Grayling (and trout) numbers are under threat from global warming, water abstraction, pollution and avian predation.  The Environment Agency estimate that by 2080 most of the rivers in the UK will be too warm for grayling and many rivers in the south too warm for trout.  Global warming is still getting worse, and despite 30 COP meetings, global atmospheric concentrations of the two greenhouse gases, CO₂ and methane, are still rising. 

Here at the Grayling Society, conservation of grayling is our top concern.  Unlike brown trout, grayling is recognised under the Annex V framework of the Habitats Directive as a species of conservation interest, reflecting the importance of maintaining healthy river habitats and sustainable fish populations.

That makes it all the more important that river management and restoration work takes proper account of grayling habitat requirements, particularly where changes to flow, spawning gravels, water depth or water quality may affect local populations. 

For example, grayling cannot successfully spawn in as shallow water as trout, so conservation work on improving trout spawning areas must take this into account if grayling is also present.  Careful monitoring is also essential if we are to conserve and improve our rivers for all wild fish species.

Both grayling and trout numbers are falling in the UK.  To reverse this trend, we need to convince governments to do something about the state of our rivers, uphold current legislation and, if necessary, bring in new legislation.  We cannot do that without data to prove that grayling numbers are falling. 

The Grayling Society has a nationwide catch return database on its website to provide that data. 

Using this database, we can rapidly identify rivers where a drop in numbers is of concern and monitor grayling numbers throughout the UK.  We can monitor the effects on grayling of trout orientated conservation work and the effectiveness of stocking. 

We therefore urge all grayling anglers to input their catch returns.  It only takes a couple of minutes and you will be doing your bit to support grayling conservation.

Written by Frank King - Science Officer Grayling Society