Title: Brown trout habitat assessment on the River Bela catchment (as recommended by the strategic fisheries stock Assessment Task Group 1995)
Author: E.P.K. Watson
Author: D.J.F. McCubbing
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
The Environment Agency (EA) and its predecessor the National Rivers Authority, undertook strategic fish stock assessments in 1992 and 1995 on the River Bela catchment. These surveys found low numbers of brown trout (Salmo trutta) at some sites. Following this, habitat evaluation assessments were undertaken on the eleven poorest sites Factors probably responsible for declining trout populations on the three main tributaries of the Bela catchment, include: Overgrazing by farm stock; Lack of suitable cover for parr; The absence of suitable spawning areas; Existing potential of certain areas within the catchment not being utilised, due to poor dispersal; Habitat Improvement Schemes (H.I.S) are discussed and prioritised. The River Bela and tributaries pass through a generally lowland, heavily farmed area to the South east of Kendal and Milnthorpe. The river has three main tributaries, Saint Sundays Beck (partly known as Stainton Beck), Peasey Beck and Lupton Beck. These meet to form the River Bela, just north of Milnthorpe.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 1997
Publication Place: [Bristol]
Subject Keywords: Rivers; Habitat assessment; Trout; Catchment basins; Population survey; Spawning; Data analysis; Fish larvae
Geographic Keywords: Bela (Cumbria); Cumbria
Extent: 32
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:435
Total file downloads: 277
Download PDF Display PDF in separate tab