A fishy business

North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation

The River Esk starts high up on the moors in the NYMMO area with several tributaries joining in along its 28 miles length to Whitby. It is one of the cleanest rivers in the UK, and is home to the fresh water mussel, the only river in Yorkshire to have them.

Many migratory fish face the dangers of travelling back to spawn high up on the moors, passing the seals in the tidal stretch of river, the otter, mink and fish-eating birds they have to negotiate past several weirs along the way.

After heavy rain the river is known as ‘in spate’ and this triggers the journey for many salmon and sea trout – and not all will be successful. When the water level drops this sometimes leaves the small fish known as ‘smolts’ stranded in puddles. One of our gamekeepers is aware of this and has spent much time returning them to the river.