Environmental improvements to enhance and develop freshwater fisheries - Salford Quays a UK case study

Bellamy W.M., . and Hendry K., . and White K.N., . (1997) Environmental improvements to enhance and develop freshwater fisheries - Salford Quays a UK case study. [Proceedings Paper]

Salford Docks renamed Salford Quays in 1986 formed part of the grossly polluted Manchester Ship Canal. Low levels of oxygen high ammonia and suspended solids plus heavy metal contamination of the water and sediments rendered the 8 ha dock system uninhabitable to all but the most pollution-tolerant fish. To facilitate redevelopment of the dock for recreation housing and commerce an ambitious water quality management strategy was devised which involved the progressive isolation of the dock basins from the Manchester Ship Canal and the installation of an artificial mixing system between 1985 and 1987. The water management strategy resulted in such a marked and rapid improvement in water quality that the establishment of a recreational fishery could be considered within a year. In 1989 following two years of phased investigations the entire enclosed water body was stocked with 12 000 coarse fish. Improvements were made to the dock basins to diversify the habitat and promote the breeding of introduced fish. Habitat diversification included tyre reefs as refuges artificial macrophytes as spawning substrate and the planting of macrophytes on raised platforms to provide shallow spawning and feeding areas. Several fish have bred successfully and all have achieved growth rates amongst the fastest in the UK. This paper documents the impact of the water management strategy and the process by which a highly successful urban fishery was created at Salford Quays.

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Abstract

Salford Docks renamed Salford Quays in 1986 formed part of the grossly polluted Manchester Ship Canal. Low levels of oxygen high ammonia and suspended solids plus heavy metal contamination of the water and sediments rendered the 8 ha dock system uninhabitable to all but the most pollution-tolerant fish. To facilitate redevelopment of the dock for recreation housing and commerce an ambitious water quality management strategy was devised which involved the progressive isolation of the dock basins from the Manchester Ship Canal and the installation of an artificial mixing system between 1985 and 1987. The water management strategy resulted in such a marked and rapid improvement in water quality that the establishment of a recreational fishery could be considered within a year. In 1989 following two years of phased investigations the entire enclosed water body was stocked with 12 000 coarse fish. Improvements were made to the dock basins to diversify the habitat and promote the breeding of introduced fish. Habitat diversification included tyre reefs as refuges artificial macrophytes as spawning substrate and the planting of macrophytes on raised platforms to provide shallow spawning and feeding areas. Several fish have bred successfully and all have achieved growth rates amongst the fastest in the UK. This paper documents the impact of the water management strategy and the process by which a highly successful urban fishery was created at Salford Quays.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
AGROVOC Term:	INLAND FISHERIES
AGROVOC Term:	FRESHWATER FISHES
AGROVOC Term:	CONTAMINATION
AGROVOC Term:	POLLUTION
AGROVOC Term:	FISHING OPERATIONS
AGROVOC Term:	RECREATION
AGROVOC Term:	HABITATS
AGROVOC Term:	DIVERSIFICATION
AGROVOC Term:	WATER MANAGEMENT
AGROVOC Term:	UNITED KINGDOM
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16104

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