Returning Salmon to the River Wharfe

The migration of salmon to their spawning grounds in the upper reaches of the Yorkshire dales rivers was almost eliminated by poor water conditions, built obstructions in the river and in the Humber estuary caused by the industrial activities and pollution of the past millenium. Water quality has now improved such that migratory fish are now returning in increasing numbers but old industrial weirs remain a major obstruction. The Environment Agency consider that the weir at Boston Spa is the major obstruction and are currently building a fish pass. To ensure that the return of migratory fish is adequately researched and recorded, and hence informing subsequent work, a fish counter, recording cameras and associated ancillary equipment will be installed.