The past months since our last post have been busy. Sweep netting has started, although only one netting managed as a result of very high rivers, and the Annual Review is reaching completion. We have also been involved in checking a couple of rivers for potential small scale hydro-electric developments. Both schemes are small and unlikely to affect migratory salmonids, although brown trout and eels will have to be taken into consideration. While these schemes are still at an early stage of development, and are yet get planning permission, we'll keep you posted. It was great to get out of the office and see some rivers though!
The start of March saw Shona in the Kinlochbervie Fish Market eating fish and judging the adverts and displays produced by the local school children as part of 'Fish2Dish'. This project was undertaken over several months and involved the P6 - S2 pupils learning about the fishing industry, techniques used to catch them and how to cook different fish dishes. Working in teams they then had to devise a product, package it and market it to the judges. The standard was very high and the dishes imaginative and well prepared and packaged. As for the marketing - we have a new range of advertisement producers in the offing, with excellent, witty adverts tempting us to buy their product. Well done to all involved and we can look forward to next year when the emphasis will be salmon.
March also saw a trip down to Battleby for the RAFTS Conference. This was a joint venture with the Association of District Salmon Fishery Boards and involved a number of expert speakers on a range of topics - Policy and context; Genetics; Practical management and mitigation; Promoting access and use of fisheries. The day was well organised and the speakers excellent and informative. Full details are available on the RAFTS website (http://www.raft.org.uk/).
Organisation of 'The Scourie Detectives' is also underway. Working in conjunction with the Geopark and Community Council, this will be a 2 day event on the 8th and 9th June promoting the wildlife and landscape of the area. It will involve the schools before opening to the public for a series of talks and walks, ending with a Ceilidh on the Saturday night. Scourie is a unique area with a fasinating natural history and well worth a visit. If you're here, or planning a trip, make it for that weekend and learn about the fish, plants and geology of a lovely area.
April saw preparations for the Ghillies Seminar, held on Friday the 13th. A bad omen for the superstitious, this was a well attended event with some great speakers. The general theme was 'Fish Farm Interactions' and 'Stocking' and the speakers more than met the requirements. With 2 talks on genetics there was some concern that it would be over many peoples head but there was no need to worry and both speakers explained the subject clearly and well. As those talks were on work that was carried out in Sutherland, with one being the first airing of the results, it was perfect. The notes from the Seminar will be available on the website shortly.
The 13th also saw Kate Batchelor starting work with the Trust. Initially on a 7 month contract, it is hoped that this can be extended. Kate replaces Chris as assistant and will be heavily involved in field work around the area. Here's hoping for a good sampling summer.
In the coming weeks we will be starting smolt trapping in Badna Bay and Bhadaidh Daraich. Hopefully with greater success than last year, when the traps were washed out, this should give good information on the smolt runs within the area. In the case of Bhadaidh Daraich, this is monitoring the natural regeneration of the sea trout population within the system following the removal of blockages several years ago.
Sweep netting will also continue, as will the Himalayan Balsam pulling, probably in July. Here's hoping that we're successful with the eradication of this lovely, but highly invasive, plant. We're also building up to the electroofishing season - as syou can see a busy year in store.
The Annual Review will also be finished and posted, hopefully by mid May, and will give an indication of the results from the 2011 sampling season. As normal, it will be available as a PDF on the website when completed.
We can also be followed on Twitter (@WSFTrust) for more up to date postings, and will continue to Blog over the season.
