A final fling

August has been a mixed month as we tried to get as much filed work completed as we could before saying goodbye to Chris. Unfortunately the weather wasn't particularly kind and as such only 3 catchments were completed - that still leaves a difficult 8 to try and finish before the end of September. Still, we managed to do the netting, which was good fun.

The Laxford came first and we had a good number of helpers which made for an easy pull. Oh, that we could have that situation every month!! Fish numbers weren't too good, although that wasn't too surprising following the recent rain which would have enabled the fish to move up into the river. They were, however, a bit thin, although not many lice. However, they all swam off happily after tagging and we'll hopefully meet them again in the future. As a first, however, we had a number of sandeels within the sweep, as well as a good number of other prey species.

The Polla, in contrast, had a catch of decent looking, fat fish. One had been gorging on so many cuddies that its stomach was rock hard and the prey could be felt through its sides! The differences observed between the two areas never fails to amazes us - especially as there was less prey fish within the sweep than seen in the Laxford. Maybe the fish had eaten them all.....

Otherwise time was spent at the computer trying to get to grips with the new electrofishing database. A great tool devised on behalf of the Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre, there are teething problems with the database and the operator that need sorted out. Hopefully everything is now sorted and report writing will progress smoothly, or as smoothly as possible given the operator!

Unfortunately we also had to deal with a pollution incident in one of the catchments. Having communicated with SEPA, we hope that the problem has been addressed but will continue to monitor the situation now and in the future.

Chris, on the other hand, spent much of the time collecting equipment together and writing eel reports. The 29th August saw him hand everything over and prepare to leave the area. We would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best in his new role in England. It won't be as good I'm sure - oh hang on, no midges, clegs, ceds, or other biting things, probably better! Joking aside, he brought a lot to the Trust and will be missed so all the best.

Looking forward to September we can only hope that it dries up a bit and we can get the rest of the electrofishing and netting completed. Iza is lined up to help with the electrofishing but with Irene in the mix we'll have to be very lucky. It has been better than last year, and we've already completed 350% more catchments so won't complain, but keep your fingers crossed for us.

Sampling continues

The last few weeks have been mixed, with a bit of rain at the beginning calling a halt to the electrofishing for a few days. Still, we've managed to get another couple of catchments finished which is great. The Rhiconich was definitely an effort, but thanks to Reay Forest for the lift out to the top sites we only had to walk down rather than both ways - for which we were both extremely grateful! An otter bolting out from the bank gave Chris a bit of a fright - not expected - but great to see and a bit of excitement as we stumbled around the hills. The Inver was slightly easier walking, although only a little, but gave us good fish densities and fun with the netting. No otters seen there, but a few salmon moved as we headed towards the sites.

We also had a few days gardening - pulling Himalayan Balsam from a croft in Nedd. Himalayan Balsam is an annual, non-native plant brought in as an ornamental. It's a lovely looking plant and a favourite with bee keepers but can have devastating effects on the riverbanks, where it spreads and forms a dense monoculture. This blocks light to other plants and then when it dies back in the winter leaves bare ground susceptible to erosion.

Thanks to the volunteers who turned up with gloves, scythe and boundless enthusiasm. We managed to clear a fair bit before getting Howard in with the strimmer to help with some of the thicker stands. Looking at the areas pulled last year, there was a big difference in the amount of plants present and hopefully we'll be able to eradicate it from the area in the next few years. We also looked at the stands in Clashnessie, which were pulled by others this year. Again, there is a reduction in the amount present compared to previous years, although eradication here is unlikely unless it can be removed from the resident garden. Heavy negotiation required there....

The end of last week saw us at the Highland Sporting Fair, or Moy games. We were sharing a stall with the Ness & Beauly Fisheries Trust and managed to get in some serious networking. It was good to get out and about, talking about the Trusts and introducing people to what we do. As well as the posters and leaflets we also showed the electrofishing gear as well as a mink raft and crayfish trap. The mink raft came complete with 'Dave' the latest NBFT employee - a cuddly 'mink'. He was a great draw, especially with the children, and it was encouraging to see that a good number of the keepers realised that he was really a pine marten (although there was some debate about otter cubs, still neither are for eradication).

Unfortunately this period also saw Chris handing in his notice as he plans to head for pastures new and fewer midges! He will be missed within the Trust but hopefully we'll get this sampling season cracked before he has to leave.