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!

A new blog from a new member of WSFT staff!

        Juvenile salmonid processing with
GFT; Jackie speedily measuring 
while I try to keep up with the tally! 
Photo: Jamie Ribbens - GFT

Hello to all, I'm Adam Beynon-Jones, and am currently on my third day of my new post as Assistant Biologist, having taken over the role from Kate Bachelor. So before the exciting info about what we've been up to since I started, I'll begin with a boring bit about myself and my background. Feel free to yawn!

Fish species sampling at Barony.
Yes, I am rowing the boat back-to-front, 
but the net deploys more easily from 
the bow! 
Photo: Donald Patterson

Shortly before a fish rescue operation
with Annan Fishery Board. It was 
VERY cold!
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

I have entered into the world of freshwater fisheries conservation and management at a later life stage than some, with music and sound production being my initial pathway in life after leaving High School. However, as a lifelong countryside and nature loving fly angler, my priority of interests took a natural shift as I discovered that I preferred to be out and about in the countryside pursuing voluntary fieldwork with fisheries organisations; as opposed to operating sound and lighting equipment in busy nightclubs surrounded by........ What's a polite expression for drunken idiots?

A remote electro-fishing site in the
Naver catchment, with good numbers 
of juvenile salmonids and positively 
prolific numbers of midges! 
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

Having volunteered with Forth Fisheries Trust, I went on to study Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at the Barony College, whilst undertaking continuing voluntary work with Galloway Fisheries Trust and the River Annan Fishery Board/Trust; many thanks to all concerned for putting up with me and my constant questions!

Here's one to show that I don't always cheat
with my fish capture methods! A lovely 
grilse from the Naver, safely returned. 
Photo: Duncan Paul

A lovely bucket full of eels,
fry and parr - Naver catchment.
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

I have since been employed as a seasonal staff member by the River Naver Fisheries, Annan Fishery Board/Trust, and again with the Naver last summer - I must have done something right the first time around!

It seems I am following in Kate's footsteps somewhat, as both her and I have worked as seasonal staff for the River Naver Fisheries shortly before joining WSFT; a rather nice coincidence! While I have not met Kate I have heard great things, and having started to look into some of the excellent work she has done for WSFT (with Fred the fish - a fun fairground game designed and modelled by Kate being a firm favourite so far), I am clearly just scratching the surface whilst feeling very excited about my days to come with WSFT.


The last few of these days have been busy to say the least what with mink raft checking, smolt trapping, and a VERY large haul of sea trout in the Laxford estuary!

Spot the rodent prints to the right of 
the truck key... 
Photo: Shona Marshall

Rodent prints were found in two tunnels during Monday's mink raft/tunnel checks, with no mink prints present; great to see, or rather not to see. We will be checking other raft locations in the near future to help assess their necessity due to the long sustained lack of mink evidence. However, whilst the rafts and tunnels remain clear of prints, it is vital to maintain this monitoring in order to ensure that mink are kept out of the area, and eventually eradicated from any neighbouring areas. If anybody would like to volunteer to monitor a mink raft (or three!), it is a very simple process that only needs carried out once every two weeks. Simply pop down to the raft/tunnel, lift the lid and check for mink footprints in the clay, and report back! For further details and simple training please get in touch via email (wsft@btconnect.com)                                                                      

Always good to see the fish swim off!
Photo: Shona Marshall

The smolt trap will be winding to a close soon, although while the numbers are decreasing, sea trout and salmon smolts continue to be caught, with sea trout predominating. The trap contained 7 sea trout with 5 salmon and 3 brown trout on Monday, 6 sea trout with 1 salmon and 1 brown trout yesterday, down to just 2 sea trout today (Wednesday 20th). The fish have been in excellent condition, and are looking stunning; it's fantastic to see them off to a good start as they venture towards the salt water.

Gorgeous sea trout smolts from the trap today.
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

Our hardy volunteers keeping a
close eye on the many baskets of fish!
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

Yesterday, the sweep netting sample in the Laxford estuary came very close to breaking the record of 1000 fish, with 924 sea trout, and two salmon smolts caught in a single sweep! A range of sea trout specimens of differing sizes were quickly placed into buckets with care being taken to retain tagged fish, whilst the large remainder of fish were counted out of the net and released back into the water with a flurry of hands and fins. It was hectic to say the least, with count numbers still being shouted across from those of us at the net bag towards Shona and the volunteers who were well into the sample processing. Although the target sample of fish to be processed is fifty, this figure crept up to 80, undoubtedly a result of the excitement of such a large haul. 22 recaptures were processed, although more may have been released despite our efforts to retain the tagged specimens. In any case, this will help provide useful information of fish growth rates which, going by the amount of rag worm and sprats the fish had been gorging themselves on, one would expect to be rather healthy!

