Netting went well, a very good sweep resulting in the capture of 283 Sea Trout of varying sizes. Kelts seemed to be mending well compared to last year, lots of Smolts and Post Smolts. Very few lice found with most fish being clean.
One fish in paricular was interesting, it appears it had no evidence of ever possessing an adipose fin. We have'nt seen this before and makes you wonder what purpose the adipose fin actually serves.
Smolt trappin has started on one of our small streams, although this has been slow, it is hoped things will pick up over the coming weeks. All fish will be measured, scale and genetic samples taken also.
Preparations are underway for elver and eel monitoring. Six catchments will be monitored over the coming weeks and it is hoped to get an idea of elver recruitment within the area. This also adds to the current project ( in its final year) looking at all stages within a particular catchment. Details can be found on our website...www.wsft.co.uk
Chris
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Friday, 8 April 2011
Barrier/Obstacle Assessment Course completed.
WFD111(2a) Coarse resolution rapid assessment methodology to assess obstacles to migration. I attended this course on April 5/6/7 th 2011. Held at the SEPA offices in Perth. A really interesting and informative course which will prove extremely useful in assessing the various obstacles within our area. It certainly made me look at these issues in a completely different light, their complexities when looked at closely illustrate the often extreme difficulties fish have to endure to reach their goal. Although some may be time consuming to assess, once broken down and the order of assessment followed, a detailed idea of the obstacle and an idea of possible pathways for fish to pass the obstacle can be ascertained. This does not only cover salmonid species but all species/guilds and so may have further implications with regard to biosecurity where undesirable species need to be stopped. The course started with a brief introduction and a run through of issues and the protocol. This was followed in the afternoon by a field visit and a short practical session involving techniques and equipment use...a taster. The second day was spent in the office, with an in depth look at the actual protocol, and why we do it. The Third day was spent out in the field where we were split into two groups and assessed a number of man made structures of varying complexity and under different conditions. At the end of the assessment each obstacle is then given a passability score and it is often possible to ascertain which factor may impede fish migration, this could be depth, velocity, height etc. So a lot of data/information can be gathered from each structure. All in all a very good course and thoroughly recommended........Chris
Friday, 25 March 2011
Heading into spring
The last few weeks have been quite busy for the Trust. Firstly we received an award from the Highland Council in recognition of our support of the Highland Schools. This work is always good fun to do as we continue to help with the Primary Schools and are developing ever deeper links with Kinlochbervie High School. Being able to get into the schools and introduce the children and young adults to the natural environment and its needs will hopefully be building a good base for the future management and protection of our rivers and therefore fish.
Then sweep netting started, with a sweep of the Laxford estuary resulting in 3 kelts. Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad - hail storms and strongish winds - so maybe the fish were just being a lot more sensible than us! Still, it was great to see the start of the field season as that shows summer is coming, for good or bad. Unfortunately the Polla netting had to be cancelled as snow melt brought the river up to spate conditions. Still, the snow was melting....
The RAFTS AGM and General Committee meeting was followed the next day by the Conference. Ably managed by the old (morning) and new (afternoon) chairmen, this was a really interesting and informative event. Given the catchy (!?!) title 'The devloping role of he third sector: what can fisheries trust bring to the party?', it started with a number of speakers detailing past and future partnership opportunities before moving on to illustrate some of the activities currently undertaken. This centred on the use of genetics - which was very thought provoking - and the tackling of Invasive Non-Native Species. The latter is of particular relevance when you consider the damage that can be done by very simple but thoughtless acts. It asks once again that anglers and other river users think before acting and disinfect or dry all of their equipment before moving between areas and not to introduce species not native to that area. For this we are particularly concerned about the potential spread of the freshwater louse and Gyrodactylus salaris as the movement of fish is against the law (although still an issue). However, gardeners (and pond owners), council workers and contractors are probably a prime source of the spread of vegetative non-natives and need to also think about the potential impact of their actions.
Preparations for the Ghillies Seminar are well underway and all of the speakers identified. This year will have a mixed theme - covering freshwater pearly mussels, fish catches, predators and mink - but is relevant to all attending. Notes from the Seminar will be published on the Trust website (http://www.wsft.co.uk/), probably at the start of May. Hopefully we'll be able to get the Annual Review out at about this time as well. Covering the work undertaken in 2010 this gives a good overview of the varied interests of the Trust and can be purchased from the Biologist (wsft@btconnect.com).
In the next few weeks, as well as the Ghillies Seminar, Donna-Claire will be heading on to pastures new, working with RAFTS on the Aquaculture project, and Chris will be attending a SEPA course on Barrier Assessment. This will help in the identification of barriers throughout the area and allow access to funding in order to help with their removal. This has the potential to open up additional areas for fish and improve their lot. We will also be attending meetings on the development of future projects involving INNS and freshwater pearl mussels. Things continue to move....
