UK: Poole harbour oil spill could have serious consequences for threatened migratory fish

Published 2023년 3월 30일

Tridge summary

A major oil spill in Poole Harbour, caused by a pipeline leak operated by gas company Perenco, has sparked serious concerns from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) over the impact on migratory fish. This incident occurs at a critical time for young Atlantic salmon and sea trout, which are currently migrating from the Rivers Frome and Piddle into the harbor. The GWCT highlights the potential harmful effects of oil on these species, including reduced growth, organ damage, and reproduction issues. The River Frome and Poole Harbour are crucial for these migratory fish, being designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area for Birds, and Ramsar site. The Rivers Frome and Piddle, which are home to other endangered migratory species like the European Eel and Sea lamprey, are part of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas' network of Index Rivers to report the condition of wild salmon populations.

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Original content

Poole Harbour oil spill could have serious consequences for threatened migratory fish, say GWCT experts. UK wide conservation organisation the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has highlighted it’s serious concerns over the impact of the 200-barrel fluid leak into Poole Harbour on protected migratory fish. The GWCT operates the Salmon & Trout Research Centre on the River Frome at East Stoke, Dorset which has been monitoring the salmon population in depth for 50 years. A major incident was declared on Sunday 26 March 2023, when a leak occurred at a pipeline operated by gas company Perenco. The leak coincides with the start of the sea-bound migration of vulnerable young Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta), known as smolts, from the Rivers Frome and Piddle which flow directly through Poole Harbour. The young salmon and trout hatch from eggs laid by adults in the river, where they spend between 1 – 3 years before migrating to sea from March to mid-May. ...

Source: Fish Focus