IN DECEMBER last year the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) revised its red list of endangered species and reclassified Atlantic salmon to a status of ‘near threatened’.
British salmon were rated more seriously as ‘endangered’. There should have been one more reclassification, however. Had British chalkstream salmon been singled out, they would surely have been labelled ‘critically endangered’. Chalkstream salmon are England’s white rhino: approaching extinction after two million years of residence. Last year only 287 adult salmon ascended the River Itchen to spawn, and in 2022 only 133 – far fewer than the lowest number deemed necessary for the survival of the species in that stream.
In 2018 Dr Jamie Stevens and a team of scientists from Exeter University proved that chalkstream salmon are genetically unique. Like the chalkstreams they breed in, they are therefore globally unique. On our watch we are losing one of Britain’s oldest native animals. Chalkstreams will still be around in 50 years but their wonderful native salmon may not. To understand why this would be an irreversible catastrophe, we need to scroll back in geological time to the origins of both chalk and salmon.
Chalk is made of the shell remains of a microscopic single-celled plankton called a coccolithophore. Almost 200 million years ago, as the supercontinent of Pangea began to fragment, sea levels were far higher than today: oceanic basins were shallow, seawater was warm and there was no ice at the poles. The world’s oceans flooded over its land mass.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays