Enhancement
and Improvement of Fisheries and their Stocks on the River System
The guardian of the Dee Salmonid population has
long been the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board. As the declining
population of Salmon became apparent, efforts to redress the balance
were taken up. The netting stations stopped and enhancement programmes
were initiated. It was apparent that the reduction in numbers of Salmon
was due to many factors from trawlers and nets at sea to acid rain
and forestry acidification.The Fishery Board approached the problems
they could tackle.
Egg Trials on the Deugh
Fish Ladders
The primary suspicion was that the ageing,
immense Hydro scheme that had long been in operation was in some way
obstructing Salmon from entering and navigating the river. Scottish
Power who had recently aquired the dam system were requested to look
in to this, resulting in an improved fish ladder and an ongoing study
of the impact of the Hydro Scheme throughout the river system.
The other main influenceable cause of
damage to the existing run of Salmon and indeed the extinction of Salmonids
from some areas was clearly due to acidification from both atmospheric
pollution and the extensive blanket of coniferous forestry that dominates
large areas of the catchment.
Forestry at Loch Fernie
Loch Dee in the Evening
The Forestry Commision although unable
to remedy the situation in the short term (trials with limeing proved
ineffectual and costly) have recently started working with the new forestry
strategy which makes much better provision for fishery interests. Levels
of acid rain are lowering making the long term prospects bright for
the more acidified waters in the catchment. The Dee Fishery Board hopes
to work closely with the Forestry Commision on all issues pertaining
to the health and vitality of the water courses of the Dee catchment.
The Fishery Board are working closely
with Scottish Power and the West Galloway Fisheries Trust to ensure
fish have every chance to ascend the Hydroscheme dams and reproduce
in the most suitable environments. Together they helped research and
sponsor the initial restocking of feeder burns through the hard work
of the local angling association hatchery. The results were positive
and the Board is pressing ahead with examining the best methods to go
forward in this endeavor.
Releasing Fry
Hatching Eggs
The extensive survey work of the West
Galloway Fisheries Trust whom the Board and Scottish Power have brought
in to examine the river system and its fish populations has identified
both healthy areas and problem aspects. With this reference tool the
Fishery Board is able to identify where efforts are best spent. The
upper Ken and Deuch offer a huge area suitable for Salmon to spawn and
thrive. At present, due to access restrictions that can be overcome
(dams without fish ladders or smolt passes), this area holds no Salmon.
Research is underway to ascertain the best way to return fish to these
headwaters.
Meanwhile river improvements are underway
on the many small feeder burns where habitat improvements make these
important tributaries more accessable and suitable for Salmonids. These
improvements also clear the way for stocking out any hatchery reared
Ova or Fry in the near future.
The Dam at the head of the Deugh
Windy Standard
As a tool to maximise survival of adult
Salmon and promote conservation amongst anglers the Fishery Board have
been promoting the‘Catch and Release’ of Salmon especially the early
‘Spring’ fish that are most rare and desirably large. Catch and release
gives the best of both worlds. Anglers still get their sport and the
fishery retains it’s precious adult fish with the potential for breeding
intact. As a knock on effect the angler becomes more aware of the serious
concerns there are for the Salmon populations. The Board has also brought
into place a restriction on Shrimp and Prawn as a bait. This is again
to reduce the impact of angling and bring awareness to the angler that
these fish require protection.
With the present level of interest and
effort, improvements in the numbers of Salmon both entering and surviving
within the catchment are achievable. It may be a slow hard climb or
an instant revelation that solves the problems we are beset with. Of
one thing we can be sure, the dedication of the individuals who strive
to protect and improve this watercourse will reward every water user.
Environments fit for and full of Salmonids are fit for all the waterlife
we love to watch or catch...