Success! Shad DNA evidence proves fish are returning to historic spawning grounds

This week, we were thrilled to release the news that eDNA data, collected during the project's scientific monitoring in the spring, has confirmed evidence of shad DNA above the fourth and final fish pass.

DNA found in water samples from Stourport is evidence that the shad have made use of our four fish passes along the River Severn. It also is exciting proof that these fish have become reacquainted with important spawning habitat for the first time in nearly 180 years. That's almost two centuries these fish have been blocked by barriers such as weirs in the river.

You can read the full press release, which I published on the Unlocking the Severn website.

Collecting and filtering eDNA samples. Photos 1 and 3 by Paul Kilgallon. Photo 2 by Unlocking the Severn.

In the news

Did you see our amazing conservation success story in The Guardian? Or perhaps you spotted us on BBC News?

We were thrilled to see the press release featured in The Guardian and on the BBC News website.

As well as coverage in print, Unlocking the Severn also welcomed BBC Midlands Today to Diglis fish pass. They filmed a segment for the evening news, interviewing members of my team about the project the achievement of unlocking 158 miles of river. You might even spot me making a cameo appearance (very intently testing the new camera system, to make sure it can detect fish swimming past)!

Photos by Corinne Spiller

Header image: Twaite shad, by Jack Perks Wildlife Media