Help for spawning fish

A three-year-long scheme to help spawning fish on one of the most important tributaries of the Dyfi was officially opened by MP Lembit Opik on 1st June 2009.

The £40,000 project on the Afon Ceirig has fenced-off the river corridor, removed blockages, created in-river habitat and stabilised the river bank on a 2.6 kilometre stretch of the river.  The scheme has also created drinking areas, crossing points and swing gates to prevent livestock from eroding the banks.

We have also worked closely with the New Dyfi Fishery Association to identify the most suitable tributary for this work and with the landowners to make sure the scheme meets their needs.  Further projects in the Dyfi Valley have seen a similar scheme along 1.4 kilometres of riverbank at Rhiwsaeson and a 1.7 kilometre forestry buffer strip created along the riverbank at Hengwm.  A number of tributaries of the Dyfi are now better placed to provide habitats for spawning salmon and sea trout.

This is a key part of our work to improve the breeding success of salmon and sea trout as part of its drive to safeguard sustainable fish stocks and improve fishing opportunities.  Alan Winstone North Wales Fisheries Manager said: 'The Dyfi is renowned for its salmon and sea trout and attracts anglers from all over Wales and beyond, so it is important to both the economy and the environment that we preserve its fish stock levels by increasing fish numbers.  As well as improving habitats, we have worked with anglers from the New Dyfi Fisheries Association to raise awareness of the need to protect the wildlife and ecology of the Dyfi Valley and identify where migratory fish could benefit most from such projects.'

Richard Evans, secretary of the New Dyfi Fishery Association, said: 'Angling is important for the community and economy of mid-Wales. It’s an important pastime for local people and fishermen from further afield provide a vital source of income for the tourist trade.  This is a great example of how we can really make a difference for wildlife and people by working closely together.'

This project was funded by the European Union’s Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) and the Welsh Assembly Government.