Langavat Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Management Plan 2013 - 2018

Prepared by Fisheries Trust The Sawmill, Marybank, , ,1 HS2 0DD Scottish Charity Reg. No. SC040530 Table of Contents

1. Purpose and Scope...... 3 2. Background ...... 3 2.1. SAC Legislation...... 3

2.2 The Langavat SAC...... 3

2.3. The Langavat Catchment ...... 4

2.4 Existing Planning Framework...... 5

2.5 Langavat Salmon Populations ...... 6

2.6 The Langavat Fishery...... 7

2.7 The Stakeholders...... 8

3. Factors Impacting Salmon Populations...... 10 3.1 Climate Change ...... 10

3.2 Barriers to Migration...... 10

3.3 River Morphology ...... 10

3.4 Invasive Species ...... 11

3.5 Aquaculture...... 12

3.6 Management Practices ...... 13

3.7 Riparian Habitat ...... 13

3.8 Instream Habitat ...... 13

3.9 Pollution...... 13

3.10 Exploitation ...... 14

3.10.1 Legal Exploitation...... 14

3.10.2 Illegal Exploitation...... 15

4. Priorities For Action ...... 16 4.1 PFA details...... 16

4.2 PFA Timetables...... 18

5. Abbreviations used ...... 21 6. Appendices...... 21

2 1. Purpose and Scope

The plan describes issues relating to the Langavat Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (UK0030255) and presents actions that have been agreed with stakeholders for the future management of the Langavat catchment for the benefit of the SAC.

The vision of this plan is:

‘To establish a framework that will lead to sustainable management of Atlantic salmon and their habitats within the Langavat SAC’.

This will be achieved through the application of appropriate management activities, data collection, liaison, education and legislation and the realisation of the Priorities For Action below:

1. Code of Good Practice for Angling on the entire catchment agreed and established 2. Monitoring programme for juvenile salmonids established for entire catchment 3. Monitoring programme for adult salmonids established for catchment 4. Restoration works carried out where required 5. Promote best practice for all users within and adjacent to catchment

2. Background

2.1. SAC Legislation In 1992, the European Union (including the UK) adopted the Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the ‘Habitats Directive’). The aim of the Habitats Directive is to conserve certain threatened natural environments and wild animals and plants within the European Union. It gives member states the power and responsibility to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for particular habitats and species.

The Directive is transposed into national legislation by the Habitats Regulations. These place a duty upon all “competent authorities” in the discharge of their regulatory functions, to have regard to the interests for which SACs are designated. Once an SAC is designated, the condition of the interest feature is periodically monitored by SNH.

2.2 The Langavat SAC The Langavat catchment was designated on 17th March 2005 as a SAC for its important population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The SAC designation encompasses all freshwaters within the Langavat catchment, and is recorded as having an area of 1459.64ha and a site length of 88.9km.

The Langavat SAC was established with the following objectives:

3 To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (Atlantic salmon) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable status for each of the qualifying features; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:  Population of the species, including range of genetic types, as a viable component of the site  Distribution of the species within the site  Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species  Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species  No significant disturbance of the species

The interest feature of the SAC was last assessed by SNH in 2004 as part of its Site Condition Monitoring programme. At that time the condition of the salmon interest was classified as ‘unfavourable recovering’.

2.3. The Langavat Catchment The Langavat catchment rises from the glens of the North Harris hills and flows northwards through Lewis and discharges into East Loch Roag at Grimersta. The catchment covers an area of approximately 105 km2 and contains over 20 significant lochs, of varying size, connected by a system of burns and rivers, Figure 1. The largest loch in the catchment is Loch Langavat, which is over 11 km long, has 45km of shoreline and is the largest freshwater loch in the Outer Hebrides.

The underlying geology of the catchment is predominantly slow-weathering, undifferentiated Lewisian Gneiss. This means that the water flowing into the catchment is typically nutrient-poor.

The land in the catchment is mainly open moorland, containing a mixture of rough pasture and wet bog. Parts of the catchment have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), due to the habitats present. Much of the catchment overlaps the Lewis Peatlands Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area (SPA), the latter designated for breeding divers, waders and raptors. The southern end of the catchment is included within a National Scenic Area and is part of the North Harris SPA. A section of the southern end of the Langavat catchment also lies within the North Harris SAC, for which Atlantic salmon are a qualifying species.

The main agricultural use of the land is for the grazing of sheep on the hills as well as some improved land towards the north end of the catchment. Some of the common grazings are in agri-environment schemes such as Rural Priorities. The land is used by the sporting estates for the stalking of deer and the shooting of grouse. Bird watchers and hill walkers also increasingly frequent the area.

The only public road that intersects the SAC is the B8011, and there are no settlements or other significant developments at present.

