Fishermen on the Wye with an interest in the plight of wild Atlantic salmon will be eager to hear the latest research being carried out to reverse the decline of this iconic species at an evening talk by celebrated fish scientist Bill Beaumont on Thursday 22nd November at the Three Salmons Hotel, Usk.Titled ‘Salmon: Work in Progress’,

Beaumont’s talk promises a fascinating insight into the long-standing research being undertaken on the river Frome by leading research charity, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). At the East Stoke monitoring station on the Frome, the team of researchers from the GWCT have been counting, tagging and monitoring salmon since 1973, and this is providing the most comprehensive record of salmon movement in England and Wales.

Recent GWCT research into salmon includes a massive tagging project, in which over 40,000 young salmon were tracked in order to build an accurate picture of how the river environment affects their success at sea. This ground-breaking project forms part of an international effort to understand the complexities behind the massive 70 per cent population decline of Atlantic salmon that has occured over the past 40 years.Bill Beaumont has managed the salmon counting facility at East Stoke since 1981. He is renowned for his relaxed and informal style that makes science easily understood and accessible to a lay audience.

Stephen Marsh-Smith of the Wye and Usk Foundation will also be speaking at the event, updating the audience on recent developments in what has been – despite the difficulties posed by the wet weather – one of the best seasons on these rivers.The event including refreshments costs £10 per head. Attendees are advised to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start and the talk will last approximately one hour. To book, or for further information, please contact Robert Kerby or 01633 451033 or by email at robert@moseleypartnership.co.uk