Report information
CEFAS are catching and tagging a certain number of Salmon as they come in from the sea. They can then monitor their progress upriver as they turn up either the North or South Tyne to spawn later in the autumn. It's all in a bid to discover more about their river migration and how they use the river.
As the fish pass by receivers which are placed at intervals along the river, their tags send a signal to the receiver and the scientists can track their journey by downloading information on the temperature, depth and pressure of the water as these factors seem to effect the migration of the salmon. The scientists can also sometimes locate the stretch of river the Salmon are passing through by use of a hydrophone placed in the water.
Salmon don't feed once they enter freshwater from saltwater so have to ensure they have built up enough energies from feeding at sea to make the distance upriver and deal with any obstacles in their way like weirs. Weather and river conditions determine when they move on or when they stop and rest up, in holding pools.
This week's programme gives an update on the progress of Wylam, our first named Salmon and introduces another male and female salmon who are also underway up the River Tyne.
Further Reading:
Next report: Hadrian and Corrie's latest positions
Last report: A brief history of Salmon on the River Tyne