Sparling

A tale of two names

Sparling, as they are known in Scotland, are referred to in other parts of its UK and European range as the European Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus).

Where can they be found?

Sparling occur around the western coasts of Europe (including the Baltic Sea) and its range extends as far south as Spain. This species is found in coastal waters and estuaries and migrates into large clean rivers to spawn.

Sparling was previously known to occur in a number of Scottish rivers and populations have been recorded as having occurred in the Rivers Almond, Annan, Bladnoch, Clyde, Cree, Dee, Esk, Fleet, Forth, Girvan, Lochar, Nith, Stinchar, Tay and Urr Unfortunately, sparling have now disappeared from almost all of these rivers, with the rivers Cree, Forth and Tay being notable exceptions.

Sparling habitat requirements

Adult sparling utilise estuarine environments and spawn in rivers. These fish use high spring tides between February-April to help move upstream, meaning that spawning activity is linked to the lunar cycle. Once in the river, sparling spawn, near the tidal limit, on gravel, cobble, boulders and vegetation in rivers. Spawning happens pretty quickly and in some years, spawning events can be difficult to detect. The eggs adhere to these substrates and, to hatch successfully, the eggs require good quality, well oxygenated water. Most fish die after spawning takes place, although some survive to spawn again. After hatching, juvenile sparling move back to estuaries to feed and grow before returning, as adults, to spawn.

Pressures on sparling

Sparling populations are highly susceptible to deterioration in water quality (particularly siltation). They are poor swimmers and in-stream barriers to migration or increased river discharge (spates) can have a negative impact on spawning success. Sparling are, because of their spawning behaviour, relatively easy to catch in large quantities. As a result, this species has been heavily exploited in the past, and overexploitation has been blamed for the loss of some populations.

The conservation status of sparling

Sparling are a conservation feature in two Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland, giving them protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is also included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species list.