Environment Agency appeals to River Dart canoeists to safeguard salmon stocks

Here is an extract from the EA’s forthcoming Press Release

The Environment Agency is holding an Open Forum event at the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton on January 16th starting at 6:00pm when it will explain its salmon conservation work on the River Dart and take questions from people with an interest in the river including canoeists. Mike Maslin from the Environment Agency has said “I would really like to see and meet as many paddlers as possible. The forum is a two way thing, and I want to hear what they would like to see in the future, and hear how we can work together for the benefit of the ecology of the river. I strongly believe that paddlers can play a large part in looking after what we all love, the River Dart.”

At the moment the Environment Agency is looking to win the support of canoeists and believes only a minority of paddlers are launching on the West Dart will little regard for any damage or harm they might be causing to spawning salmon.

The ‘King of Fish’ is legally protected under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Anyone caught deliberately disturbing these remarkable fish when spawning, can face prosecution. As the law stands that includes irresponsible canoeists.

‘We’re a long way from prosecuting anyone and, at the moment, much prefer the educational approach, but that option is available to us if we encounter irresponsible paddlers,’ said Mike Maslin.

As you can see, the EA understand that paddling is taking place upstream of Dartmeet, and are not wishing to judge whether this is authorised or not, but would like to ensure that conservation considerations are taken by those paddlers launching on the West Dart. The above Open Forum will take place at the RDCP next Saturday, hosted by Gene17 with Simon Westgarth chairing the proceedings. After introductions, Mike will deliver a short presentation on salmon in the River Dart and then will take questions from the floor. Please be clear that this meeting is intending to expand paddler’s understanding of spawning fish in the River Dart catchment and how we can ease the EA’s concerns.

All are welcome to attend this presentation and open forum.

Regards

Simon Westgarth