We are delighted to announce the publication of this fantastic new book by Dr David Solomon, sponsored by Mersey Rivers Trust. The book explores the history of fish and fisheries of the freshwater reaches of the River Mersey and its tributaries, and the environmental factors that have shaped them.  It follows the development of the fisheries over the past thousand years, both for food and recreation, and the people and organisations who have been involved in them.  The decline of fisheries as a direct casualty of the industrial revolution, and the recovery over the past 75 years, is a fascinating study of relevance to all those with an interest in fish, water quality and the industrial and social history of Greater Manchester.

The book is illustrated with numerous etchings, photographs, drawings and maps, and contains a wealth of fascinating facts and tales.

David Solomon is a retired fisheries scientist with a wide range and knowledge and experience of UK fisheries over the past sixty years.

Hardback, 172 pp, ISBN 9780957427631  Price £20

Interesting matters covered include:-

• How fish arrived in the Mersey.
• A detailed assessment of fishing in the Mersey and Irwell in the early 19^th century.
• The deterioration and recovery of water quality over the past 200 years.
• The virtual eradication of fish throughout most of the catchment in the 19^th century, and their reappearance and recovery in the past seventy years.
• The problems posed by industrial pollution and domestic sewage in such a densely-populated area, and how they were addressed.
• The evolution of angling destinations as fish became scarce locally, and the developing rail network opened up more distant locations.
• The fascinating history of match fishing in the River Weaver.
• The disappearance and return of salmon.
• The management and recovery of water quality and fisheries at Salford Quays.
• The recent development of a top-class river fishery for very large brown trout, some weighing well over ten pounds.

How to purchase a copy of this book

Email Mersey Rivers Trust at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will provide purchase options.

Copies are also available direct from the publisher, Fluvial Books, for £20 (postage free within the UK).  To purchase a copy please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will email you a pro-forma invoice with details of making payment by BACS.  As soon as we receive payment, a copy of the book will be dispatched by post.  If you would like a copy posted overseas let us know and will supply a pro-forma invoice reflecting the additional postage cost.