Restoration work in the River Usk will help rare and protected fish

Work is now complete to improve access for migratory salmon at Brecon weir on the River Usk.

A new fish pass was installed this summer as part of the Natural Resources Wales’s (NRW) Four Rivers for LIFE Project.

This fish pass is specifically designed for smolts (young salmon) as they migrate from the river downstream out to sea. There is already an existing Larinier fish-pass on the far side of the weir for adult salmon migrating upstream.

The new pass will help young salmon and other fish species to move freely down the river.

Brecon Weir was previously highlighted as a significant obstruction to salmon smolts migrating downstream on their journey to the sea.

Fish tracking work had shown that a large proportion smolt could be held up at the weir for significant periods during dry spring periods, making them more vulnerable to disease and predation.

Local contractor Midwest Plant Ltd completed the work which included the installation of the new fish pass as well as new fencing at the site. 

The work was also enabled by the Canal and Rivers Trust who own the weir structure, and Powys County Council.

Susie Kinghan from the Four Rivers for LIFE Project said: “This work will significantly improve conditions for declining populations of fish including the endangered Atlantic salmon and will hopefully be a step towards the recovery of the species.”

“Fish tracking work on the Usk is set to continue which will help us to monitor the success of the scheme. We hope to see improvements next spring, with a change in fish behaviour and young salmon no longer held up at the weir.”

The Four Rivers for LIFE is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.