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Local MP unveils new fish pass

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin has unveiled a new fish pass on Dorset’s Frome River, near Dorchester – a project vital to the future of Frome’s salmon.

For some time, the flow gauging weir at Louds Mill has been a barrier to the upstream migration of salmon and other smaller fish in the Frome. This has posed a threat to local stocks and caused a severe decline in fish numbers.

Thanks to a partnership project between the Environment Agency and the Frome, Piddle and West Dorset Fisheries Association, a new 4.5 tonne, eight-metre long, stainless steel fish pass has now been constructed and lowered into position.

The pass has been designed to slow the down the flow-rate at that point in the river, and increase the depth of water flowing downstream – allowing fish to swim up the slope and reach the waters above the weir.

“Helping salmon over Louds Mill will enable them to reach the high quality spawning areas in this part of the Frome catchments,” said Andy Martin from the Environment Agency. “This could double the number of young salmon migrating to sea and then double the number of adults returning.”

Commenting on the project, Richard Slocock, Chairman of the Frome, Piddle and West Dorset Fisheries Association said, “We are delighted to see this barrier to migrating salmon removed. It has taken a great deal of effort and hard work to get this part of our project off the ground. Congratulations to all concerned.”

Charles Dutton, the Appeal Co-coordinator, added, “This fish pass is a vital part of the conservation work on the Frome. It’s fantastic to see the fruits of our labour and the financial generosity of our supporters come to fruition – and the salmon are enjoying it too!”