The Fox and Hounds was the venue for the River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Associations AGM last Friday. Forty or so members assembled at the hotel with river conservation at the top of the agenda. Chairman Andy Gray highlighted the extensive work being undertaken across the River Taw catchment with a collaborative science based approach to tackle the many issues that impact upon the rivers health. Agricultural pollution, and sewage discharge identified as being the most impactful. The association are working closely with the Environment Agency, West Country Rivers Trust and North Devon Biosphere in a catchment partnership. The collection of data is a vital part of forward planning and the association are working with Exeter University and West Country Rivers Trust to help gather this information for science lead solutions.

Daniel Skeat’s and Karen Saunders gave informative presentations regarding the shad eDNA project and electro fishing results across the catchment. There were some positive results from the fry surveys in some areas that give a glimmer of hope for the future.

The Taw salmon rod catches were probably better than expected with around 90 fish recorded. Most of these were caught during a brief productive spell at the end of the season with most fish caught lower down the catchment despite good water levels.

It is apparent that anglers observations from the water’s edge are vital in revealing the full picture.  Rod catches are an important indicator of fish populations. It is only through anglers that the presence of rare migratory shad have been highlighted in the Taw catchment. Anglers are often the first to spot pollution incidents and those that participate in River-fly Surveys provide vital data to monitor long term river health.

Sam Fenner and Harry Chance from the Environment Agency both gave updates on the sterling work they are doing across North Devon in both fishery enforcement and farm visits. Their efforts are to be welcomed and supported whole heartedly by all anglers. The Environment Agency is undoubtedly underfunded and this will only change as public opinion puts the environment higher onto the political agenda.

The Channel 4 program ‘Dirty Business’ has stimulated much discussion regarding water companies and enforcement. These emotive productions are beneficial in stirring public opinion but anger seldom proves productive as the issues are complex. In a world driven by social media and polarised opinions solutions are not often easily found.

In my opinion the work being done in our rivers is vital to help salmon and sea trout survive. But addressing the destruction of salmon at sea via industrial fishing is where action needs to be coordinated to give any realistic hope for the long term future. As to climate change its effects can perhaps be combatted to a limited degree by careful river management with tree planting.

An online auction is being held to raise valuable funds to enable this work to continue full details can be found on the associations website.

RTFCA ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Welcome to the RTFCA annual fundraiser. Donations from our members and supporters go to raising to funds for the Association.

All of the funds raised are spent on in-river projects designed to improve water quality or deliver environmental improvements. Some of our previous projects can be seen on our website at https://rtfca.co.uk/

This year we are hosting the fundraise online. Please follow the link and instructions and bid generously. Leave a tip if you are able.

We are very grateful for your participation and support.

 The link for the fundraiser is:   https://app.galabid.com/rtfca-fundraiser/items

Many thanks and good luck

Ian Blewett

Sec

The Fox and Hounds at Eggesford are hosting a Trout and Salmon Spring gathering between March 27^th and March 29^th. This will include talks screenings, demonstrations and the chance to meet and mingle with fellow anglers and their families at this historic fishing hotel. Call 01769 580345 to secure a place.