This five-year (2017-2022) €7.8m project is being part-funded by the France ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ Interreg Channel programme. The project includes 10 partners from France and ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ who are a blend of key stakeholders, research institutions and regulatory organisations. Professor Genoveva Esteban, from ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, leads ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ’s contribution to the project.

The majority of the research will focus on five salmonid rivers in the Channel area. These are rivers Frome and Tamar in the south of ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ and the Scorff, Oir and Bresle in northern France.

The cross-Channel project has more than one objective.

Firstly, SAMARCH aims to collect research data. Information is being collated on the survival and migration of both young salmon and sea trout in four estuaries in the Channel area. Also recorded are the movements and swimming depths of adult sea trout.

Students from ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ and France working alongside one of the SAMARCH researchers
Students from ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ and France working alongside one of the SAMARCH researchers

Secondly, the project aims to map areas of the Channel which are important for sea trout. Through examination, researchers will build a genetic database for trout in sea area around both sides of the Channel. New information will then improve the models used to manage salmonid stocks.

Finally, SAMARCH will disseminate their findings. This spread of new information is hoped to engage stakeholders, such as policymakers throughout the project.  The team hope that policymakers will be able to use their research to inform current and new policy for better management of salmonid stocks. The project also intends to train students in the management of coastal and transitional waters.

¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ student at the International Year of the Salmon celebration, explaining the project to the general public
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ student at the International Year of the Salmon celebration, explaining the project to the general public

News from the Faculty of Science & Technology