22-Aug-2006
- The Environment Agency has discovered a rare
breed of fish in the Wyre estuary, which has not
been seen in the Northwest region for more than
25 years, and is a great sign of the improved
water quality in the area.
The smelt, also known as sparling,
was found during a recent fish survey at the waterway.
The fish used to be a common sight in estuaries,
but they are extremely sensitive to pollution
and over time, as pollution increased, their numbers
declined.
Dr Brian Shields, Fisheries
Scientist at the Agency, said: "These young
fish are predominately found in large clean estuaries.
Their existence in the Wyre is a good indicator
of the improved water quality in the area."
Smelt are similar to salmon
in that they mature at sea after spending their
first few years in freshwater. The smelt can grow
to about 20-30 cm in length and spawn in the lower
reaches of rivers. The juveniles then live in
estuary environments until they are ready to go
to sea.
The fish found in the Wyre were
all juveniles, approximately two years old, and
in good condition. As the fish had lived in the
estuary for several years, it indicates that the
water is capable of supporting the species in
the future.
The Agency will carry out further
survey work in the estuary next year, and its
hoped that more adult smelt will return to spawn.
Melanie Walker
