The River Tywi, a vital waterway in Carmarthenshire with a rich history of coracle fishing, is facing a severe environmental crisis as pollution decimates local fish populations. Long-time fishermen report alarming declines, with many unable to catch any fish during the season, raising concerns about the viability of this age-old tradition. Recent tests by the advocacy group Save the River Tywi have revealed significant contamination from industrial, agricultural, and residential sources, prompting urgent calls for intervention and restoration efforts.
A Legacy Under Siege
For over three hundred years, families like that of Keith Elias have relied on the River Tywi for their livelihood through coracle fishing. This unique method, which involves the use of small, rounded boats to catch salmon and sewin (sea trout), has been integral to the local culture and economy. However, fishermen now describe the situation as “dire,” with one fifth-generation fisherman reporting only a single catch over the entire three-month season from May to July.
Andrew Davies, Chairman of the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsman Association, reflects on the dramatic decline in fish numbers. He notes that the four coracle fishers active this year collectively caught a mere twelve fish, a stark contrast to previous seasons when individual fishermen could expect to catch that many in a single night. The vitality of the river, once teeming with life, is now in serious jeopardy.
Environmental Concerns Intensify
The plight of the River Tywi has been exacerbated by pollution, with previous surveys indicating that the nearby River Teifi was identified as one of the UK’s most contaminated rivers in 2024. Reports of over 2,200 pollution spills lasting more than 22,000 hours highlight the urgent need for action. Local sources, including Welsh Water, have been implicated, although the company has pledged to invest £889 million in storm overflow projects aimed at improving water quality in the region by 2030.
The community has voiced its frustrations as they witness dead fish floating in the river, attributing the contamination to various factors, including agricultural runoff and industrial discharges. One such company, Mekatek, which operates in the area, has faced scrutiny over its discharge licence and its potential role in diminishing fish populations. While Mekatek claims to have implemented measures to prevent pollution, local citizens remain sceptical.
The Call for Action
Mayor of Carmarthen, Russell Sparks, described the situation as “really tough,” noting that the river’s deteriorating condition has prompted the cancellation of events like the annual Tywi River Festival. Sparks expressed his deep concern, stating that the combination of pollutants and algae blooms has created a distressing cycle that threatens not only the fish but the community’s connection to the river.
Local MP Ann Davies has called for stricter actions against repeat offenders of pollution, emphasising that responsibility lies with all stakeholders—farmers, businesses, and the public alike. She advocates for a collective effort to mitigate pollution and restore the river’s ecosystem. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has stated that they are actively investigating ongoing pollution reports and are pursuing enforcement actions.
A Cultural Heritage at Risk
The decline of coracle fishing raises significant cultural and economic concerns for the local community. With fishermen reporting a lack of fish and diminished enthusiasm, the future of this traditional practice hangs in the balance. Keith Elias lamented the loss of his family’s fishing legacy, expressing a mix of love for the tradition and despair over its uncertain future.
Huwel Manley, head of south-west operations for NRW, acknowledged the myriad pressures facing the Tywi, including pollution and increased water temperatures due to dry weather. He reassured the community that all pollution reports are taken seriously, with several cases advancing towards legal action.
Why it Matters
The plight of the River Tywi is not just a local issue; it exemplifies the broader environmental challenges facing waterways across the UK. The decline of a centuries-old fishing tradition highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in pollution management and water quality enforcement. As communities grapple with the consequences of environmental degradation, the fate of the River Tywi serves as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Protecting this river is essential not only for the survival of coracle fishing but also for the health and well-being of the entire community and its cultural identity.