Abstract
Summary Objective: The aim of this project is to develop life-cycle models for migratory salmonid populations in England and Wales. Such models are required to forecast the effects of environmental change (including climate change scenarios) and other anthropogenic factors on stocks, to compare the potential outcomes of different management options for fisheries and river habitats, to interpret research results and prioritise research needs. They are therefore needed to support the formulation and prioritisation of management decisions relating to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of salmonid populations and the planning of related research activities. In particular, models are needed to determine the possible impacts at the population level of factors known from experimental studies to have adverse effects on individual fish, for example exposure to certain pesticides which cause martalities of fish when the move from fresh to salt water. Key Customer Purpose: The models developed under this project will assist Defra's scientific advisers to interprete the results from a range of experimental studies on salmonids and enable them to advise policy customers, as well as other management authorities (e.g. Environmanet Agency) and stakeholdes, on the nature and prioritisation of management decisions relating to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of salmonid populations. The models will also be used to inform decisions on the direction of future research by providing a means to evaluate the potential importance for management of different factors that may be affecting stocks and the implications of uncertainties in our current knowledge. The study will also advise on research and data collection needs to improve the quality of further reserach and model developments. The models will be developed in an accessible format in order that they may be available for use in future management and research programmes.
United Kingdom