Managing Fish Barriers in Scotland: Improving Water Environments
The management plans and implementation of fish barriers measures in Scotland aim to address key pressures on the water environment, such as fish migration, physical condition, and pollution. The initiative involves categorizing barriers, taking actions on fish migration, scoping barriers, assessing costs and benefits, and following through with design, construction, monitoring, and reclassification. Easing and removing fish barriers is a priority to enhance fish populations and habitat accessibility.
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The second River Basin Management Plans and implementation of fish barriers measures Jenny Davies RBMP coordinator November 2017
Key Pressures on the Water Environment (Scotland RBD) 350 4000km of river habitat inaccessible to fish and eels. 300 250 No. of water bodies 200 150 100 50 0 Fish migration Physical condition Rural diffuse pollution Waste water Agricultural irrigation Hydropower
Categories of Fish Barriers Active barrier Active Barrier an impoundment, weir or dam that is a barrier to fish movement and is being operated or maintained (or is planned to be operated or maintained); or, it is a mothballed weir, impoundment or dam (i.e. it is not currently operated or maintained but the owners operate/maintain similar structures for the purposes of their business). Regulatory approach by sector Hydropower is the priority for this cycle. Historic Barrier Historic Barrier - an impoundment, weir or dam constructed prior to 1 April 2006 that is a barrier to fish movement and is not operated or maintained. Nor is it owned by a business who operates or maintains similar structures for the purposes of their business. Funded by Scottish Government via the Water Environment Fund, WEF. Asset Barrier Asset Barrier a culvert or bridge apron built prior to 1 April 2006 that is a barrier to fish movement. Working with Responsible Authorities.
Barrier type 111 182 Active Asset Historic 79
Action on fish migration Scope all barriers by 2021 currently underway Remove/ ease 184 barriers by 2021 and a further 189 by 2027 Prioritised based on quantity of habitat and catchments Significant benefits to fish populations, opening up large amounts of new habitat
Other assessment Costs & benefits External engagement Ownership Conservation area Access Other Flooding Services assessment
Following scoping Agree if impassable, feasible and proportionate Design and build Monitor and reclassify
Summary Fish barrier is the major pressure on the water environment Easement and removal of fish barriers is a priority for Scotland Partnership is key to achieve these objectives
