Recreation
Almost all people enjoy being by the river, listening and watching the water flowing past. Some even enjoy activities that interact with the river and it’s inhabitants. Rivers and streams are a natural resource that should be enjoyed, however although some activities do not aim to cause damage, they can have negative impacts.
Such as anglers, leaving dangerous litter, or taking to many fish, canoists and kayakers, kayaking when fish are trying to spawn can cause disturbance and loss of eggs, or gill scramblers who disturb the river beds, possibly damaging redds and invertebrate communities. These are all serious impacts on the river, and add to the strain it may already be under.
What can you do?
Most activities have an governing body or organization that has guidance on best practice, and will advise on when and what to do or not to do. Either join these organizations or at least try and read their guidance, in some cases it may even prevent you from breaking the law. As many of the species in our rivers have serious legal protection.