low counts in 2007 and 2008 were 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 and 2008 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.
29
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
River Mourne Fish Counter Figures 2004 ‐2008 4500 4000 Number of fish >45cm
3500 3000
2004
2500
2005
2000
2006
1500
2007
1000
2008
500 0 DEC
NOV
OCT
SEPT
AUG
JULY
JUN
MAY
APR
MAR
FEB
JAN
‐500
Month
Fig 5.31 Monthly fish counts on the River Mourne 2004-2008 as recorded at Sion Mills
River Mourne Electronic Fish Counters Figures 1987‐2008 25,000
Number of Fish > 45cm
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
0
Fig 5.32 Annual fish counts on the River Mourne 1987-2008
30
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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.
31
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 6.0, 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 6.0 Life cycle unit depicting the type of habitat found in spawning, nursery and holding zones
Fig 6.01 Examples of spawning, nursery and holding habitat
32
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
3 2
1
0
0.75
1.5
2.25
3 Kilometers
Deele Habitat Overview
© Crown Copyright and database rights OSNI EMOU 205.1
Fig 6.02 Habitat overview key for Deele catchment
33
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
© Crown Copyright and database rights OSNI EMOU 205.1 © OSI. All rights reserved. Licence number LA1206/05
Deele Habitat Survey 1
Fig 6.03 Deele catchment habitat survey map 1
34
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
© Crown Copyright and database rights OSNI EMOU 205.1 © OSI. All rights reserved. Licence number LA1206/05
Deele Habitat Survey 2
Fig 6.04 Deele catchment habitat survey map 2
35
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 3
© Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence number LA1206/05
Fig 6.05 Deele catchment habitat survey map 3
36
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
Discontinuous Urban Fabric
1 1
3
11
3
Non‐irrigated Arable Land
11
Pastures 10
Complex Cultivation Patterns Agriculture/Natural Vegetation
8
Coniferous Forests 53
Transitional Woodland Scrub Peatbogs Moors and Heathland
Fig 7.0 Deele catchment land use classification
37
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
112 211
522 141 112 121 312
112
412
411 242
242
242 231 511 211 324
Legend
322
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
0
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
Deele Corine 2000 Landuse Survey
Fig 7.01 Deele catchment land use classification map
38
±
© Crown Copyright and database rights OSNI EMOU 205.1 © Copyright NERC, Acknowledgements CEH, Monks Wood
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 Deele 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
39
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
40
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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: •
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.
41
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
04-05
04-04
04-03
04-01
04-02
Legend 0 - 10 Favourable Nursery Conditions 10 - 25 Acceptable Migratory Passage > 25 Unacceptable River
0 0.5 1
Deele Mean Suspended Solids Results 2008
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 8.01 Deele catchment average suspended solids results 2008. Values are in mg/l
42
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
04-05
04-04
04-03
Legend 04-01
0 - 0.25 Very Good 04-02
0.25 - 0.6 Good 0.6 - 1.3 Fairly Good 1.3 - 2.5 Fair 2.5 - 9 Poor > 9 Bad River
0 0.5 1
Deele 90th Percentile Ammonia Results 2008
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 8.02 Deele catchment Ammonia results 2008. Values are in mg/l
43
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
04-05
04-04
04-03
04-01
04-02
Legend 0 - 0.20 Acceptable Conditions > 0.20 Unacceptable Conditions River
0 0.5 1
Deele Mean Phosphorus Results 2008
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 8.03 Deele catchment phosphorous results 2008. Values are in mg/l
44
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
04-05
04-04
04-03
Legend 0 - 2.5 Very Good 04-01
04-02
2.5 - 4 Good 4 - 6 Fairly Good 6 - 8 Fair 8 - 15 Poor >15 Bad River
0 0.5 1
Deele 90th Percentile BOD Results 2008
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 8.04 Deele catchment Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) results 2008. Values are in mg/l
45
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
04-05
04-04
04-03
04-01
Legend
04-02
0 -30 Bad Quality 30 - 60 Poor Quality 60 - 100 Fair Quality >100 Good Quality River
0 0.5 1
Deele BMWP Results 2008
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1
Fig 8.05 Deele catchment Biological Monitoring Working Party results 2008
46
±
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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)
Water Quality
5 (diversity high)
Very Good
4 (diversity slightly reduced)
Good
3 (diversity significantly reduced)
Fair
2 (Diversity low)
Poor
1 (diversity very low)
Bad
Table 8.0 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
Category of River Water Quality
Q5, Q4-5, Q4
Unpolluted
Q3-4
Slightly polluted
Q3, Q2-3
Moderately polluted
Q2, Q1-2, Q1
Seriously polluted
Table 8.01 Biological water quality ratings
47
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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
90
Ammonia mg/l
0.25
90
Dissolved Oxygen % Saturation
80
10
0.025
95
BOD mg/l
Unionised Ammonia mg/l Suspended solids mg/l Nursery grounds Migratory passage
Soluble Reactive Phosphorous mg/l
10 25 Background
-
Table 8.1 Favourable condition targets for Atlantic salmon
48
