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In a heartbreaking turn of events, the cherished tradition of coracle fishing on the River Tywi in Carmarthenshire is facing an unprecedented crisis. For generations, families have fished these waters, but a surge in pollution has led to a dramatic decline in fish populations, leaving local fishermen disheartened and fearing for the future of their livelihood.
A Legacy of Fishing
Fishing on the River Tywi is not just a pastime; it’s a legacy that spans 300 years for families like that of Keith Elias, whose great-grandfather first cast a net on its waters. Traditionally conducted at night, coracle fishing involves the use of small, rounded boats to harvest salmon and sea trout. However, the once-abundant catches have dwindled alarmingly, with reports indicating that the four coracle fishermen on the Tywi collectively caught a mere 12 fish during the entire 2026 season—a striking contrast to years past when a single night could yield that number.
The situation has become so dire that Elias, who managed to catch only one fish in the last three-month fishing season, lamented, “You get to the end of the season and you’re not hitting fish. You just don’t want to go.” The heartbreak is palpable, as this tradition, which once provided sustenance and income, is now hanging by a thread.
Pollution Plagues the River
The grim reality of pollution in the River Tywi has been substantiated by findings from the campaign group Save the River Tywi, which identified significant levels of industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste contaminating the waters. Fishermen like Andrew Davies, chairman of the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsman Association, expressed their frustration, stating that the river has lost its vitality. “When I first started, this river was black with fish. It was alive with fish. But it’s gone now—there’s no life in the river,” he said.
Adding to the distress, local residents have shared images and videos online showcasing concerning discharges in the river, believed to originate from nearby industries, including electronics recycling firm Mekatek. Although Mekatek holds a discharge licence, it insists that it has devoted over 40 years to improving its processes to mitigate environmental impact.
Local Government and Community Response
The local government has taken note of the troubling situation. Carmarthen Mayor Russell Sparks described the river’s condition as “really tough,” highlighting a combination of pollutants and algae blooms contributing to a distressing cycle of degradation. This year’s Tywi River Festival was even cancelled due to pollution concerns, leaving the community devastated.
Sparks, who also holds the honorary title of Admiral of the Port, expressed his sorrow at potentially witnessing the end of coracle fishing during his tenure. “It breaks my heart that my time in this role may coincide with the demise of a centuries-old tradition,” he lamented.
Wales’ Natural Resources body has acknowledged the issues, revealing ongoing investigations into pollution reports. Huwel Manley, head of south-west operations for NRW, stated, “Like many rivers, the Tywi faces a range of environmental pressures, including pollution and is also impacted by the current dry weather conditions.” The Welsh Government has also emphasised the importance of the Tywi, a vital ecosystem supporting numerous habitats and cultural practices.
A Call for Action
There is a growing consensus among local leaders and fishermen that immediate action is essential to reverse the decline of the River Tywi. Ann Davies, the local MP, called for stricter measures against polluters, urging both individuals and businesses to take responsibility for their actions, especially regarding waste disposal.
The community’s collective responsibility towards the health of the river cannot be overstated. The traditions surrounding coracle fishing are not merely about catching fish; they are interwoven with the cultural identity and ecological health of the region.
Why it Matters
The plight of the River Tywi and its coracle fishermen is a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and environmental stewardship. As pollution continues to threaten this centuries-old tradition, it raises profound questions about our responsibility to protect our natural resources for future generations. If immediate steps are not taken to address these issues, we risk losing not only a vital livelihood for local families but also a significant part of Wales’ cultural heritage. The survival of the River Tywi and its rich history hangs in the balance, calling for urgent action from all sectors of society to restore its health and vitality.