'Milestone achievement' as Atlantic salmon return to the River Don for first time in over 200 years
Conditions in the River Don have previously not been good enough to allow the species to thrive
Wild-born Atlantic salmon have been discovered in the River Don for the first time in over 200 years, in what conservationists are calling a 'milestone achievement'.
The discovery of the fish was made during a recent survey by volunteers at the Don Catchment Rivers Trust.
Salmon need very clear water in order to successfully lay and hatch their eggs.
Conditions in the River Don have previously not been good enough to allow the species to thrive, due to human activity and the region's industrial past.
Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor at City of Doncaster Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the River Don and shows that the hard work of the council and our various partners is indeed paying off."
"We are proud to collaborate with some absolutely amazing organisations on the continued restoration and conservation of this very important waterway.
“Alongside the Don Catchment Rivers Trust, for instance, we have delivered a fish and eel pass in Sprotbrough weir — removing a barrier to migratory species like salmon and allowing them to swim upstream — are helping to rejuvenate wetland sites like Hexthorpe Ings, and are teaming up on various aspects of the ongoing “All Hands on the Don” project.
“The discovery of Atlantic salmon spawning in the River Don again is a milestone achievement and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to improving the quality of this waterway over the years, whether that’s our own officers, the expert environmental conservationists, or the many volunteers from across South Yorkshire who have so generously given up their time to clear up and improve habitats. It’s been a great team effort, and I look forward to continuing the good work in the future.”