Nature recovery and emerging risks
For more than four decades, we have been researching the Wye and Usk river ecosystems.
The Observatory is a key source of evidence to examine change. We have data and expertise on a wide range of freshwater organisms from biofilm, parasites and invertebrates, to crayfish, birds and otters.
Our research can be used to assess the risks of freshwater pressures, appraise catchment management and evaluate nature recovery efforts. For example, in 2017 Otter Project data on genetic connectivity of otters across the River Usk and Gwent levels contributed to the M4 relief road public inquiry.
In the Wye and Usk rivers we have investigated associations between freshwater pollution and wastewater, and urban and rural land uses. Investigations into plastic pollution revealed 50% of insects in these catchments contained plastic fibres.
