2002 had one of the wettest autumns on record, but that has brought good news for salmon and sea trout in West Wales say Environment Agency Wales. High river levels have allowed fish to swim far upstream and make full use of spawning areas on the upper tributaries of many rivers. In some rivers, large numbers of fish have been seen returning from the North Atlantic to spawn in the streams and tributaries of West Wales.

In 2002 the Agency  worked with project partners on tributaries of the Tywi, Cleddau and Teifi, restoring and enhancing spawning and nursery habitats for migratory fish.

One initiative is on the river Cerdin, a tributary of the Teifi near Llandysul. Agency staff, contractors and volunteers from Llandysul Angling Association recently completed a habitat restoration scheme, clearing large amounts of wood from the lower reaches of the river. Over the years fallen trees and branches had formed dams across the river, obstructing salmon and sea trout attempting to return to their native spawning grounds. These dams were also slowing down the flow, increasing the amount of silt covering the gravel and choking water plants.

A survey carried out in mid December 2002 showed that the natural flow has now been re-established, clearing silt from the river channel and cleaning the gravel. This is a great improvement in habitat for salmon and sea trout, which need clean gravel if they are to spawn successfully. The survey also revealed 35 redds - the areas of gravel, dug by the female fish, into which she lays her eggs.

The Agency’s fisheries and recreation teams are looking to extend the work done with angling clubs, riparian owners and other key stakeholders to restore and enhance the quality of fisheries across Wales.

Fisheries Ecology and Recreation Committee Chairman Pat O’Reilly said: "Llandysul Angling Association had been working on habitat improvements to the River Cerdin steadily for many years. Now, with additional funding, active support and guidance from Environment Agency Wales, the whole of this valuable tributary has been made accessible to migrating fish. This project shows clearly how much more can be achieved by working in partnership, and I am delighted that, via the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Fisheries Programme, partnerships all across Wales are being set up to improve river, lake and wetland habitats for the benefit of people, wildlife and the tourism-based economy."

The project on the Cerdin was carried out in collaboration with Llandysul Angling Association and funded by the Agency with additional fisheries Grant in Aid from the Welsh Assembly Government.