Big Swim For School-reared Salmon

Big swim for school-reared salmon

Salmon reared by school children have been released into a river aspart of a project to encourage them to take up angling.

Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Primary School, near Welshpool, Powys, rearedthe fish from eggs given to them in January.

The project also aims to stimulate interest in the environment, andsteer children “”away from the television””.

Salmon were raised in an aquarium and released by children into thevillage’s River Rhaeadr. The fish eggs were supplied by the Environment Agency.

The scheme was originally called the Trout in the Classroom Project,although salmon are now being bred too. It originated in London, andthis is the first year the project has been extended to areas outside.

The Environment Agency said: “”The salmon have been raised in conditionsthat are as close to nature as possible.

“”This approach leads to healthy fish and gives students an accurate,close-up understanding of fish reproduction, food chains and habitat.””

The initiative has been paid for by anglers through fishing licences,and aims to encourage people to take up the sport through free lessons.

The Agency said it hoped the project would encourage youngsters to beoutside, and steer them “”away from the television””.

Wendy Jones, head teacher at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, said: “”Pupilshave been able to watch the development of the eggs and it has tied inclosely with many aspects of the curriculum.””

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