What are swimways and why are they important?

The North Wales Rivers Trust have been busy creating 'Swimways' snorkel trails. As part of their ongoing efforts to promote the connectivity of freshwater and marine ecosystems, these snorkel trails will offer a unique, immersive experience to the public, allowing them to explore the hidden underwater world of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The Swimways project is funded by LNP Cymru, WCVA Cymru & Cyngor Mon.

What Are Swimways?

Swimways are natural migration routes used by aquatic species, such as fish, amphibians, and other water-dwelling organisms, to travel between different habitats. These routes are essential for species that rely on both freshwater and marine environments to complete their life cycles. For example, many species of fish migrate to specific breeding grounds, feed in different areas, and seek safer habitats depending on the stage of their life. Swimways are critical in facilitating these transitions and ensuring the survival of these species.

Swimways play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of aquatic ecosystems. The continuous movement along these routes allows for the spread of nutrients, supports genetic diversity, and ensures that species populations remain resilient. Without these natural migration paths, many aquatic organisms would face challenges in reproducing and thriving.

Why Swimways Matter

Swimways are not just vital for the species using them but also for the broader ecological balance. Freshwater systems, such as rivers and streams, directly affect the health of marine environments, as many aquatic species migrate between the two. Species like salmon and eels use these routes to complete their life cycles, moving between freshwater and marine habitats at crucial points in their development.

Human-made barriers, such as dams and weirs, often disrupt these migration routes, leading to a decline in species populations and impacting overall biodiversity. The restoration and protection of Swimways are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems, as they support species migration, ecosystem productivity, and the balance of aquatic life from rivers to oceans.

The Swimways Snorkel Trail Experience

The Swimways snorkel trails being developed will offer participants the chance to see firsthand the fascinating wildlife that thrives beneath the surface of rivers and streams. Visitors can follow trails from digital guides, exploring key habitats and learning about the fish and other species that call these waters home. The goal is not only to provide a recreational activity but to foster a deeper understanding of the need to protect these vital ecosystems.

Participants will gain insight into the challenges species face when their migration routes are blocked or degraded. By exploring sections of rivers that have undergone restoration work—such as fish passage installations, riverbank rehabilitations, and habitat improvements—snorkelers can observe the positive impact that conservation efforts have on local wildlife.

Raising awareness

By creating these snorkel trails, we are taking a hands-on approach to public engagement and education. The trails will help highlight the critical importance of maintaining open migration routes for aquatic species. These trails are a continuation of our larger mission to promote the connectivity of rivers and the marine environment. Whether it’s improving gravel beds for spawning or installing fish passes on weirs, the trust is committed to ensuring that freshwater ecosystems can thrive and contribute to healthy marine environments too.

If you would like more information about this project please email oisin@northwalesriverstrust.org