The University of Southampton celebrates World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) this month, while raising money for salmon research at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
WFMD is a global initiative that takes place once a year, promoting awareness of the importance of open rivers and migratory fish species.
This May the University of Southampton's International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research (ICER) are taking part in two family-friendly events to showcase their work on the environmental impacts on fish.
The first event will be held on 21 May, from 10am – 4pm, at Bitterne Riverside Park in Southampton.
The second event takes place at Southampton’s famous pub, The Hobbit in Portswood. On 30 May The Hobbit is holding ‘Environmental Rock’, an eco-friendly family day out, with music and stands promoting sustainability.
ICER’s stand at both events will feature a number of activities, including colouring-in and several competitions to win prizes.
One of the University’s students assisting in the running of both events is Helen Currie, who is studying for a PhD in animal communication. She is interested in the impact human activity is having on our fish, saying: “The UK’s fish are often overlooked, but they’re fascinating. Each river has its own distinct population and if they’re lost, they can’t be replaced. The conservation research that the GWCT are carrying out is really important in protecting our fish.”
All money raised at these family friendly, activity-packed stands will be donated to the GWCT’s Salmon Appeal, which supports research into how to reverse the decline in Atlantic Salmon in our rivers across the country. The stands will be manned by researchers and students so the general public can drop by and find out more about the environmental impacts on fish and the University’s current research.
Dylan Roberts, GWCT’s Head of Fisheries, says: “Our Salmon Appeal is really important, it supports our work to understand the reasons behind why the numbers of adult salmon in our rivers have declined by 70% over the last 30 years. In doing so we can plan how to help these iconic fish.”
For more information on the events mentioned visit: www.worldfishmigrationday.com/events/987/university-of-southampton-world-fish-migration-day.
For more about the GWCT Salmon Appeal, and to donate, visit: www.gwct.org.uk/fishing/salmon-appeal/
For information on the ICER work please visit: www.icer.soton.ac.uk/
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk