River recovery 'dampened by rain'

Mayflies and other insects eaten by fish have been affected Climate change is affecting the recovery of rivers from acid rain, according to a new university study. Scientists from Cardiff University took measurements over a 25-year period around Llyn Brianne, Carmarthenshire. Their findings are published online in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology. Professor Steve Ormerod said: "Upland streams have been acidified enough to cancel out up to 40% of the last 25 years' improvements." Prof Ormerod and Dr Isabelle Durance of the school of biosciences carried out research in 14 streams, assessing the number and variety of stream insects present each year. The scientists measured concentrations of acid and other aspects of stream chemistry, and documented climatic variation such as warmer, wetter winters.... [read full story]