Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan
Last year, the number of returning adult salmon in the Itchen was the lowest since records began in 1990 and, if we don’t act now, there is a risk of extinction. The Environment Agency (EA) has drawn up a plan (The Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan) designed to deal with the issues that it perceives are affecting the successful return, spawning and recruitment of chalk stream salmon. The T&I have engaged with the EA, along with other interested bodies to develop the plan and focus on the priority actions required.
You can access and read the drafted version of The Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan in the Members Area.
Water Quality Monitoring Project
As you will know, water quality sampling by either the EA or the water companies has become somewhat minimal and is not providing much benefit other than ticking the regulatory boxes. There is still invertebrate sampling activity ongoing, some that the T&I sponsor, but there are gaps in our understanding regarding chemical and other pollution. The more we know, the better able we will be to deal with any issues and to hold to account those responsible for poor water quality.
Therefore, in association with the Angling Trust (AT), the T&I are planning to implement a water quality monitoring project which will feed into the AT national Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN). All members have had an email with relevant information and if you would like to join and take part, please get in touch with us at director@testanditchen.co.uk. The Angling Trust writes more about this project on their website Water Quality Monitoring Network – Angling Trust