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River Sid Salmon Near Extinction Due to Weir
9 Dec
Summary
- Salmon are functionally extinct in the River Sid, east Devon.
- School Weir prevents salmon from migrating upstream to spawn.
- Environment Agency considers a ramp to aid fish migration.
Salmon populations in the River Sid, located in east Devon, are facing a severe crisis, nearing extinction. Campaigners and the Westcountry Rivers Trust report that the species is "functionally extinct" due to a significant obstacle.
The primary cause identified is the School Weir, an outdated structure on the river that is too high for salmon to leap over. This prevents them from accessing crucial upstream areas needed for their spawning, leading to critically low numbers of the fish.
In response, the Environment Agency is exploring potential solutions to rectify the situation. One proposal under consideration involves constructing a sloping ramp along the weir to allow the salmon to migrate upstream more easily and restore the population.
