Reconnecting the Salmon Rivers of Wales

• The estimated average length of free-flowing river segments (i.e. those between consecutive barriers) is less than 7 km in Wales
• Barrier density is 0.63 barriers per km. 
• Our field surveys indicate that ~23% of barriers in Wales are obsolete and could be removed.
• We have identified 50 priority barriers inside protected sites in our five target catchments, a number of which will be removed or mitigated within the duration of the NNF program

To help reconnect five iconic Atlantic Salmon rivers in Wales:

1. Western Cleddau
2. Eastern Cleddau
3. Usk
4. Tywi
5. Teifi

To revert the impacts caused by habitat fragmentation.

• Reconnecting quality habitats for salmon will benefit many other aquatic species, including the freshwater pearl mussel, sea trout, sea lamprey, white-clawed crayfish, and the Eurasian otter who require free-flowing rivers.

To help reconnect over 100 km of fragmented river habitats across Wales

• We will remove and/or ease disused barriers to reconnect fragmented river habitats. 

To use the Barrier Tracker app to engage with local communities

• Using the barrier tracker will showcase the benefits of collaboration in river restoration among the regulator, the water provider, the scientists and the local river communities.

1. improve the condition of four protected river sites

2. help reverse the loss of river biodiversity

3. make salmon and other endangered riverine species less isolated

The Reconnecting the Salmon Rivers of Wales project is funded by the Nature Networks Fund. 

The Nature Networks Fund was launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Welsh Government and aims to tackle climate change and help nature to thrive via the awarding of grants of up to £500k

• Total budget: £0.6m
• Duration: 23 months
• Coordinator: Swansea University

Anglers will benefit from having more resilient and abundant fish stocks and more fishing opportunities. Angling (5,514 salmon and sea trout angling licences sold in Wales) is a significant source of wealth and tourism, and an increase in anglers and outdoor (nature-related) visitors will benefit local river communities. 

There are over 2,700 members of Canoe Wales and better connected rivers will also offer better opportunities for canoeing which are at present very limited in Wales due to river fragmentation. 

Having more free-flowing rivers will also improve river hydrology, facilitate the transport of sediments and enhance the functioning of rivers and the ecosystem services rivers provide. 

Healthy rivers are flowing rivers and better connected rivers will enhance the biodiversity value of the protected sites we are targeting in the five salmon catchments. Finally, the removal of obsolete barriers will help reduce flood risks and promote the adoption of Nature-based solutions (NbS) for flood management. 

Nant Esgair - Before 

Nant Esgair - After

The Reconnecting the Salmon Rivers of Wales is collaborating with the AMBER (Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers) project by encouraging Citizen Scientists to download the App and record Barriers in Welsh rivers.

The image below shows Barriers recorded to date in Wales.

Barrier Tracker poster english