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Published:
April 20, 2006
Severn
barrage would 'threaten endangered fish' claims Wildlife Trust
Wildlife
trusts in Wales have claimed that two endangered species of fish
could be lost forever from the UK if plans for a barrage in the
Severn Estuary, near Burnham-On-Sea, get the go-ahead.
 The
six trusts, along with other conservation organisations, are opposing
plans to build a 10-mile barrage between Brean Down, near Burnham,
and Lavernock Point in Wales.
The
Wildlife Trusts are concerned that the plan could mean the loss
of two rare fish - the allis shad and the twaite shad (pictured).
These herring-like fish, which can weigh up to 5lb, have already
suffered a serious decrease in numbers, they claim.
Julian
Branscombe, chief executive of Gwent Wildlife Trust, said: "We
can't just let these fish be lost forever from our waters. This
proposal is potentially devastating for many forms of wildlife."
 "There
may be potential for tidal power generation in the estuary without
wreaking havoc on wildlife. A barrage is not the solution, and
we will fight it all the way."
Welsh
entrepreneur Gareth Woodham (pictured) unveiled ambitious plans
to build a barrage across the Severn Estuary earlier this year.
He
believes the scheme would supply electricity to the region and
also provide a new road to Wales. He hopes the barrage will house
14 power turbines to generate enough electricity for the whole
of the South West.
RELATED
LINK:
Green Party has 'deep
misgivings' about barrage plans
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