Winter has started

As reported last time, we're now busy in the office and the report writing is coming on well. Hopefully we'll get them finished and out at the start of the year - then it will just be the Annual Review to finish.

The prize winning poster (S. Marshall)

As well as the report writing, 'tis the season of meetings and consultations. On a positive note, Shona attended the 2nd Sea Trout Symposium in Dundalk, Ireland. This was an excellent meeting and a great chance to find out what has been happening in the world of trout research. And, it has to be said, there is a lot. Subjects ranged from anadromy, through populations and management to movement and migration. The ecology and behaviour of the trout were covered, as was monitoring and surveillance before ending with an assessment of some of the threats to the species. The speakers covered the globe and demonstrated how much - and how little! - we know about this enigmatic species.

While at the Symposium, we submitted a poster for consideration. Not only was this accepted, but won 3rd prize in the IFM poster competition for students and NGO's. The summary of the meeting can be found at http://www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/latest-news/report-from-the-2nd-international-sea-trout-symposium.html, while the full proceedings will be published in due course.

Other matters that have required attention over the past few weeks are perhaps less enjoyable, but more important in many ways. The Scottish Government introduced the concept of a 'Licence to Kill' legislation, where the need to tag fish taken was suggested. While the tagging of rod caught fish fell at the first consultation, it was still required from the coastal nets during the 2nd consultation period. At this time the Scottish rivers were classified into 3 categories - Category One rivers were sustainable and could continue as they were; Category 2 rivers needed to move towards greater levels of catch and release an produce a management plan, but some fish could be retained; Category 3 rivers were considered unsustainable and a mandatory catch and release policy would be imposed, with a management plan also required. Within this area, all rivers to the west were classified as Category 3, resulting in a mandatory catch and release policy. A further consultation had been carried out on these proposals, and we await the results. The measures will be implemented in time for the 2016 season.

In addition to this, we are still awaiting the details of the Wild Fisheries Reform, due to be proposed for legislation in 2016. The draft bill will be available for consultation, so please watch this space for more details in the future. This piece of legislation has the potential to dramatically alter the future of fisheries management throughout Scotland - and it has to be hoped that care will be taken to ensure that this is for the better. While it has to be agreed that there are aspects of the current management system that need updated or altered, there are also a lot of good points and it would be a shame if these were lost in the changes.

Sweep netting in action (S. Barnes)

During one of the sweep netting occasions, a member of the public was kind enough to film the action using a drone and gave us a copy of the video. While this has taken some time to edit - there were a few technical glitches - the resulting video was well worth the effort. Cut with other photos and underwater footage, this gives a good description of the work involved and highlights the enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers, without whom this really wouldn't be possible. If you would like to get involved with this work, then please contact Shona (wsft@btconnect.com). The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/D4zRuZIXDrQ

We, along with our many volunteers, continue to monitor the mink rafts looking for signs of this predator. At present West Sutherland would appear to be mink free - or at least have no or very few breeding females - and we would like to keep it that way. Thankfully there have been very few signs within the rafts, with volunteers deploying traps where potential signs have been spotted. Again thankfully, we have not managed to capture any mink and have to hope that our neighbours to the south continue to do their work well and stop them spreading to this area.

Proof of an alien invasion? (A. Beynon-Jones)

Mink are an invasive non-native species, capable of having a drastic effect on a range of species - not just fish. Our relatively healthy populations of water voles and ground nesting birds are testament to the lack of mink within the area. Of course the rafts don't only record mink prints, and there have been a range of other species noted - primarily small rodents, weasel and stoat, voles and occasionally birds, amongst others. There was also a small alien invasion recorded, so please report any signs of flying saucers. This should be kept on top off!!!

Japanese Knotweed (S. Marshall)

The Trust works closely with our umbrella organisation, the Rivers & Fisheries Trusts Scotland (RAFTS), with several projects and work schemes originating from this collaboration. RAFTS are currently working towards a new Invasive Species project, covering a number of Trust areas including West Sutherland. This will use volunteers to monitor and control non-invasive plants (and mink). While non-native species are present in this area, the numbers are low and it is hoped that with the help of this grant funding we might be able to start eradicating them. It would be nice to be able to say that there was an area of Scotland where these non-native plants do not exist. If you would like to help, you can do this simply by notifying us of any populations that you came across or know about. Please contact Shona - don't assume that we know about them.

The River Laxford (S. Barnes)

The Trust are, as always, trying to raise funds towards the protection and conservation of this wonderful area. As part of this, we have registered with Easyfundraising. If you shop online and would like to raise FREE money for the Trust then its a simply process. There are 1000's of companies taking part in the scheme, which sees a proportion of any purchase you make going to the Trust - it doesn't change what you pay, only costing you an extra 'click' as you have to go to the retailer through the easyfundraising site. We will then receive the donation from the retailer. This is a simple way to help and FREE to you- so please register and start shopping  https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/westsutherlandfisheriestrust 

It's that time of year again and the Trust AGM will take place in Scourie Village Hall at 12.00 on Monday 7 December. Hope to see you there.

Salmon in their spawning colours (S. Barnes)

The salmon are now starting to spawn, and it's always nice to get out and see some action. While this isn't easy to film, we can occasionally get a bit of underwater action. It's always nice to see fish doing their thing, so here's something to put a smile on your face. The parr is definitely not camera shy!!  https://youtu.be/3lTmFqFWuXw