A happy and slightly exhausted Shona 
counting sea lice. 
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

Despite the dreary weather and overflowing water into some waders (namely mine and Sandy's), it was a brilliant afternoon, none of which could have been achieved without our volunteers, so a big thank you to you all!

A beautiful silvery speckled sea trout
with a belly full!
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

While such prolific numbers of fish cannot always be guaranteed to be caught, the sweep netting is a great event to be a part of, and anybody who would like to come along to lend a pair of hands is more than welcome - you needn't necessarily get wet, there are other useful jobs to be done besides trying to avoid filling up your waders, such as helping pull the net from the bank, and assisting with fish processing. If interested, please get in touch via (wsft@btconnect.com)                

A quick nip, and the tag is in.
Photo: Adam Beynon-Jones

So, a busy few days and a great start to my new ventures with WSFT. I would like to say a big thank you to Shona and everybody we have met for being so helpful and welcoming to me and my girlfriend Helen. We are still unpacking, but settling in nicely. We love the wood burning stove in our cottage, it's just a shame the weather is still requiring us to use it!

That's all for now, we will be back soon with more updates as we head into the busy season of fieldwork. Expect to see pictures of me fully sealed in my midge jacket with matching rubber gloves. If the summer ever comes that is!

Is it spring yet?

Oops, just realised that I've done it again and forgotten the blog. Sorry, technology is a new science for me!

There's snow in them thar hills! (S. Marshall)

Things are starting to get busier in the world - and field - of the fisheries trust, as we move ever nearer to summer. Not that you can believe that with the weather. There have been a lot of cold northerlies recently, which hasn't helped with either the fishing or the sampling. Snow melt has a negative effect on both fish movement and biologist enthusiasm! Fingers crossed for an improvement soon though.

Trap in situ (S. Marshall)

In March I attended an excellent RAFTS Conference in Battleby. The perfect chance to network and listen to some very enlightening talks. The themes covered marine issues and building resilience - very apt at the current time and in light of the poor catch returns for 2014. While much of last years poor catch is likely to have been related to the exceptional - for non-anglers! - summer, it is still important to consider all aspects of the fishes life cycle and what we can do to help them thrive.

Salmon heading downstream (S. Marshall)

April was a month of mixed blessing, as the field work started but the snow returned. The trap was installed in Badna Bay, and has proved very successful to date with a good number of salmon smolts captured. There have been less sea trout than salmon this time, but we may well have missed them. The trap was breached for a period, with water going over and round the lead net, which would have allowed the fish to bypass the trap and head to sea. Saying that, there were still a few that went in, so not all fish are sensible!

The net heads out (M. Dawkins)

April also saw the start of the sweep netting, although the rain meant that it was only possible to do the Laxford. The estuary was extremely shallow and we could see the sediment for a long way out. A bit of a waste of time we thought but we had a good number of volunteers present so decided to give it a go anyway. What do we know? We moved a little further down the estuary to find slightly deeper water (mid thigh instead of knee!) and what a sweep it was - 166 sea trout and one wee salmon smolt. Most of the sea trout were smolts, which lends yet more evidence to the feeling that we may have missed the sea trout running out of Badna Bay, although there were a couple of recaptures (one from the trap a few days before).

The net coming in (M. Kinghorn)

If you would like to help with any of the fieldwork then get in touch (wsft@btconnect.com) we're always happy to have people along and an extra pair of hands is well appreciated. Netting dates are posted on the website (www.wsft.co.uk), but worth checking with us to make sure that the weather has been kind.

The Ghillies Seminar was held on 24 April and. while the audience was small, everyone seemed to have a good time. The external speakers kicked off with Billy MacBain from Marine Scotland Compliance, talking about the marine fishery and its regulation. Catherine Collins, Marine Scotland Science, then came in and introduced us to sea lice and sea lice dispersal modelling. It was very interesting to see how far we have come in understanding this issue - and scary at how much we still need to know!

Adding clay to the raft (A. Barnes)

After lunch we had a talk on the American mink and the Scottish Mink Initiative. A very interesting and entertaining talk, the volunteers present were able to find out more about the project and the importance of the work they do. We then finished with a lively, but considered, discussion of the Wild Fisheries Review and the proposed legislation relating to the licencing of the killing of salmon. There was a lot of agreement within the room and it was helpful to get the views of the people on the ground.

