Past Projects.

Current Projects

The Trust are currently involved in a number of projects and initiatives. Many of these have been identified as important within the Fisheries Management Plan, 2008 - 2013. For more information on each, click on the appropriate title.

Juvenile surveys - undertaken by electrofishing in the rivers and burns in the summer. These surveys allow an assessment of the health of the population and early notification of problems.

Habitat assessment - gives a detailed list of the issues apparent in the catchments and ways to improve the area for fish.

Eel populations - the assessment of the eel population in the Geisgeil catchment was started in 2008. Part-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, it is hoped to improve the management of the population within the catchment, as well as learn more about this endangered species.

Traps - used to assess the smolt run within a catchment.

Education - an important aspect of the Trusts remit, we work with a variety of groups. The annual Ghillies Seminar is always well received, while the Trust also undertakes different projects and demonstrations with the local schools and HC Ranger Service.

Biosecurity - is a very relevant and important part of the Trust work. In 2009 we produced a Biosecurity Plan for the area and are now working with others to prevent the spread of INNS and remove any that are currently present.

Scale reading - provides information on the age and growth of fish. Much of this is undertaken on scale samples submitted by anglers.

Tagging of sea trout in the estuaries - recaptured fish give information on growth rates and marine migrations. The counting of sea lice on all fish captured also gives information on the lice burdens and allows comparisons with neighbouring farms.

Area Management Agreements - have been signed in Lochs Laxford and Eriboll as part of the Tripartite Working Group initiative. These are agreements between farms and wild fish interests, enabling dialogue with the aim of improving farm and estate management to the benefit of wild and farmed salmonids. The Loch Laxford AMA was the first to be signed in Scotland.

The following are projects that were undertaken previously by the Trust. Reports are available by clicking on the title.

Salmon louse infestations of Scottish west coast sea trout post-smolts. Undertaken in conjunction with the Association of West Coast Fisheries Trusts, from 1997 - 2000.

Planktonic lice levels throughout the west coast, 2002 - 2005. Undertaken in conjunction with AWCFT and FRS.

Manse trap - operated from 1998 - 2005, this looked at the smolt run within the system and marine survival rates.

Marine productivity - undertaken in 2006 to look at the productivity within Lochs Laxford and Eriboll.

Elver Survey - undertaken by Dr May for the Trust, with the support of the Highland Biodiversity Partnership. It aimed to increase our knowledge of the current distribution of elvers in Sutherland.

Genetic assessment of trout populations - undertaken with funding from the Scottish Government this is an initial look at the population structure

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