Post by envagencyyorkshire on Mar 10, 2011 13:44:39 GMT
I can't find the original post but here goes.......
Q:Since the West Yorkshire rivers began to clean up, and this is particularly noticeable on the river Aire which now holds good numbers of fish well below Knottingley, what measures are the EA taking to monitor fish populations and promote angling access in areas such as Swillington, and Allerton Bywater on the Aire and Stanley Ferry, Methley, and Castleford on the Calder?
As you correctly point out, the rivers of West Yorkshire are becoming much cleaner. The River Aire has seen fish populations increasing particularly from Leeds, downstream to it’s confluence with the River Ouse.
The EA carry out regularly monitoring of fish populations on the Aire by using techniques such as electro fishing and hydro acoustic surveys which we do from a purpose built boat.
We carry out surveys on specific sites along the both the River Aire and the River Calder. We have sites at Castleford, Swillington, Thwaites Mill in Leeds, Methley, Bottom Boat and Chantry Bridge in Wakefield. On the lower sections of the Aire we carry out hydro acoustic surveys from Chapel Haddlesey upstream for around 20km. We are also looking at increasing the number of sites in places such as Leeds City Centre.
We are always looking at providing improved sustainable access for all river users where possible. This year we have improved access on a pond situated at Allerton Bywater. We have created a new accessible footpath (suitable for wheelchair users) along with two new fishing platforms. The EA owns this land and allow you to fish for free.
We have also created a number of fishing platforms on the Aire upstream of Castleford Weir where wheelchair access is also available.
If you have any suggestions where we may increase access either on the river or a stillwater, we would be very happy to consider supporting your proposal.
If you would like to contact us, please telephone our National Communication and Call Centre 08708 506 506 who will connect you to the West Yorkshire Fisheries Department.
Q:Since the West Yorkshire rivers began to clean up, and this is particularly noticeable on the river Aire which now holds good numbers of fish well below Knottingley, what measures are the EA taking to monitor fish populations and promote angling access in areas such as Swillington, and Allerton Bywater on the Aire and Stanley Ferry, Methley, and Castleford on the Calder?
As you correctly point out, the rivers of West Yorkshire are becoming much cleaner. The River Aire has seen fish populations increasing particularly from Leeds, downstream to it’s confluence with the River Ouse.
The EA carry out regularly monitoring of fish populations on the Aire by using techniques such as electro fishing and hydro acoustic surveys which we do from a purpose built boat.
We carry out surveys on specific sites along the both the River Aire and the River Calder. We have sites at Castleford, Swillington, Thwaites Mill in Leeds, Methley, Bottom Boat and Chantry Bridge in Wakefield. On the lower sections of the Aire we carry out hydro acoustic surveys from Chapel Haddlesey upstream for around 20km. We are also looking at increasing the number of sites in places such as Leeds City Centre.
We are always looking at providing improved sustainable access for all river users where possible. This year we have improved access on a pond situated at Allerton Bywater. We have created a new accessible footpath (suitable for wheelchair users) along with two new fishing platforms. The EA owns this land and allow you to fish for free.
We have also created a number of fishing platforms on the Aire upstream of Castleford Weir where wheelchair access is also available.
If you have any suggestions where we may increase access either on the river or a stillwater, we would be very happy to consider supporting your proposal.
If you would like to contact us, please telephone our National Communication and Call Centre 08708 506 506 who will connect you to the West Yorkshire Fisheries Department.