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A helping hand for migratory fish

Blackbridge hatches are to be replaced and modified to maximise fish passage on the River Itchen, Winchester. Unimpeded access for salmon through the city is essential to reduce poaching pressures and open up a further 8km of high quality spawning and nursery habitats.

Working with Winchester College the  work will be carried out at a cost of £20,000.  The work will include design, fabrication, transport to site and removal of old hatches and fitting of new hatches.

Previously these hatches had been identified as presenting a barrier to the migration of fish, specifically sea trout and salmon.  Although salmon are able to move through the site, it can be difficult unless the conditions are suitable. 

The new hatches will have two small holes in the bottom of the structure to provide fish passage under the hatches and through the site.  The new hatches are constructed of recycled materials.