Fish and Fisheries Awareness Seminar

Development is an ongoing process throughout the Nith catchment with existing structures being repaired and new proposals being considered. Part of the NDSFB's remit is to protect salmonid fish stocks and it is therefore important that the NDSFB is consulted on any development that has the potential to impact on watercourses and the fish within them. This helps to ensure that projects are carried out in fish friendly manner. In order to raise the profile and importance of salmonids a Fish and Fishery Awareness Seminar took place at Drumlanrig Castle recently. The seminar was attended by representatives from organisations and individuals involved in development planning, design and authorisation. In addition representatives of organisations involved in the enforcement of legislation and the Procurators Fiscals Service attended.

The seminar highlighted the importance of fish in the environment, the legislation that protects them and the mitigation required in order carry out developments sympathetically to fish. A practical electrofishing demonstration also took place and attendees were able to see how a fish population survey is conducted and some of the species of fish present within the Nith catchment.

The day was a great success and the weather was kind to us.

This project has been supported by grant funding from the Scottish Government (Marine Scotland) as part of a national programme of fishery management planning undertaken by fishery trusts and District Salmon Fishery Boards across Scotland. This programme is co-ordinated and managed by the Rivers Fisheries Trust of Scotland (RAFTS).