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
2004
2004
2008
2004
2002
2001
2004
2007
Legend
2004 2001 2004
2004
Bad
2004
Poor
2004
2004
Moderate
2004
Good High River
0 0.5 1
Deele Q Values
2
3
4 Kilometers
© Crown Copyright and database rights EMOUU205.1 © Environmental Protection Agency Copyright
±
Fig 8.1 Deele Biological Q values (figure adjacent sampling location denotes year of sampling). Data supplied by Environmental Protection Agency
49
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 9.0, 9.01 and 9.02 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
No of Licence Checks
Joint Patrols
On-site Inspections
2006
2457
395
3
18
2007
41 (Patrols)
463 (W. Zone)
0
12
2008
65 (Patrols)
714 (W. Zone)
1
17
Table 9.0 Breakdown of conservation and protection duties, Deele catchment 2006 - 2008
Year
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Nets
114
100
97
114
181
198
207
Salmon
92
56
91
118
130
155
94
Rod & Reel
136
85
26
10
16
12
22
Vehicles
1
0
2
1
1
0
0
Table 9.01 Seized nets, salmon, rod/reels and vehicles in the Foyle system 2002-2008
Year
Nets
Salmon/Trout
Rod/Reel
Vehicles
Boats
2006
2
0
0
0
2
2007
0
0
0
0
1
2008
1
0
0
0
0
Table 9.02 Seizures in the Deele catchment 2006-2008
50
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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. 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 Information below relates to fish populations surveys conducted prior to the instigation of improvement works in 2006 and post implementation in 2007.
Fig 9.1 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) pre habitat improvements, September 2006
51
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Fig 9.11 Magherahee Bridge (upstream site) post habitat improvements, April 2007
River Deele, Upper Site Magherahee Bridge, Salmonid Density Estimates Before and After EEA Habitat Improvement Works Number of Fish/100m^2
60
52.88
50
43.97
40 30 20
25.14
2006 2007
15.28
10 0 Juvenile Salmon
Total Salmonids
Fig 9.12. River Deele Upper Site Magherahee Bridge before (2006) and after (2007) habitat improvement salmonid densities
52
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
River Deele, Lower Site, Magherahee Bridge, Salmonid Density Estimates Before and After EEA Habitat Improvement Works 100
95.19
90
79.32
Numbers of Fish/100m^2
80 70 60 50
2006
40 30 20
2007 26.37 19.91
10 0 Juvenile Salmon
Total Salmonids
Fig 9.13. River Deele Lower Site Magherahee Bridge before (2006) and after (2007) habitat improvement salmonid densities
Length Frequency Distribution of Juvenile Salmon in the River Deele 2007 (n = 87) 8 7
Frequency
6 5 4 3 2 1 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 132 136 140 144 148 152
0
Length (mm)
Fig 9.14. River Deele juvenile salmon length frequency distribution 2007 (n=87)
53
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
Length Weight Relationship for Juvenile Salmon in the River Deele 2007 (n= 87) 60 y = 0.004x2 ‐ 0.3359x + 8.551 R² = 0.9708
50
Weight (g)
40 30 20 10 0 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Length (mm)
9.15. River Deele juvenile salmon length weight relationship 2007 (n=87)
Length Weight Relationship for Trout in the River Deele 2007 (n = 13) 100 y = 8E‐06x3.1033 R² = 0.9913
90 80 Weight (g)
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Length (mm)
9.16. River Deele juvenile trout length weight relationship 2007 (n=13)
54
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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. 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.
55
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
•
•
•
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 a 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.
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.
56
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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 longterm 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 the Northern Ireland Environment Agency all reported pollution incidents are investigated.
14.0 FISHERY OFFICERS DEELE AREA REPORT 2008 In 2008 Fishery Officers Liam McCallion, Hugh Sweeney and Ian Olphert continued to work within the Deele catchment. No report for 2008 was submitted.
15.0 ACTIONS FOR 2009 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. 15.1
Foyle and Carlingford Areas Ongoing Actions for 2009
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 2009. Water quantity is becoming an increasingly important issue from a fisheries management perspective with continuing demand from a variety of sources including
57
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
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. 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 is contributing towards the development and implementation of invasive species codes of practice. 15.2 •
Deele Catchment Potential Habitat Improvement Schemes for 2009 Following on from the excellent habitat works conducted in 2006 within the Deele catchment it is proposed that further schemes should be developed
58
RIVER DEELE AND TRIBUTARIES CATCHMENT STATUS REPORT 2008
paying particular attention to areas adjacent to actively utilised spawning habitats. •
15.3
Engage local stakeholders in the process of developing suitable habitat improvement schemes.
Deele Catchment Specific Actions for 2009
•
Conduct annual fish population surveys and spawning surveys
•
Conduct ongoing water quality monitoring and investigate areas highlighted as being of concern
•
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
•
Monitor forestry operations adjacent to watercourses or areas likely to impact on watercourses
•
Ensure all fish passes, dams and mill races meet required standards
59