FROM HEADWATER TO HEADLAND
Improving Smolt Survival in Rivers and Estuaries.
Over 100 delegates attended this conference, which took place in Berwick-upon-Tweed on 14 and 15 March. Organised by the Atlantic Salmon Trust and the Tweed Foundation, it brought together scientists, fisheries managers and anglers.
We are delighted to announce that videos of all the speakers presentations, along with the question and answer sessions, are now available via the Atlantic Salmon Trust’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXsDg09-APY51r5TDZj0LofIsx8xyy8Ng or via The Tweed Foundation’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/tweedfoundation
The Conference considered the impacts on smolt survival of factors in freshwater, such as pollution, migration in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters and the effects of predation. At a time when fewer salmon are surviving at sea to return as adults, the Conference highlighted not only the importance of ensuring that as many smolts as possible leave our rivers and estuaries, but also that surprisingly little is known about levels of loss in these environments and the relative importance of the different causes.
A report of the Conference is also being prepared, which will summarise the key issues discussed. This, too, will be available online in due course.