Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK River Health 2026

UK river health has significant welfare implications for the billions of aquatic animals in rivers, with 2026 bringing new monitoring and restoration efforts.

Key Facts

Only 14% of English rivers achieve good ecological status under EU Water Framework Directive
Agricultural runoff, sewage, and abstraction are primary causes of river degradation
River invertebrate communities are the primary indicator of ecological and welfare health
River restoration including removal of unnecessary barriers is recovering fish passage
Citizen science river monitoring programs engage millions of volunteers in water quality assessment

Welfare Considerations

River degradation causes welfare harm for the billions of animals living in and depending on rivers. Advocacy for clean water and river restoration directly reduces aquatic animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support clean water campaigns and river restoration organisations
Report pollution incidents to your national environment agency
Participate in citizen science river monitoring programs