Salmon return to the Dove after 70 years

The first salmon in 70 years has been seen jumping a weir on the River Dove on its way to spawning grounds upstream.

This is the culmination of a three-year program by the Agency at re-introducing the fish to one of its traditional nursery rivers.

For centuries, the River Dove was recognized for its value as a spawning ground for salmon.

Rapid, stony rivers such as the Dove are favorite places for salmon to breed.

In a report to Parliament on salmon fishing in 1864 Lord Devonshire said: "With respect to the Dove, I have examined it carefully and there is not a finer breeding river in the kingdom, may, more than that, many person enjoy good salmon fishing there also."

By the end of the 1800's the Industrial Revolution had taken its toll on water quality. Pollution and obstructions in the river prevented the salmon from returning.

The last salmon seen returning to the Dove was reputed to be in the 1930's and the Atlantic Salmon is now recognised as a globally threatened species.

The Environment Agency has been working to create conditions which encourage the fish to return and the work that has been carried out to improve water quality will benefit all river users, including coarse fishermen.

Over the last three years, the Agency has carried out a programme of re-stocking the River Dove, including stretches running through the now organic Wooton Estate.

Young salmon have been placed in the river in the hope that they will survive and return to their home river to breed.

Salmon spend the first 1-3 years of their life in fresh water before migrating long distances to the sea, where they spend a further 1-3 years before returning to their home river in late autumn to spawn.

Agency Fisheries Management Officer, Gary Cyster, who saw the fish, said: "I hoped that we would see the first fish return this year and I was elated when I saw a salmon jumping over the weir. I have been working towards this for the last 20 years.

The work will continue and, eventually, I hope there will be a self-sustaining salmon population in the River Dove."