Chris and Lynne continue to gear up for their marathon in aid of Bliss (a charity for premature babies) and the WSFT. Taking place in May, remember that you can make it more worth their while by donating money. This can be done via the website - either using Paypal or by sending a donation to the Trust office.
Then sweep netting started, with a sweep of the Laxford estuary resulting in 3 kelts. Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad - hail storms and strongish winds - so maybe the fish were just being a lot more sensible than us! Still, it was great to see the start of the field season as that shows summer is coming, for good or bad. Unfortunately the Polla netting had to be cancelled as snow melt brought the river up to spate conditions. Still, the snow was melting....
The RAFTS AGM and General Committee meeting was followed the next day by the Conference. Ably managed by the old (morning) and new (afternoon) chairmen, this was a really interesting and informative event. Given the catchy (!?!) title 'The devloping role of he third sector: what can fisheries trust bring to the party?', it started with a number of speakers detailing past and future partnership opportunities before moving on to illustrate some of the activities currently undertaken. This centred on the use of genetics - which was very thought provoking - and the tackling of Invasive Non-Native Species. The latter is of particular relevance when you consider the damage that can be done by very simple but thoughtless acts. It asks once again that anglers and other river users think before acting and disinfect or dry all of their equipment before moving between areas and not to introduce species not native to that area. For this we are particularly concerned about the potential spread of the freshwater louse and Gyrodactylus salaris as the movement of fish is against the law (although still an issue). However, gardeners (and pond owners), council workers and contractors are probably a prime source of the spread of vegetative non-natives and need to also think about the potential impact of their actions.
Preparations for the Ghillies Seminar are well underway and all of the speakers identified. This year will have a mixed theme - covering freshwater pearly mussels, fish catches, predators and mink - but is relevant to all attending. Notes from the Seminar will be published on the Trust website (http://www.wsft.co.uk/), probably at the start of May. Hopefully we'll be able to get the Annual Review out at about this time as well. Covering the work undertaken in 2010 this gives a good overview of the varied interests of the Trust and can be purchased from the Biologist (wsft@btconnect.com).
In the next few weeks, as well as the Ghillies Seminar, Donna-Claire will be heading on to pastures new, working with RAFTS on the Aquaculture project, and Chris will be attending a SEPA course on Barrier Assessment. This will help in the identification of barriers throughout the area and allow access to funding in order to help with their removal. This has the potential to open up additional areas for fish and improve their lot. We will also be attending meetings on the development of future projects involving INNS and freshwater pearl mussels. Things continue to move....
Chris and Lynne continue to gear up for their marathon in aid of Bliss (a charity for premature babies) and the WSFT. Taking place in May, remember that you can make it more worth their while by donating money. This can be done via the website - either using Paypal or by sending a donation to the Trust office.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Build up to sampling
As I write, the weather is forecast to turn increasingly wintery and we are planning the first post-smolt netting of the year! Next week, Friday 18th, will hopefully see us and our brave band of idiots, I mean volunteers!, pulling a net around the Laxford estuary in the search for sea trout. Here's hoping that 2011 will be as interesting as 2010. To this end, we've just heard that the project to look at sea lice numbers on wild sea trout in relation to distance from fish farms will go ahead again this year, with funding from Marine Scotland. Our sweep netting data from May and June will form part of this work.
Additional work within the Aquaculture project will include the development of a GIS model to look at the sensitivity of the coastal areas to development. This will help all on the west coast be more understanding about areas where further development is definitely not wanted and those where development could be acceptable. This is obviously being developed with aquaculture in mind but will also be useful for other activities, including marine renewables. We will also be helping to develop further information on the genetics of the area as well as being involved in liaison between wild and farmed fish interests.
Two members of staff will be employed by RAFTS to undertake the project management and development of the GIS system. Donna-Claire and Diane will be taken on for 1 year in the first instance, although obviously we hope that this will be extended in order to give us the best possible model. Both were previously employed as Regional Development Officers - Diane in the Outer Hebrides and Donna-Claire jointly with the WSFT and Wester Ross - so have a great deal of experience within the field. Their new position starts in April.
On the domestic front, our website has once again been upgraded and it is now possible to donate to the Trust by Paypal or credit card. You can now join the Trust (£25, leave your name and address) or support Chris and Lynne on their marathon run at the click of a button. Go to http://www.wsft.co.uk/. We'd also appreciate any feedback on the site as we would like to make this as user friendly and informative as possible. You can also follow us on Twitter, @WSFTrust, for short updates.
