Abstract
Summary Objective: The overall objective of this project is to investigate how the impact of diffuse pollution on salmonid populations may be modified by changing environmental conditions (e.g. water discharge and temperature) under predicted climate change scenarios. Policy customers need to be able to make informed decisions about the use and disposal of specific chemicals within the freshwater ecosystem. The research is required to address current uncertainties about the effects of contaminants derived from intensive agriculture and aquaculture and the mechanisms by which they regulate salmonid populations through the interference with key biological processes fundemental to the survival of diadromous fish (e.g. intragravel survival of embryos and transition between fresh and salt water). They also need to be able identify and prioritise future research priorities to support the conservation and management of salmonid populations in a changing environment. Key Customer Purpose: The information derived from this project will be used to advise policy customers on the potential implications of climate change for the regulation and management of freshwater contaminants that have sub-lethal and delayed effects on salmonid fish species. It will therefore inform policy decisions made by Defra and other management authorities (e.g. Environment Agency) and stakeholder groups (e.g. angling clubs), on management decisions relating to the best practices for intensive aquaculture, agriculture and the utilisation of the freshwater environment (e.g abstraction). The result of the research will also be used to inform decisions on the development of water quality monitoring programmes that will provide the data required to safeguard freshwater ecosystems in a changing environment. There are no aspects that may be considered as sensitive upon publication.
United Kingdom