Climate change is affecting the River Usk

Climate change and the spread of invasive species are the two major issues affecting the quality of the River Usk – according to a conference hosted by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

Other issues affecting the current and future quality of this Special Area of Conservation (SAC) include:

River flow – ensuring the river contains enough water, especially in summer, is crucial to protecting wildlife
Development pressure – for example, from Newport’s Urban Regeneration scheme
Ecological connectivity - the need to link up habitats so that species can move around the river in response to climate change.

Tristan Hatton-Ellis, CCW’s Senior Freshwater Ecologist, said: “Overall, a consensus was established at the conference that, even under current pressures, the Usk remains in a relatively good condition, especially in terms of water quality and river habitats. This reflects the river’s international importance for conservation. It also highlights the need to invest in resources and work together to secure a healthy future for the river.”

However, problems were identified, such as the impacts of barriers on migrating fish; the spread of invasive species, which are in danger of smothering other wildlife; and silt runoff from nearby land, which affects the quality of the water.

Tristan added: “Climate change was highlighted as a major concern. In the future, climate change may mean we have too little water for both wildlife and people, especially in summer. Although the Usk itself is relatively rural, development pressure in Newport and along the M4 corridor is increasing demand for water. Increased storminess and changes to land use will also present challenges for river management.”

The two-day conference, held in Abergavenny in the heart of the Usk Valley, considered a wide range of issues relating to the river. A number of presentations were heard from freshwater scientists, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Environment Agency, Dwr Cymru and the Wye and Usk Foundation.

CCW hopes to use the conference’s conclusions to ensure lasting environmental benefits for the river.

Tristan concluded: “Debates around key issues were lively and it was valuable to hear fresh perspectives. The success of the conference should inspire others to arrange similar meetings to address these difficult issues.”

A short report will be published by CCW in the New Year, based on the findings of the conference. The report will use the key issues to make recommendations to the Severn River Basin District Liaison Panel – the group responsible for the strategic management of the Usk under the Water Framework Directive.

ENDS

• For more information about this press release please contact Delyth Willis, CCW’s Regional PR Officer, on 029 2077 2455 or d.willis@ccw.gov.uk.
• The Countryside Council for Wales is an independent adviser to government, working for a better Wales where everyone values and cares for our natural environment. More information about our work is available on www.ccw.gov.uk
• The River Usk is home to several threatened species of fish, including Atlantic salmon, shads, bullhead and lampreys. Animals such as otters and bats also rely on the river for food and shelter. Because of this, the Usk is of national and European importance for wildlife – and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
• The Water Framework Directive has been established by the European Union to create new and better ways of protecting and improving rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters throughout Member States. One of the main targets of the Directive is to aim that all rivers lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters are in a ‘good ecological state’ by 2015.