In the main, an interesting meeting, well received by all within the room. This meeting also gives the ghillies - many of whom are lone workers - to network amongst themselves and the lunchtime discussions were many. A massive 'thank you' to all of our speakers for their extremely interesting talks and the audience for attending and participating. The notes from the Seminar are available on the website (www.wsft.co.uk).

The Annual Review has also been completed now, and can be downloaded from the website (http://home.btconnect.com/wsft/review%202014.pdf). If you run a holiday home or fishing lodge and would like a hard copy to display then please let me know.

Happy volunteer (M. Kinghorn)

For the last month we have been delighted to have Michael helping with our fieldwork. Michael is a teacher from Switzerland and has been volunteering as part of his sabbatical from work. The extra hand has been gratefully received and we have been able to introduce him to a range of issues and work programmes within the Trust. Not all work though - and he has been able to explore the hills and lochs of the area, usually fishing rod in hand!

As Michael leaves, we will be welcoming Kate's replacement in the form of Adam Beynon-Jones. Adam will be joining the Trust as our new biologist in the middle of May. He comes in good time for the start of the sampling season proper and hopefully will have enough time to settle in before the midges start for real! However, Adam will introduce himself in the next Blog.

We wish everyone tight lines for the season. Remember the 'Alphabet of Scottish Lochs' Challenge - where you try to catch a brown trout from a variety of lochs - and let us know how you get on. Why not buy the Sutherland Trust fly to help you? Available from http://home.btconnect.com/wsft/page17.html

Change is in the wind!

Spring is coming! (S. Marshall)

Spring is starting to arrive - with a good few daffodils and crocus appearing in the garden. Hopefully the next lot of snow forecast doesn't kill them all! It's also a new season for the Trust, with the advert now out for Kate's replacement. The closing date is the 13th March and is a good opportunity for someone to come and live and work in this wonderful part of the world. Details can be found on the Website (www.wsft.co.uk), and applications are by CV to Shona (wsft@btconnect.com).

Stunning location for a mink raft (S. Marshall)

I was at a very interesting meeting on mink recently, organised by RAFTS. It was fascinating to here about the work of the University and how SMI fits in. The importance of keeping our wee area clear of mink was clearly demonstrated as, although we have quite poor habitat, there is very good mink habitat to the east. We therefore need to stay on our guard and stop them reaching the north east. This is an important time for monitoring mink as the females are starting to set up their dens so if you have rafts (or tunnels) then please make sure that they're working well - or if you can volunteer to check a raft then please let us know. Whatever you can do is gratefully received.

On the pull  (S. Barnes)

The Trust reports detailing the juvenile surveys and post-smolt netting from 2014 are now finished and can be accessed on the website (www.wsft.co.uk). The Annual Review is also finished, in draft, and has been sent round the Trustees for grammar, spelling and general stupidity checks! Since we include the cash accounts for the year as well, this will be published in April so watch this space. We'd appreciate comments on the website as we're always trying to improve it so please have a look and give us constructive criticism.

The diary is starting to fill up for the coming year, with lots of field work in the planning stage. If you would like to help with the field work - sweep netting, electrofishing, barrier assessment, balsam pulling, mink monitoring, etc. - then please get in touch. It can be a day, a week, a month or a whatever, we're just happy to accept the help and have fun. I'll try to keep the Blog up to date with the dates of activities as they are finalised, or you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/westsutherlandfisheriestrust), Twitter (@WSFTrust) or the Website (www.wsft.co.uk).

Striding into 2015

Happy New Year to you all! While it may seem a bit late to be saying that, I've realised that its been

Angler in action

some time since my last post, sorry! For some the salmon season has started and I've heard of a fresh salmon of the Helmsdale recently. While it's still too early for our rivers, it won't be long before they get going for salmon as well. Can I take this opportunity to remind everyone that ALL salmon must be returned to the river before the 1st April. Tight lines to you all.

This is always a quiet time of the year for the Trust, when we try to get all our reports completed, attend meetings and start to prepare for the coming year. We're getting very close with the reports and will hopefully have them posted to the website in the next couple of weeks. Then it will be on to the Annual Review and getting that ready for publication in April!

Tracks on the mink raft

We have been out as well though, with the mink rafts continuing to be monitored, which gives a good opportunity to have a drive around the area. Less prints over the last few checks, and thankfully no mink, would suggest that the cold weather is stopping the rodents straying as far. As always we have to thank our volunteers for their efforts, particularly when it's cold and wet out, in monitoring their rafts and tunnels. Without this dedication the wildlife of the area would be at greater risk from this non-native. Thank you all!!

