Tag: Freshwater

Britain’s freshwater environments are under threat from agricultural pollution, abstraction, obstruction and invasive species. These issues require hands-on, practical solutions supported by good science. Working with farmers, water companies and Government agencies, the Rivers Trust network does just that. With support from the Company, the network has become one of the most influential voices in UK freshwater management and now consists of over 70 catchment-based charities working to tackle the key issues in freshwater management.  

One example of the network’s work to reverse, rather than simply halt the declines in freshwater biodiversity is the “Unlocking the Severn” project. Managed by the Severn Rivers Trust, the project will reopen 158 miles of the river, allowing migratory fish to access critical spawning grounds. Weirs have already been removed at two sites on the River Teme whilst work has begun on two of the four state of the art fish passes located on weirs on the Severn.

This ground-breaking project aims not only to secure the future of the Severn’s salmon and other protected fish species but to reconnect eight million people with the river, working with over 200 school classes, 100 community groups and generating thousands of volunteering opportunities.  

Jonathan White, Chairman of the Rivers Trust described the project as “one of the largest river restoration projects ever attempted in Europe…this will help secure the long-term future of the Severn’s salmon population and many of the UK’s declining and protected fish species”

Since 1970, the world has lost 80% of all animals that lived in freshwater habitats . In the UK and across the globe, pollution, dams, over-fishing and extraction of water for drinking, farming and industry mean that many species of freshwater fish now face imminent extinction. This loss has gone unnoticed for too long. To save the freshwater fish that remain we need strong, organised action right now. 

That’s why the Fishmongers’ Company have partnered with environmental charities, zoos, aquariums and the pet trade to found SHOAL – a new initiative to increase awareness of the problems facing freshwater fish and to raise and direct funding to where it’s needed – on the ground conservation of endangered fish.  

SHOAL is bringing researchers, businesses, charities, local communities and governments together to prioritise and fund the most pressing rescue projects, to halt the declining freshwater fish populations and protect our freshwater biodiversity. 

The Company is delighted to have hosted the launch of SHOAL at Fishmongers’ Hall on 1 March 2019 where special guest and celebrity angler Jeremy Wade joined aquarists, anglers, businesses, zoos and aquariums, conservation organisations and foundations. Mike Baltzer, Director of SHOAL, set out its vision to save and recover populations of the most threatened fish and other threatened freshwater species. By working collaboratively with this wide range of stakeholders SHOAL aims to capitalise on the expertise and passion presented by this group and is set to change the face of conservation funding and save the diversity of freshwater habitats and species.