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2. Fisheries 2.1. SWWRA stated that 'It was vitally important that the proposed or any other abstraction scheme did not adversely affect those valuable fisheries'. Some of the problems have been discussed above. It was estimated that 120 salmon and 300 sewin redds would be involved at optimum conditions, above the dam, but gravel in the upper Towy above Fannog falls, previously inaccessible, was suitable for spawning. 2.2. The trapping and trucking scheme had been chosen because, (a) a fish pass was not realistic, (b) no inaccessible spawning grounds elsewhere, suitable for opening up, were found, (c) suitable nursery streams for planting artificially reared progeny of trapped fish, were limited and quite inaccessible, (d) artificial propagation of smolts was uneconomic because of low (5 - 6%) adult return rates. 2.3. Fannog falls would be drowned at all times, except for 25 days in a 50 year drought. On the basis of an abstraction rate of 86mgd, SWWRA were prepared to accept this obstruction to migratory fish (from where?). 2.4. 'A team of watchers, one of whom should drive the tanker vehicle would be required to operate the traps and guard against marauders. The scheme was so important for the Towy fisheries that the employment of a full time qualified attendant would be justified. It was considered that the sum of £50,000 (capitalised) for the future maintenance and operation of the scheme was low'. |
