The River Tywi in Carmarthenshire, a site steeped in a rich fishing heritage, is confronting a stark reality as pollution devastates its ecosystem. Local coracle fishers, who have practised their craft for centuries, report a dramatic decline in fish populations, with many asserting that pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources has rendered the river nearly lifeless.
A Heritage at Risk
For generations, coracle fishing has been an integral part of life along the River Tywi. Fishermen traditionally navigate the waters at night in small, rounded boats, employing nets to catch salmon and sewin (sea trout). This practice, once a vital source of income, now exists primarily as a cultural legacy. Keith Elias, a fifth-generation fisherman, lamented the current state of the river, stating that this season he managed to catch only a single fish. “It’s been in my family for so long, I love carrying the tradition on, but it’s getting to the point where you don’t want to go out anymore,” he expressed.
The dire situation is echoed by Andrew Davies, chairman of the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsman Association, who noted that in 2026, the four coracle fishers on the Tywi collectively caught a mere twelve fish throughout the entire season. In contrast, just a few years prior, it was not uncommon to catch that many in a single night. “I’ve never seen a season as bad as this,” Davies remarked, highlighting a significant drop in fishing licences issued, from twelve to just four this year.
Pollution Sources Identified
Recent investigations by the environmental advocacy group Save the River Tywi have revealed alarming levels of pollution, including industrial discharge and agricultural runoff. Reports indicate that fishermen frequently encounter dead fish floating in the river, prompting serious concerns about water quality. In 2024, the nearby River Teifi was identified as one of the UK’s most polluted rivers, with over 2,200 pollution incidents recorded, spanning more than 22,000 hours.
The water company Welsh Water has acknowledged its responsibility, stating plans to invest £889 million from 2025 to 2030 to improve storm overflow systems. However, local residents have raised concerns over discharges from the electronics recycling firm Mekatek, which holds a discharge licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Mekatek maintains that it has invested decades in refining its processes to minimise environmental impact.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The local community has responded with frustration and concern. Mayor of Carmarthen, Russell Sparks, described the current state of the river as “really tough,” noting the unpleasant odour and visible pollution that residents have encountered. He remarked on the negative cycle created by pollutants and algae blooms, which further deteriorate the river’s health. This year’s Tywi River Festival was cancelled due to pollution issues, leaving the community “absolutely devastated.”
Furthermore, Carmarthenshire MP Ann Davies has called for more stringent measures against persistent polluters, emphasising the collective responsibility of farmers, businesses, and residents in safeguarding the river’s future. “We have a collective responsibility for what we buy and what we flush down the toilet,” she asserted.
Regulatory Actions and Future Investigations
Huwel Manley, who oversees operations for NRW in the south-west, acknowledged that the Tywi faces numerous environmental challenges, including pollution exacerbated by dry weather conditions leading to increased water temperatures. NRW is currently conducting various enforcement and compliance investigations within the Tywi catchment area, with some cases advancing towards court proceedings.
The Welsh government has expressed its commitment to preserving the Tywi, recognising its significance for biodiversity, local communities, and cultural practices like coracle fishing. While they have noted some pollution issues stem from natural environmental conditions, they are also investigating additional potential pollution sources.
Why it Matters
The plight of the River Tywi serves as a microcosm of broader environmental challenges facing waterways across the UK. The decline of coracle fishing not only threatens a centuries-old tradition but also highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address pollution. As communities rally to protect their rivers, the intersection of heritage, ecology, and public health becomes increasingly critical. The future of the River Tywi, and with it the legacy of coracle fishing, depends on sustained efforts to restore and preserve this vital natural resource.
