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