Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Tamar's Migratory Story

In celebration of World Fish Migration Day (WFMD), this episode of Nature Connects explores the lives of two remarkable migratory fish species found in the River Tamar: the Atlantic Salmon and the Allis Shad. These species are not only vital to the river’s ecosystem but also represent the resilience and interconnectedness of nature. WFMD is a global biannual event; however, awareness and engagement around fish migration are promoted annually to keep the spotlight on these critical ecological journeys.

Our guests are Angela Gall, Marine Senior Officer at Natural England and author of the children’s book Allis the Shad Who Wouldn't Give Up, and Dr. William Darwall, Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme Manager and past researcher with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Angela brings a unique perspective that blends science and storytelling, while Will shares insights from his work on the red listing of the Atlantic Salmon and the broader implications for freshwater biodiversity.

We follow the epic journey of the Atlantic Salmon, from their freshwater beginnings to their oceanic travels and back again. These fish face numerous challenges, including habitat fragmentation and climate change, and conservation efforts are focused on improving connectivity and protecting genetic diversity. Will’s research has been instrumental in the recent IUCN red listing of the species, highlighting the urgent need for action.

We also learn about the Allis Shad, a lesser known but equally fascinating species that migrates from the sea to spawn in freshwater. Angela’s book brings their story to life for younger audiences, and she shares how storytelling can inspire conservation. Efforts to protect the Allis Shad include monitoring populations, improving fish passage, and addressing threats like pollution and habitat loss.

This episode is a celebration of migration, resilience, and the importance of healthy, free-flowing rivers. Angela and Will offer inspiring perspectives on how local and global conservation efforts are making a difference and how each of us can play a role in supporting these incredible species.

To learn more, visit the World Fish Migration Day website, explore the IUCN Red List, or discover the work of the Tamara Landscape Partnership. You can also find Angela’s book through local booksellers and conservation groups.

Your host

Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported)

Our guests

Angela Gall, Marine Senior Officer and Author (Natural England)Dr William Darwall, Scheme Manager (Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (Tamar Valley National Landscape project, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund)

With thanks

Thank you to Ross Sinclair and Jim Baldwin from Fotonow FOTONOW CIC - Fotonow CIC for their technical support.

Links

Find out more…

World Fish Migration Day – Connecting fish, rivers and people

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Natural England - GOV.UK

Atlantic Salmon Trust - The Atlantic Salmon Trust

Allis The Shad Who Wouldn’t Give Up - Westcountry Rivers Trust

Ocean Conservation Trust | An Ocean Conservation Charity

The Fading Away of Westcountry salmon - Westcountry Rivers Trust

WRT Home - Westcountry Rivers Trust

Habitat mapping and monitoring of allis shad on the River Tamar - NERR1947

Allis shad (Alosa alosa) - Special Areas of Conservation

Tamar catchment research to aid increase in salmon smolt numbers - Westcountry Rivers Trust

Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/

Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/

Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/

University of Derby

Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature.

Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact [email protected] for further details.

Production

This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are;

A rare valley and water landscapeA landscape of high visual qualityA unique wildlife resourceA remarkable heritageA landscape of artistic and public appeal

The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape, that aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities, by creating opportunities and positive change through a programmes of 10 exciting projects.

Email: [email protected]

Social media: @tamarvalleynl – find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Tamar's Migratory Story

Nature Connects

Where can you listen?

Episodes