The weather has certainly been bad over the last few weeks, with particularly strong winds causing a bit of damage to several properties around the area and an extended power cut for all. This was followed by rain, snow, winds and fluctuating temperatures making for interesting times. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries during the storm, and buildings can be repaired. The power of wind is truly awe-inspiring however!

Unfortunately we say 'goodbye' to Kate today. After almost 3 years with the Trust she is moving on to pastures new and we wish her all the best for the future. She has been a real asset to the Trust and will be missed. Her good humour and hard work throughout will be hard to replace - although maybe the next person will stay slightly drier!!! Kate didn't 'do' photo's but I couldn't resist putting in a couple.

A glorious autumn

November has been a relatively bright, dry month with the odd wet spell to get the fish moving. So, in between the many meetings that inevitably occur at this time of the year, and the associated paperwork, we've taken the opportunity to get out where we can.

A Christmassy view within Stack Wood

We were asked to re-survey Stack Wood for evidence of deer grazing. The wood was opened to deer

last winter and the Trust undertook a preliminary vegetation survey of he wood. The plan was to repeat the survey the following year and assess the impact. This would then be used to determine the future management of the wood. A bit out of our comfort zone, but an interesting project and one that, given the call for more riparian planting throughout the country, is very relevant to the work of the Trust.

Finding the original sites was interesting to say the least, and involved stumbling around in the wood looking for wooden posts. Much to our surprise, if we're honest, we found 7 out of the 10 - which was great. There was, of course, a fair bit of hilarity as we fell down slopes and rolled in the mud! The results have now been sent to the client and will hopefully provide help with the forestry management throughout the Estate.

An amazing location for a mink raft

The mink rafts also had to be checked so that was another trip around the area. While a couple had been washed away, the rest were fine and thankfully no mink traces seen. There were a decent number of rodent tracks though! As well as checking our own rafts we have a number of volunteers helping to monitor rafts and tunnels throughout the area and we help where we can by supplying materials and advice as asked. Without these individuals it would be impossible to cover the area and we are extremely grateful to each and every one of them. We have to be thankful that we seldom find anything (no mink is good news!) but that can make it harder to keep checking. We think they are all stars.

A redd in situ

Other trips out have been to look for fish and redds. It's really encouraging, given the poor year for
anglers, to see a number of redds in the river and a good number of fish fighting for and holding territories. We haven't been out often, so to see that level of activity each time is great. Reports have also been coming from others of spawning fish - both trout and salmon - being seen in good numbers. Here's hoping for good juvenile densities next year!

We've posted a new video on YouTube showing the salmon moving about in the river. Why not have a look and enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_JvKrWpPjs

A taste of Sutherland

The Trust auction is going well, although there are still a few bargains available so if you haven't already registered, click here and pick up that unexpected or unique offer. With hind stalking in 3 different areas, and a range of different budget fishing packages on offer, this is your chance to explore this exceptionally beautiful area and help the Trust at the same time. Don't shoot or fish? - never fear, you can buy the venison or smoked salmon instead - and some whisky or wine to go with it. Click on the link to get your very own taste of Sutherland  http://www.melandphil.com/geo/index.php

The trout season has come to an end and we're looking for progress reports on the 'Alphabet of Scottish Loch' Challenge. How did you get on? We're looking at this a bit like 'Munro bagging' for the fishing world, so you don't have to complete it in one year but we'd love to hear what you managed in 2014.

Before....

The field season is definitely behind us now, and with high flows experienced likely to remain that way - far to high even to look for spawning trout! These before and after pictures give some idea of the amount of water going down the rivers.... Still hopeful that we'll get something of the salmon if not the tail end trout.

...and after

October saw the first signs of mink recorded by our volunteers on their rafts and tunnels. Definitely

Mink prints on the [ad

not a call for celebration but they were fantastic and quickly had a trap out to see if they could catch him or her. Unfortunately no joy there, so we have to hope that it was a roaming animal that has now moved on, preferably southwards. Thanks to all our volunteers for their work monitoring the rafts and their never ending support of the work in the face of bad weather and few signs.

We are now into the paperwork season and the report writing is under way. The Achriesgill Management Plan is now complete and, with some very simple recommendations (and a few more complex ones), it will hopefully be picked up and go a long way to helping the fish in this lovely wee river.

The next couple of weeks are going to be taken up with meetings - yep, it's that time of year again - and hopefully getting some of the work for next year confirmed. More on that as things get finalised, We'll also be