Globally, Atlantic Salmon have suffered a massive 70 per cent decline in the past 30 years and this continuing downward spiral has triggered a major new research collaboration by British and French scientists who are pooling expertise, resources and 30 years of data to maximise current international research efforts.
The project will run until June 2015 and scientists from both organisations will be collaborating to deliver three key objectives : –
- Aligning the data collection on salmon populations on the rivers Frome in Dorset and Oir and Scorff in Brittany.
- Aligning and interrogating long term environmental and salmon population data sets from both organisations via a new post doctorate Dr Stephen Gregory who started with us in January.
- Generating management advice for mullet and sea lamprey using the facilities on the Frome, Oir and Scorff.
These objectives will enable the three rivers to collect data in a similar way so that the data collected is compatible and can be analysed in unison thus providing a better understanding of the drivers behind changes in our populations of migratory fish.
The official launch on the 15th May will be held at Sandbanks Hotel in Poole, Dorset and will begin with drinks and canapés followed by three presentations from the project partners, including Dr Anton Ibbotson from the GWCT and Dr Jean-Marc Rousell from INRA.
If you are interested in attending please confirm your attendance to Morag Walker on 01425 651000 or email: mwalker@gwct.org.uk.
No later than Friday 10 May.