Welsh rivers ‘at risk’ of low salmon stocks

The seasonal sight of the salmon leap in rivers across Wales is becoming more difficult to spot due to declining salmon stocks.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) monitor the fish stocks across the country, and say most of Wales’ rivers are at risk in terms of salmon.

Autumn is the time of year when migrating fish fight their way upstream to spawn and produce the next generation of the species.

The Cenarth Falls on the River Teifi at Ceredigion are one of the best known places to see salmon, but this year the likelihood of seeing any fish is low.

The falls at Cenarth are the first obstacle for salmon on their way up the River Teifi, and they must overcome the power of the water here to continue their journey.

Alongside NRW, a number of agencies are implementing strategies to improve fish stocks.

The West Wales Rivers Trust say a big concern is pollution from agriculture. To combat this issue, they’re employing farm advisors to assist farmers with identifying and fixing contamination problems.

Another approach has been trialled by the coracle fishermen on the river.

The Teifi Coracle Netsman’s Association have been fishing on the river for generations but, this year, they put back all salmon they caught in order to help boost numbers for the future.

Salmon stocks are suffering across the North Atlantic, not just in Wales, and they’re not the only ones facing a difficult season.

Find out how the seal pups of Ramsey Island have fared in the recent storms, and learn more about the autumn salmon leap, on Coast & Country, tonight at 8pm on ITV Wales.