Additional work within the Aquaculture project will include the development of a GIS model to look at the sensitivity of the coastal areas to development. This will help all on the west coast be more understanding about areas where further development is definitely not wanted and those where development could be acceptable. This is obviously being developed with aquaculture in mind but will also be useful for other activities, including marine renewables. We will also be helping to develop further information on the genetics of the area as well as being involved in liaison between wild and farmed fish interests.
Two members of staff will be employed by RAFTS to undertake the project management and development of the GIS system. Donna-Claire and Diane will be taken on for 1 year in the first instance, although obviously we hope that this will be extended in order to give us the best possible model. Both were previously employed as Regional Development Officers - Diane in the Outer Hebrides and Donna-Claire jointly with the WSFT and Wester Ross - so have a great deal of experience within the field. Their new position starts in April.
On the domestic front, our website has once again been upgraded and it is now possible to donate to the Trust by Paypal or credit card. You can now join the Trust (£25, leave your name and address) or support Chris and Lynne on their marathon run at the click of a button. Go to http://www.wsft.co.uk/. We'd also appreciate any feedback on the site as we would like to make this as user friendly and informative as possible. You can also follow us on Twitter, @WSFTrust, for short updates.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Sea trout are go!
The reports from the eel project and the post smolt netting for 2010 are now available on the Trust Website at http://www.wsft.co.uk/, They are hopefully a good read and certainly throw up some interesting points. We hope to get all of the post-smolt data analysed shortly to see if any patterns have emerged over the past 14 years and that project is now nearing the top of the list. To this extent, we have been talking to the Atlantic Salmon Trust and Marine Scotland for pointers and statistical help.
Last week Shona attended the AST Sea Trout Workshop in Bangor. It was a very useful meeting and the room held an incredible number of intelligent people (plus Shona!). A number of projects and work streams were identified as important and a steering group has been formed to take these suggestions forward. Hopefully we will gain a better understanding of sea trout ecology and general trout interactions from this work, much of which will be processed by the different agencies. However the Trust remains open to collaboration and are happy to help where it can. Trout have been viewed in the past as the poor relation of salmon but are equally important and in many ways (whisper it) more interesting, so it is encouraging to see the calibre of individuals and organisations interested in this species and its management.
Within our education work, we are pleased to announce that we have managed to get funding towards the school project this year, to help with our involvement. The Roberston Trust has kindly supported this work to introduce the P4 - P7 pupils to the natural environment and science. All involved enjoy this work and it is great to see the enthusiasm displayed by the children and their knowledge of the environment and its need for conservation and protection is fantastic.
Planning of this years Ghillies Seminar is now underway. This event provides the ghillies an opportunity to get together, share knowledge and question the experts on issues that matter to them. We are thankful that we continue to attract high calibre speakers to this event and notes are published on the website afterwards.
Last week Shona attended the AST Sea Trout Workshop in Bangor. It was a very useful meeting and the room held an incredible number of intelligent people (plus Shona!). A number of projects and work streams were identified as important and a steering group has been formed to take these suggestions forward. Hopefully we will gain a better understanding of sea trout ecology and general trout interactions from this work, much of which will be processed by the different agencies. However the Trust remains open to collaboration and are happy to help where it can. Trout have been viewed in the past as the poor relation of salmon but are equally important and in many ways (whisper it) more interesting, so it is encouraging to see the calibre of individuals and organisations interested in this species and its management.
Within our education work, we are pleased to announce that we have managed to get funding towards the school project this year, to help with our involvement. The Roberston Trust has kindly supported this work to introduce the P4 - P7 pupils to the natural environment and science. All involved enjoy this work and it is great to see the enthusiasm displayed by the children and their knowledge of the environment and its need for conservation and protection is fantastic.
Planning of this years Ghillies Seminar is now underway. This event provides the ghillies an opportunity to get together, share knowledge and question the experts on issues that matter to them. We are thankful that we continue to attract high calibre speakers to this event and notes are published on the website afterwards.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Into the New Year
2011 has started with a round of meetings and report writing. We're getting there with the reports - most will be on the website in the next month and the Annual Review will be out in May, book your copy if you don't already get one!
The Inland Fisheries Group meeting was a bit of an eye openner. While not really our subject in the main (sorry, I don't know much about prawn fishing) some really good pointers came out of it. Ailsa (the Development Officer) is producing a really comprehensive management plan which will hopefully help to safeguard our inshore waters. The coastal waters are really important to all of our migratory species, but particularly sea trout and eels, and its good to see that the other users are just as interested in its protection.
The SFCC/RAFTS Biologist meeting at Pitlochry was really interesting. It concentrated on sea trout and it was great to see the amount of work that's being done on that species. I managed to pick up a few ideas for our own projects which was great. Good networking in the pub that night as well, and a few handy hints to think about re. projects and funding. It's always worth a get together occasionally and in our busy lives this is one of the only chances all the Biologists have to meet and swap ideas. E-mail is great, but sometimes a chat over a meal or a couple of drinks can throw up the whole heap of new and different ideas - as well as simple things you never thought of!
