Thames Estuary conservation

In the last 30 years, the Thames Estuary, UK has become one of the world's most unpolluted metropolitan tideways, but its rich variety of wildlife remains a well kept secret.

ZSL has a number of Thames Estuary Projects, falling under the Marine and Freshwater conservation programme, that study the Thames and its diverse ecology.

Commercially important fish species such as Dover sole and sea bass use the Thames as spawning and nursery grounds. The estuary's mud flats provide an essential feeding ground for the internationally important migrant bird populations and recent research, carried out by ZSL, has also confirmed that dolphins, porpoises and seals are all regular visitors to the Thames.

Thames eel research

European Eel3
ZSL is monitoring eel migrations in the Thames and its tributaries as a result of the decline in the European eel fishery.

Read more Thames eel monitoring

Invasive species in the Thames

Mitten Crab Every year in November the weir at Richmond Lock is lifted to allow a portion of the river to drain naturally at low tide. Here at ZSL we use this opportunity to scout the river bed for any species that are not native to this country's waterways.

Read more about invasive species

ZSL Eel Monitoring

Matt with eels

Thames fish monitoring

Lesser Weever ZSL in collaboration with partners launched a long-term project monitoring Thames fish.

This includes monitoring the effects of pollution incidents and the overall water quality of the Thames, natural fluctuations in important commercial and recreational fish populations, and news of rare and interesting fish visitors.

Read more about Thames river conservation

Thames marine mammal survey

Grey seal
Marine mammals are known to visit the Thames estuary but, until now, sightings have not been formally recorded. This survey is ongoing and we need your help with sightings.

Read more about the Marine Mammal Survey

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The Zoological Society of London is incorporated by Royal Charter - Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 208728.
Principal Office England - Company Number RC000749 - Registered address Regent's Park, London, England NW1 4RY

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