News

Water released to help boost fish stocks

Published

11 years ago

November 25, 2014

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES is taking steps to encourage salmon and sewin (sea trout) to reach their spawning grounds and improve stocks. The dry September weather has been a welcome treat for most but for Wales’ fish populations the lack of rain is hindering their annual migration. To combat this, NRW has worked with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to release water into the rivers Tywi and Cleddau to encourage adult salmon and sewin to enter the rivers from Carmarthen Bay.

Dave Mee, Fisheries Team Leader for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The River Tywi and its population of salmon and sea trout is worth an estimated £10.2 million to the Welsh economy and the release will benefit anglers as well as boost fish numbers. “The prolonged dry summer has meant that flows in all our rivers are unusually low but it’s hoped the release will encourage migratory fish, especially salmon, to enter the rivers from the sea.” The release will take place over five days, beginning on Monday morning, with water from Llyn Brianne and Llys y Fran reservoirs being released into the rivers.

The release of additional water from the reservoirs will not affect the public water supply and people who use the river have been alerted to take care as the flow will increase to four times its current level. When Llyn Brianne Reservoir was built in the late 1960s a water bank was created to help mitigate against the loss of natural floods and to help fish migrate at critical times of the year. A similar but much smaller release from Llys y Fran has been arranged for the Eastern Cleddau and it will be the first time the fisheries’ water bank has been used to help fish stocks in the Cleddau. Although indications are that sewin numbers have slightly improved this year, salmon returns continue to struggle.

Dave added: “As well as this release of water, anglers too can help us protect and improve these vulnerable stocks by releasing the fish they catch so they can continue on their way to spawn.” Tony Harrington, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Director of Environment said: “After the driest September in almost 100 years, we are pleased to be working with Natural Resources Wales on this project which will help protect aquatic life in these rivers. “As well as storing water for drinking water purposes, some of our reservoirs also play a vital role in helping to regulate river levels to ensure fish habitats are protected.

This is particularly true after such a dry spell such as this and reflects our commitment to protect the natural environment in our care. “The release of the water will be carefully managed to ensure that the reservoirs continue to meet the drinking water needs of our customers in the surrounding areas.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

23 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

39 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

52 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.