Pollution and Decline of Coracle Fishing in Carmarthenshire Rivers
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By Sara Dafydd, BBC Wales
In River Tywi, Carmarthenshire, a centuries-old tradition hangs by a thread as coracle fishers struggle with severe pollution. Testing by Save the River Tywi revealed industrial, agricultural, and human waste contamination, confirming what fishermen have long suspected—there are no more fish.
A Legacy of Fishing
Andrew Davies, chairman of Carmarthen Coracle and Netsman Association, laments the decline: "A few years ago, you’d catch that many [fish] in a night." Keith Elias, whose family has fished the river for 300 years, caught only one fish this season.
The Tradition of Coracle Fishing
Coracle fishing involves small rounded boats with nets cast between them, targeting salmon and sewin (sea trout). Once a significant livelihood, it is now mainly a heritage tradition.
Pollution’s Impact
US President Jimmy Carter once enjoyed fishing in these rivers, but recent pollution has made it untenable. The nearby River Teifi was identified as one of the UK’s most polluted rivers last year, with numerous spills recorded.
Welsh Water is investing £889m in storm overflows to reduce their impact on local rivers by 2030, including projects on the Tywi. However, locals accuse an electronics recycling company, Mekatek, of contributing to the pollution. The company holds a discharge licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and denies being a factor in the fish decline.
Local Concerns and Future Uncertain
Local residents have shared videos of suspected pollution discharges, raising further concerns. As the season ends with only a handful of catches, fishermen fear this could be the end of their cherished tradition.
