Guidelines for the Selection of Biological Heritage Sites

Contents

7. Section 2: Species Guidelines

7.7 FISH

Fi1 Any site which supports a native population of a fish species protected under the EC Habitats Directive.

Application

This guideline applies to populations of:

All rivers regularly supporting populations of river lamprey, brook lamprey or salmon should be included. Site boundaries should have regard to sections of river important for both spawning and for development of fry, as well as for migration. The bullhead, whilst declining internationally, is still widely distributed in Lancashires rivers, and in this respect should not, of itself, qualify a river for inclusion except where such populations contribute significantly to the distribution pattern, or the total population size, in the County.

Justification

There is a national and international obligation to protect these species and their habitats.