"Fisheries in a Changing Climate".

October 13th -15th 2009, Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.

 The 40th Annual Conference of the Institute of Fisheries Management.

Ian Wellby and Ian Dolben review the 2009 conference in Stratford.

The conference was opened by Peter Spillett, the President of the IFM who dedicated it to the memory of Peggy Brown, one of the founder members and an important figure in fisheries management.

Tuesday

We were then welcomed by the Mayor of Stratford upon Avon. The conference began with a talk by Bob Curry, from North Carolina and representing the American Fisheries Society.  He gave a fascinating insight into the world of fisheries across the pond. Then the Sir Hugh Fish Memorial Lecture by Ken Whelan took us on a fascinating tour of the implications of climate change on anadromous fish.  

Then Chris Harrod talked about climate change and the fish of Britain and Ireland. The predicted models suggest that warmwater species will have smiley faces and cold water species will be sad. All fish do have thermal niches and some will have problems in a changing climate. Sticking with the theme, Ian Davidson  then talked about the influence on the freshwater stages of salmon and sea trout from his work on the River Dee. Steve Ormerod, was next with his long term study of Llyn Brianne where links were made between the composition, abundance of and stability of invertebrates in response to changes in temperature.

Jon Hateley had the post lunch slot on the story of arctic char. Their marked decline in most populations since the 1990s appears to be related, at least in part to climate change. Alistair Maltby was next presenting the case for projects that may help mitigate the effects of climate change. Harriet Orr came from the same direction but from a much larger, global perspective. In a talk about the opportunities we have to help or hinder species’ natural adaptability we were also warned that we may have to accept local extinctions. The session ended with Chris Williams discussing fish disease in a changing climate. 

 Alistair Maltby

The final session was on sustainability with Sam Wilding from the Marine Conservation Society starting with a talk on the role of the NGO in helping consumers choose sustainable fish. Then Jon Harman of the Sea Fish Industry Authority looked at the same subject from a different perspective. He outlined that marine fisheries supply a good quality, significant food source and that a flexible, adaptive approach should be aimed at optimizing the resource. They were followed by Neil Lewin presenting the idea of sustainable fisheries management for stillwater fisheries by illuminating some of the problems that the Environment Agency deal with that come from unsustainable management practices. The day ended with Gordon Bull a Trout Farmer from Gloucestershire who tracked the changes in freshwater fish farming over recent years as it has moved to a more sustainable future.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning began with James Savereide, of the Alaskan Department of Fish & Game. He took us on an Alaskan fisheries odyssey, describing the problems involved in defining subsistence fisheries before and after Alaska achieved statehood. Next, Mark Horton told us a tale of community, dollaghan, sliggans and sheughs – these being local Ballinderry terms for trout, mussels and streams. Brian Shields then presented information about a number of multi agency, cross-border projects including the Living North Sea project. The final speaker was Mark Lloyd telling us about the creation of the Angling Trust.

The second session started with Mat Crocker, Head of Fisheries in the Environment Agency, setting out a number of challenges for fisheries, including climate change and the Water Framework Directive. He was followed by Brian Moss, who gave an entertaining and thought provoking presentation on the operation of the Water Framework Directive. Jon Hulland then presented the topic of the Aquatic Animal Health Directive. Then before lunch Keith Hendry, Managing Director of APEM, set out the history of various directives in the NW.

Thursday

Jim Gregory gave the keynote presentation on fisheries monitoring in a changing technological climate. Jim reviewed various techniques for monitoring fisheries, including counters, sonar and of course, his beloved Didson. Next, Andy Martin of the EA presented the work carried out on the Louds Mill fish pass, including some innovative use of aluminium for the fish pass. Chris Gardner then talked about how he has used acoustic telemetry to track the movements of fish in the River Witham. Finally, Jon Hateley, showed us just what the Didson was capable of in monitoring eel movements.

After a coffee break, Stuart Clough outlined the benefits of aerial imagery for habitat assessment and Kevin Ackerman followed with a talk on the effect of climate change on aquatic plants. Andy Turnpenny and Mark Bowen then presented research on the use of an acoustic and strobe light barrier to improve smolt escapement on the San Joaquin river.

The next session began with Pete Kibel showing some great video of fish moving through Archimedes screw turbines. Pete asked the question ‘are fish screwed by the Archimedes screw?’ Then renewable power was the focus of Mike Evans’ talk, as he gave a thought provoking presentation on the proposals for the Severn tidal power scheme. The final talk on renewable energy was given by Nicola O’Keeffe of APEM, who highlighted the potential impacts of turbines on fish, and showed a gruesome catalogue of injuries and mortalities.

 Mike Evans

The final session was devoted to the Institute - both looking back and thinking of the future. Our President, Peter Spillett took us back to the start of the Institute in 1969, and then outlined the main events, initiatives and challenges of the next 40 years. Finally, John Solbe gave the Conference summary - to see John's presentation click here.

It's not all about the talks

This year's trade stands were particularly impressive, especially the weed boat that Kingcombe Aquacare had parked round the back. Also the Critter Cup, the latest freebee from APEM, a must for all us bug lovers. The poster session was held on Tuesday evening, the excellent posters, combined with abundant food and drink, made for a very convivial evening. Delegates also took the opportunity to visit the trade stands displayed so comprehensively alongside the conference hall. On Wednesday afternoon delegates went on various excursions and on return, they went  to the Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa, a beautiful Georgian building, for the annual dinner. 

 The poster session

Next year's conference will be on 19th-21st October 2010 in Portsmouth on 'Fisheries in Transition'.

With thanks to our conference sponsors:

Conference programme is available to download here.