River Tweed Commission Highlights Urgent Need for Smarter Water Management Amid Ongoing Heatwaves

The unprecedented low water conditions and four heatwaves experienced so far in the summer of 2025 have brought renewed focus to how the Tweed catchment is managed, particularly in minimising water temperatures and reducing stress on fish populations—especially salmon and trout.

On Thursday, the Lower Tweed catchment—covering Coldstream and Kelso—has been escalated to the highest water scarcity level, with more than 30 consecutive days of significant water scarcity recorded. The remainder of the Tweed catchment has now reached amber status, with 20–29 days of prolonged low flows.

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) remains in active dialogue with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) regarding licensed water abstraction in the district. Ensuring maximum water retention in the river is a critical priority. There is a growing need for greater support for Scotland’s farmers and growers to invest in on-farm water storage and alternative irrigation strategies. Equally, RTC advocates for SEPA to include conditions in all abstraction licences that clearly define threshold river flow levels, at which point water abstraction must cease or be reduced to protect the aquatic environment.

The Tweed Foundation continues to investigate the impact of freshets—controlled water releases from reservoirs—on water temperatures, and whether these can effectively cool the main stem of the River Tweed. As part of the national Salmon Implementation Plan, a scientific advisory group has provided angling-related guidance: anglers should take extra care when water temperatures are between 18°C and 20°C and are advised to cease fishing when temperatures exceed 20°C.

To support real-time monitoring, the Tweed Foundation launched a live water temperature recording system in 2025, with continuously updated readings now available on the official River Tweed website.

RTC CEO Jamie Stewart commented:
"The Lower Tweed has now been officially designated a Significant Water Scarcity Area, highlighting the urgent need for smarter, more adaptive water management strategies in one of Scotland’s most iconic salmon rivers. RTC Fishery Officers are actively monitoring fish pods that are becoming increasingly isolated as they attempt to migrate through the system."

"We urge wild swimmers and dog walkers to be mindful when entering the river, as they may inadvertently disturb these vulnerable fish resting in pools. Anglers are reminded to follow the Scottish Government's guidance on fishing in warm conditions.   Warmer water holds less oxygen, and any added stress—such as being forced to move—can significantly increase the risk of mortality."

The RTC continues to monitor and respond to these challenging environmental conditions and remains committed to working with partners and the wider community to safeguard the future of the Tweed’s fish populations.

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About the River Tweed Commission (RTC)
The River Tweed Commission is the statutory body responsible for the protection and improvement of salmon and freshwater fisheries in the River Tweed District. Its work includes managing and enforcing fishery laws, monitoring fish stocks, and working with stakeholders to safeguard the long-term health of the river and its tributaries.

About the Tweed Foundation
The Tweed Foundation is an award-winning environmental charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing the fish populations and aquatic environment of the River Tweed. Through scientific research, education programmes, and conservation projects, the Foundation provides the evidence needed to support sustainable river management and inspire future generations to value and protect this unique resource.

Coldstream Bridge photograph credit Ronald Richardson