26 to 28 January 2010, at the Marriott Hotel, York

Flows are of critical importance to all forms of aquatic life in rivers, but are under severe pressure in many areas. Increasing demand for water and the effects of climate change threaten to make matters worse. Effective management of flows will be vital if the Water Framework Directive's target of all rivers achieving good ecological status is to be met.

There have been major developments in the scientific understanding of the flow requirements of salmonids since the last AST meeting on this issue 20 years ago, together with extensive changes in regulatory regimes. The aim of this symposium is to review these developments and consider how they can best inform the practical management of river flows. It will be followed later by a workshop that will seek to develop practical guidance for regulators and river managers.

The Symposium is a participatory event with three main objectives:

1. To review and summarise scientific progress over last 20 years in the understanding of relationships between river flows (including related thermal regimes) and salmonids in rivers and the methods for setting of flow objectives in the British Isles.

2. To develop evidence-based best practice on flow objectives setting and management for salmonids, including those necessary to maintain rivers at good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive. (These will be firmed up through the later workshop)

3. To identify gaps in knowledge and priorities for future R&D.

The meeting will focus on migratory salmonids - salmon and sea trout - given the critical effect river flows have on these fish at all stages of their complex life cycles, but will refer to other species where appropriate.

For more information — see the programme

The symposium is being organised by the Atlantic Salmon Trust, with sponsorship from the Environment Agency, Dwr Cymru, the Salmon and Trout Association, the Wild Trout Trust, APEM, Scottish and Southern Energy and the Countryside Council for Wales. If you would like to help sponsor this event contact Ivor Llewelyn ivor.llewelyn@atlanticsalmontrust.org

BOOK NOW - You can book online at http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/426. You can also download and return a booking form by post, or book and pay by credit card over the phone, BACS and by cheque.

The Venue — The venue is the York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QQ. Book your accommodation online here to qualify for the guaranteed rate of £89.00 B&B

Please circulate: Please feel free circulate this to colleagues who may be interested.