The failure to manage freshwater pollution in NI is reflected in a failure to achieve successful attainment of the WFD goals to attain good ecological status (GES) in NI and Irish rivers. The consequences are particularly evident in the Lough Neagh toxic blue green algae bloom ( 2023 – 2025).
As a lifelong salmon angler I ask if the failure of WFD implementation plans have also negatively reduced the effectiveness of salmon management plans in NI.
Given the cultural heritage and socio economic value of salmon in NI and Ireland achieving GES necessitates providing for the biological and ecological needs of Atlantic salmon which are ubiquitous in Ireland’s rivers.
Some commentators suggest that protecting freshwater habitat will make little difference to salmon stocks when sea survival rates are so low. However, how can stocks ever recover if the productivity of freshwater habitat for spawning, nursery growth and residence of adults prior to spawning is not protected and maintained . That so many anglers purchase a fishing licence demonstrates the value of individuals given to salmon angling.
However, both the marine and freshwater phases of the lifecycle are vitally important to sustainable abundance of the Atlantic salmon population. Therefore, while the reasons for declines in the marine phase continue to be investigated the key freshwater habitats need protection. These include spawning habitat, nursery habitat and holding habitats for adult fish awaiting spawning time. The potential productivity of a particular river requires good water quality, beyond WFD implementation and is reflected by unique hydro-geomorphological (HGM) profiles.
My own interest is to survey rivers for their unique quantities of spawning, nursery and holding habitat provisioning salmonid habitat suitable for egg deposition, hatching to alevin, nursery habitat for fry, parr and smolt migration to see. The habitat for holding returning adult fish for long periods should also be assessed. However, such analysis will be to no avail if water quality is compromised rendering GES unachievable.