Avon Salmon Action Plan
The Trust response to the Avon Salmon Action Plan Review, 19th February 2005
There is unanimous disappointment at the lack of progress toward a substantive recovery, indeed, any recovery in Avon salmon stocks since 1997, not withstanding zero exploitation for the whole period.
The Trust see a lack of innovation in the review and fear adoption, without radical change in approach, will serve only to perpetuate the current dire situation. There is no confidence in the integrity of assessment methods and therefore conclusions based on the results. This applies equally to fish, habitat, in river works and targets. Indeed few, if any, of the conclusions and assumptions would withstand scientific scrutiny.
Since 1997 considerable progress has been made elsewhere in overcoming poor spawning success. seen as a major contributor to current failure levels. No reference to this or preparedness to learn from successful experiments in other catchments, areas and regions exists. Most include EA expertise and some use and contribution to EA hatchery facilities,.
There is no evidence anywhere in the document that the Agency aspires to restore stocks to their historic levels. Only references to minimum targets which themselves are mistrusted. Adoption is seen to perpetuate low, vulnerable stocks. The Agency’ specific duty to maintain, improve and develop fisheries is not fulfilled by the draft. The social and economic importance of fisheries and fishing are ignored.
Well known causes of parr and smolt mortality, for example stocked trout, indigenous chub and avian predation, well known for many years, call for immediate action, not more research.
Concern about current gravel cleaning operations persists and alternative techniques should be considered.