Compensation flow data inconclusive

Collection of data was affected by issues

Efforts to discover if compensation flows introduced in a number of Manx rivers during last year's drought had an adverse effect on their eco-systems have proved inconclusive.

The collection of data was affected by issues including high water flows and low staffing levels for the collection of samples.

Compensation flows are only ever considered during times of severe drought, in order to maintain water supplies.

The long spell of warm, dry weather during the summer of 2022 was once such occasion.

Monitoring requires a minimum of three people, two of whom are able to operate electrofishing equipment safely. Furthermore the sample area must be contained using nets and swept twice. However, issues caused by Autumnal leaf drop and higher water flows made sampling dangerous.

Inland Fisheries Policy Manager, John Ward told Manx Radio that thankfully due to high July rainfall this year drought measures have not been necessary and reservoir levels have re-charged adequately.