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The centuries-old practice of coracle fishing on the River Tywi, a vital cultural heritage in Wales, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to severe pollution. Fishermen report alarmingly low catches, with one individual, a fifth-generation fisher, lamenting the dire state of the river as he managed to secure only a single fish during the three-month season. Testing conducted by the advocacy group Save the River Tywi has revealed a disturbing presence of industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste contaminating the waterway, leading to visible dead fish floating on the surface.
Decline of a Tradition
The tradition of coracle fishing along the River Tywi dates back centuries, with fishermen employing small, rounded boats to catch salmon and sewin (sea trout) primarily at night. Historically, this practice not only provided sustenance but also served as a crucial source of income for families in the region. However, the current reality starkly contrasts with this legacy. Andrew Davies, Chairman of the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsman Association, highlighted the alarming decline, noting that in the 2026 fishing season, the four coracle fishermen collectively caught a mere 12 fish—a stark comparison to previous years when a single night could yield that many.
Keith Elias, whose family has fished the Tywi for 300 years, expressed deep frustration over the changes. “It’s been in my family for so long; I love carrying on the tradition, but at the end of the season, you’re just not hitting fish. You just don’t want to go,” he remarked, reflecting the emotional toll on those who feel a profound connection to this heritage.
Pollution Crisis
Recent assessments have classified the River Tywi as significantly polluted, echoing concerns raised last year when the nearby River Teifi was cited as one of the UK’s most contaminated rivers. Notably, 2,232 pollution incidents lasting over 22,000 hours were documented in 2024 alone, with Welsh Water being implicated in some cases. The company, however, has committed to investing £889 million on storm overflow improvements from 2025 to 2030, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact.
Local residents have also reported discharges into the river, allegedly from the electronics recycling firm Mekatek, which holds a discharge licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Mekatek has countered these claims, asserting that they have been proactive in refining their processes to minimise their environmental footprint.
Community Response and Future Implications
Carmarthen’s Mayor, Russell Sparks, described the river’s condition as “really tough,” noting the unpleasant odours that accompany the pollution. He underscored the sadness felt by the community, especially when the annual Tywi River Festival was cancelled due to these environmental issues. Sparks, who also holds the ceremonial title of Admiral of the Port, expressed deep concern that the decline of coracle fishing may coincide with the end of an era for this cherished tradition.
As the community grapples with the environmental crisis, local MP Ann Davies has called for more rigorous actions against persistent polluters. She emphasised the shared responsibility among farmers, businesses, and residents to protect the river. Huwel Manley, head of NRW’s south-west operations, acknowledged the multitude of pressures facing the Tywi, from pollution to changing climate conditions, and confirmed ongoing investigations into reported pollution incidents.
Why it Matters
The plight of coracle fishing on the River Tywi is emblematic of broader environmental challenges facing waterways across the UK. The decline in fish populations not only threatens a unique cultural heritage but also highlights urgent issues regarding water quality and environmental governance. As communities rally to protect their natural resources, the situation underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts across sectors to safeguard both ecological and cultural legacies for future generations. Without decisive action, the River Tywi may become a cautionary tale of environmental neglect, with the loss of coracle fishing serving as a poignant reminder of what is at stake.
