Improving River and Sea Lamprey Passage at Barmby Barrage
The Yorkshire River Derwent is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for the presence of River and Sea Lamprey. To be considered in ‘favourable condition’, there must be no artificial barriers significantly impairing adult lamprey from reaching their spawning grounds.
The Environment Agency approached JBA Consulting to undertake an assessment of the need to facilitate lamprey from migrating upstream through the tidal barrage at Barmby on the Marsh.
Outcome
JBA Consulting reviewed published research and local population data and concluded that River and Sea Lamprey are able to migrate through the Barmby Barrage.
In order to consolidate the achievement of favourable condition of the River Derwent SAC with respect to River and Sea Lamprey passage however, JBA Consulting recommended the installation of a trial ‘lamprey ramp’ to facilitate the migration of lamprey through the barrage. This new technology has been proven to assist in the passage of Pacific Lamprey through dams in the United States.
