A free webinar is coming up, focusing on river restoration. It’ll share insights from successful efforts in Scotland and how those lessons can help revive rivers in Wicklow.
Dr. Al Reeve from the River Dee Trust is one of the speakers. He has hands-on experience restoring the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. His work aims to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and help native fish, like the Atlantic salmon, thrive again.
During his talk, Dr. Reeve will explain various techniques used in river management, such as smolt tracking and electrofishing. Smolt tracking follows young fish as they migrate to the sea. On the other hand, electrofishing briefly stuns fish for safe counting and research. These methods help experts understand river health and the effects of climate change.
He’ll also discuss the challenges posed by a changing climate and ongoing pressures on river ecosystems. Dr. Reeve plans to share what has been learned from these restoration efforts and what lies ahead for protecting and restoring river habitats.
Joining him will be Edwin Third from the Dee Salmon Fishery Board and Mark Bilsby, CEO of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, an organization dedicated to conserving wild Atlantic salmon populations.
This webinar is organized by the East Wicklow Rivers Trust, Wicklow Uplands Council, and the Atlantic Salmon Trust. They believe the experiences from the River Dee project can inform efforts in Wicklow. Fisheries in Wicklow face significant challenges, including declining salmon numbers and low-density trout populations. Improving water quality and habitat conditions could help these fish recover.
The webinar will also highlight current restoration work in the Wicklow Mountains, including an exciting upcoming project in Glensoulan. Recent changes in forestry guidance may also boost riverbank planting and broader restoration efforts.
The online event is set for Thursday, April 23, from 7:30 to 9 PM. You can save your spot by visiting Eventbrite.ie.
The East Wicklow Rivers Trust is a charity committed to conserving rivers and wildlife in Wicklow through community-led projects, while the Wicklow Uplands Council supports sustainable development in upland areas.
For those interested in the current state of river ecosystems, studies show that around 50% of rivers in Europe are under pressure from pollution and habitat destruction (European Environment Agency). The information shared in this webinar could be vital for making a positive change in local river health.
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Myles Buchanan, Climate Change, Environment
