DARTMOOR?S fish population will find an easier right of passage from now on thanks to a pioneering project at Ditsworthy Warren weir.
Improvements to the Sheepstor weir have taken four weeks to complete and are specifically designed to improve migration journeys through the River Plym for sea trout and salmon.
The fish need to move upriver from March onwards to spawn in the upper waters near the river?s source, but a longstanding problem at the Ditsworthy Warren site has resulted in many of them becoming trapped in a leat to one side of the river.
These fish, often juveniles, were becalmed in the relatively still water of the leat and were unable to get back into the main river to complete their journey.
To combat the problem the Environment Agency and quarrying company Imerys, whose water is supplied via the leat, undertook a series of voluntary improvements.
Matthew Arthur from Imerys Minerals Ltd, said: ?We are delighted to have been able to contribute to this project in partnership with the Environment Agency.
?Imerys is aware of its responsibility to the environment and this simple measure should make a big improvement in the situation for migratory fish at this site.?
The improvements include a special screen within the watercourse, to stop fish from being drawn into the leat, and a low ?V?-shaped notch which has been cut into the weir to ensure a constant stream of water, meaning fish can move over the weir rather than becoming stranded.
These measures should ensure that the sea trout and salmon can safely migrate to and from the sea for years to come.