Next week will see Shona helping with the Lab Skills Course at the local High School. Should be good, and education is so important. If we can interest the children in Science then they will take an interest in the things around them and hopefully be more enquiring about the impacts of their actions. On that point, congratulations to the Primary Schools on their successful grant application for more field based work. We'll be out with the children in the spring disturbing animals and hopefully getting them interested in the local environment and Science in general.
Then its the Sea Trout Workshop in Bangor. Organised by the Atlantic Salmon Trust and involving a representative number of individuals from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland this will look at the work currently underway and what's needed in the future. Hopefully we'll come out of that with some good ideas and partnership projects for sea trout management in Britain.
In with all that - Chris and Lynne should be upping their training programme in the run up to their marathon in May. They are running the Cape Wrath Challenge in aid of the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust and Bliss, a charity for premature babies. Good luck to them as this is the hardest Marathon in Britain. You can follow their progress here and on Twitter (@WSFTrust) - if Chris can be persuaded to update! However, we are trying to make it worth their while so please make a donation and persuade your friends to do the same. A form can be downloaded from the website (http://www.wsft.co.uk/), making sure to tick Gift Aid if eligible to do so.
The Inland Fisheries Group meeting was a bit of an eye openner. While not really our subject in the main (sorry, I don't know much about prawn fishing) some really good pointers came out of it. Ailsa (the Development Officer) is producing a really comprehensive management plan which will hopefully help to safeguard our inshore waters. The coastal waters are really important to all of our migratory species, but particularly sea trout and eels, and its good to see that the other users are just as interested in its protection.
The SFCC/RAFTS Biologist meeting at Pitlochry was really interesting. It concentrated on sea trout and it was great to see the amount of work that's being done on that species. I managed to pick up a few ideas for our own projects which was great. Good networking in the pub that night as well, and a few handy hints to think about re. projects and funding. It's always worth a get together occasionally and in our busy lives this is one of the only chances all the Biologists have to meet and swap ideas. E-mail is great, but sometimes a chat over a meal or a couple of drinks can throw up the whole heap of new and different ideas - as well as simple things you never thought of!
Next week will see Shona helping with the Lab Skills Course at the local High School. Should be good, and education is so important. If we can interest the children in Science then they will take an interest in the things around them and hopefully be more enquiring about the impacts of their actions. On that point, congratulations to the Primary Schools on their successful grant application for more field based work. We'll be out with the children in the spring disturbing animals and hopefully getting them interested in the local environment and Science in general.
Then its the Sea Trout Workshop in Bangor. Organised by the Atlantic Salmon Trust and involving a representative number of individuals from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland this will look at the work currently underway and what's needed in the future. Hopefully we'll come out of that with some good ideas and partnership projects for sea trout management in Britain.
In with all that - Chris and Lynne should be upping their training programme in the run up to their marathon in May. They are running the Cape Wrath Challenge in aid of the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust and Bliss, a charity for premature babies. Good luck to them as this is the hardest Marathon in Britain. You can follow their progress here and on Twitter (@WSFTrust) - if Chris can be persuaded to update! However, we are trying to make it worth their while so please make a donation and persuade your friends to do the same. A form can be downloaded from the website (http://www.wsft.co.uk/), making sure to tick Gift Aid if eligible to do so.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Broodstock netting finishes
Despite the ice on the river we've finally managed to get all of the broodstock we need. It was quite exciting - sheet ice made it interesting as the fish went underneath and then back again - with Scott taking the prize for best catcher. While the net took the most fish (it should, shouldn't it) he managed to grab 5 decent fish and get them into the waiting landing nets. Go get them...!
Thats it finished now - we have all the eggs we need and have managed to get genetic samples from a good number of fish. Hopefully we'll see some of our stocked fish returning to spawn. A number of genetic samples from the river might also show some of 'our babies', although less likely as only one trbutary is being stocked. A better sample rate in future might get good results though, so here's hoping.
The roads are still a bit iffy, so stuck in the office for a bit longer. All of the equipment has now been dried, cleaned and put away and report writing is on-going.
Thats it finished now - we have all the eggs we need and have managed to get genetic samples from a good number of fish. Hopefully we'll see some of our stocked fish returning to spawn. A number of genetic samples from the river might also show some of 'our babies', although less likely as only one trbutary is being stocked. A better sample rate in future might get good results though, so here's hoping.
The roads are still a bit iffy, so stuck in the office for a bit longer. All of the equipment has now been dried, cleaned and put away and report writing is on-going.
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