The BBC report that:
This figure is down from 29% that were recorded with a good ecological status in 2014, and according to environmentalists, the analysis is shocking
Problems are largely caused by over-abstraction, pollution from farms, run-off from roads and effluent from sewage works – as well as invasive species. The Environment Agency says the figures look bad because the EU’s assessment criteria have been tightened.
The EU asks nations to grade rivers into poor, moderate, good and high. Governments should aim for rivers to be ‘good’ – that is relatively unaffected by human activity. ‘High’ refers to upland streams in sparsely-populated areas. The statistics show 0.08% of England’s rivers are high quality; 17.06 good; 62.4% moderate; 17.22% poor and 3.24% bad.
Rose O’Neill from WWF said:
“The figures released today are shocking and show us that things are worse than we thought. This is unacceptable and threatens wildlife and livelihoods.
It’s clear that we are failing our rivers and the wildlife they impact. We need to see government action to restore these rivers, for example by reducing abstraction and tackling pollution.”
A spokesman from the EA said the Agency has improved or stabilized the condition of nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and commented:
“The Environment Agency will continue to work closely with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality wherever, and however, possible.”
Wildlife groups reject the phrase “wherever possible”. They think the agency should be tougher with polluters and farmers who reduce the flow of rivers by taking out too much water.
Blueprint for Water, a coalition of 16 environmental and fishing organisations, including the Angling Trust, urges the public to respond to the Agency’s current consultation on River Basin Management Plans.
Click HERE to read the full story on the BBC News site
