Protecting and improving water quality & quantity
As of 2018, only 14% of rivers have 'good' ecological status. We are taking action NOW.
Wild fish numbers are declining and our rivers are suffering.
Our research shows that many rivers are struggling with excess nutrients and sediment, and other pollutants, causing the destruction of many of the UK's waters and wild fish.
Our rivers are in trouble, and we need to get to the bottom of it.
Healthy waters mean healthy ecosystems, and ultimately healthy fish.
We use scientific research and hard data to build an understanding of the key threats to water quality and quantity which wild fish encounter.
We use this evidence to deliver much needed change.
Our current Living Rivers case studies include...
Click the icons below to find out more about specific and emerging threats to freshwater
Turning science into action to protect wild fish
Sound scientific evidence is key to action
We underpin our work with water quality and invertebrate analysis by independent scientists, academics and professional entomologists.
1. Our Living Rivers campaign collects sound scientific data....
2. This data paints a true picture of the health of rivers and the problems fish face...
3. We use this evidence to take calculated action and protect wild fish.
We are fact-led and operate our four Living Rivers campaigns in a case-study manner, pulling on research from...
We use this scientific evidence to support the necessary actions to protect wild fish and water – often using case studies to drive local and national policy change. This has led to improved water quality targets and better protection for our rivers.
Latest Living Rivers News
From source to sea: S&TC unite with Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to highlight plastic’s destructive journey
A dismal end to 2018 for water companies, their regulators, and the government
Using data to protect wild fish: River Coquet hydropower
2018: A year in review
S&TC welcomes England’s NE salmon net closure
Latest data on River Test and River Itchen reveals concerning issues
#ProtectWater campaign success: brilliant news for our waters and fish
Suffering salmon: A temperature-gauge for our worryingly low water-flow
S&TC Cymru welcomes new agricultural pollution regulations
River Itchen damage below Alresford Salads: Autumn 2018 photos
S&TC response to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee consultation over the Agriculture Bill 2018
S&TC joins 100 NGOs in Europe-wide #ProtectWater campaign
Documents Archive
- The impact of excess fine sediment on invertebrates and fish in riverine systems
- The impact of elevated phosphorus inputs on flora and fauna in riverine systems
- The impact of chlorine and chlorinated compounds in freshwater systems
- Effects of flow variation on fish and invertebrates in riverine systems
- Chemical Impacts -The Link Between Freshwater Xenobiotics and Reduced Juvenile Salmonid Marine Survival
We rely on your support to protect wild fish
and the places they live
By donating or joining as a member you will be making a huge contribution to the fight to protect the UK's waters and ensure a sustainable future for wild fish.