What happened to summer?

View from the electrofishing 'office' (S. Marshall)

A fair bit of time has passed since the last blog - and a lot of water has fallen from the sky! Much to the delight of the anglers we've had a pretty wet summer so farm and the catches appear to reflect this. Certainly, they're up on this time last year, when we had a prolonged drought. Unfortunately, what's good for the angler isn't necessarily good for the Biologist, and we are behind on the electrofishing with only 2 catchments completed.

A good recapture from the Laxford (A. Beynon-Jones)

Netting has been more successful, and we managed to get 3 done in both June and July. Adam made a good wee video from the June nettings as well, using his own music, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baE4WgVWk5w. We also had a good number of very nice looking fish, which was another bonus. Lice were present, but not in massive numbers or on a majority of fish, over both the months. I haven't sorted out the data yet, so the full report will follow in time. We did have a try at a fourth estuary - the Polly - but abandoned as too difficult to get the net down and back. Mutiny from all volunteers, and Biologists!! A shame, as it would have been fun to do a different site, but you have to think about the welfare of the individuals involved and that was likely to result in a twisted ankle or broken leg. A good drive out however, and great craic. We truly have some of the best volunteers imaginable and the stories flowed. Thank you all.

As well as netting, and trying to electrofish, we have been getting involved with the Invasive Non-Native Species project. Once again Nedd and Clashnessie have been cleared of Himalayan Balsam, with another trip planned for next week. It is working, and we have hopes that we will be free of the plant eventually.

Japanese Knotweed (S. Barnes)

Japanese Knotweed is our other issue, and we have been identifying stands of the plants and talking to owners in an effort to eradicate this plat from the area. We have found a number of stands, but are always keen to hear of more. It is encouraging to hear that the owners also want rid of it, although we would council against attempting to strim it or dig it out on your own. Knotweed spreads from very small fragments of the plant and you have to be very careful about disposal. Thankfully it still appears to spread slowly in most of this area, so there is hope for us.

As well as the plants, we are still monitoring mink within the area. This project is reliant on a willing band of volunteers to check the rafts. We have had a couple of potential sightings and signs but despite trapping there have been no mink taken. Hopefully they were either mis-identifications or a roaming male, and not a territory setting female. However, thanks to the members of the public for their vigilance and to the volunteers for their rapid response with traps and additional effort.

Highland Field Sports Fair preparations (S. Marshall)

We have also undertaken a number of public events, with stalls at the recent Assynt Fishing Feis and Scourie Gala. We will also be off to the Highland Field Sports Fair shortly - the van is packed - and then the Clachtoll Seashore Day. These give a great opportunity to talk to people about the Trust, hear their concerns and, in many cases, pick their brains! With display boards, leaflets, games and competitions there is much to see and do. Congratulations to the organisers of the Feis and the Gala for 2 excellent days. I'm sure the others will be just as successful!