| Rare fish discovered in the Wyre estuary
The Environment Agency has discovered a rare breed of fish in the Wyre estuary, which has not been seen in the Northwest region for more than 25 years, and is a great sign of the improved water quality in the area. The smelt, also known as sparling, was found during a recent fish survey at the waterway. The fish used to be a common sight in estuaries, but they are extremely sensitive to pollution and over time, as pollution increased, their numbers declined. Dr Brian Shields, Fisheries Scientist at the Agency, said: “These young fish are predominately found in large clean estuaries. Their existence in the Wyre is a good indicator of the improved water quality in the area.” Smelt are similar to salmon in that they mature at sea after spending their first few years in freshwater. The smelt can grow to about 20-30 cm in length and spawn in the lower reaches of rivers. The juveniles then live in estuary environments until they are ready to go to sea. The fish found in the Wyre were all juveniles, approximately two years old, and in good condition. As the fish had lived in the estuary for several years, it indicates that the water is capable of supporting the species in the future. The Agency will carry out further survey work in the estuary next year, and its hoped that more adult smelt will return to spawn. |
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