Does fencing of British lowland streams encourage greater Salmonid fish stocks?

Abstract

Riparian fencing is being widely erected in the UK for the benefit of salmonid fish. While there are good grounds for expecting that the restoration of riparian cover and reduction in erosion may be beneficial there have been surprisingly few studies. Only one study has been reported in peer-reviewed literature to date and, though its results were encouraging, it still left some unresolved questions. Consideration must also be given to the ongoing management needs for riparian exclosures. Regenerating woodland may reverse any gains made but more research is urgently required to provide better management advice.