All the water bodies in the catchment classified under the Water Framework Directive are at least at good ecological status, see Appendix E for more details. 4 Figure 1: Location of the Langavat SAC

2.4 Existing Planning Framework The objectives of this plan should complement and promote the objectives of the following statutory and non-statutory initiatives:

 Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust Fisheries Management Plan1, sets out priorities for fisheries management throughout the Outer Hebrides region.

 Scotland River Basin District Management Plans (RBMP) aims to maintain and improve the quality of the water environment in the Scotland basin.

1 www.outerhebridesfisheriestrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/OHFT-FMP.pdf 5  West Highland Area Management Plan2 (RBMP), aims to maintain and improve the quality of the water environment in the West Highland sub-district.

 Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan3 (LBAP), seeks to ensure that nationally and locally important species and habitats are conserved and enhanced in the Western Isles through focused local action

 Outer Hebrides Biosecurity Plan4, aims to establish a sustainable framework that will lead to the prevention, detection, control and eradication of selected invasive non-native species within the Outer Hebrides region

 Scottish Finfish Aquaculture Code of Good Practice5 (CoGP), seeks, among other things, to protect wild salmonids from the risks associated with aquaculture

 Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan – this is the main statutory land use planning document to guide development in the Outer Hebrides.

 Supplementary Guidance for Marine Fish Farming – this provides detailed policy on the Marine Fish Farming, but recognises the sensitivity of Loch Langavat, and other relevant designated sites, in its spatial strategy given its protected status and its relationship with Loch Roag which is developed for fish farming.

 Supplementary Guidance for Wind Energy Developments – this provides detailed policy on onshore wind energy developments at all scales. It includes a spatial strategy that affords protection to Natura sites including Loch Langavat.

2.5 Langavat Salmon Populations The Langavat catchment is generally considered as a salmon fishery, with sea trout and brown trout also being caught. Salmon have access to the majority of the catchment, with few absolute barriers to migration present. Appendix A shows the known distribution of salmon within the Langavat catchment. The Langavat SAC is designated for salmon, however it is important to also remember that trout have similar habitat requirements to salmon, and in general terms good management practices for salmon will also benefit trout.

Juvenile salmonid populations within the catchment have been monitored through electrofishing by the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust (OHFT) since 1996. Extensive electrofishing and habitat surveys were carried out on the catchment by the OHFT between 1998 and 2001, resulting in the 2001 Langavat Stock Assessment Report. Recent survey data from 2009 showed that juvenile populations within the areas surveyed had remained similar over 10 years, and had increased in some areas.

Scale reading analysis carried out by the OHFT has shown that 98% of the rod catch is made up of Grilse, and the majority of juvenile salmon smolt after 2 or 3 years in freshwater.

2 www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning/area_advisory_groups/west_highland.aspx 3 www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity/index.asp 4 www.outerhebridesfisheriestrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/OHFT-Biosecurity-Plan-2010-2015.pdf 5 http://www.scottishsalmon.co.uk/dlDocs/CoGp.pdf 6 As part of the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) Focussing Atlantic Salmon Management On Populations (FASMOP6) project the OHFT has taken genetic samples from juvenile salmon during survey work on the catchment since 2006. It is hoped that, in time, this will enable fishery managers on the catchment to identify individual populations within the catchment and therefore be able to manage these populations in a more informed way.

2.6 The Langavat Fishery Six sporting estates have fishing rights on the Langavat catchment. Each estate exercises bank and boat fishing rights to different levels and with differing rules. Estate boundaries surrounding the catchment are shown in Appendix B. Bank fishing rights on Loch Langavat are shown in Appendix C. In addition to those shown in Appendices B & C, the Uig & Hamanaway Estate owns a small area between the Scaliscro and Morsgail Estate boundaries.

Angling effort is concentrated between June and October. The salmon and sea trout season is 11th February – 15th October whilst the season for brown trout is 15th March – 6th October. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea-trout and brown trout (Salmo trutta) are all fished for, while some arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) are also taken. The European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) are also common within the catchment. Figure 2 shows the rod catch from the Langavat catchment over the last 60 years.

Exploitation of the fishery is managed by each individual estate. A Code of Practice was proposed in the original SAC Management Plan, a copy of which is shown in Appendix D.

Each estate is encouraged to employ one or more Water Bailiff(s), licensed by the Western Isles District Salmon Fisheries Board (WIDSFB). Unlike other Scottish Fishery Boards the WIDSFB does not employ Water Bailiffs. Water Bailiffs have the powers to police illegal fishing activities on the catchment. However, there is no formal coordination of bailiff effort over the catchment, and the remoteness and landscape of areas of the catchment make bailiffing difficult in certain areas.

6 www.rafts.org.uk/projects/geneticsproject.asp 7 Rod catches, Langabhat SAC

3000 Salmon 2500 Sea trout Brown trout t h ug2000 ca h is1500 f ro e b1000 m u N500

0 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Year

Figure 2: Rod catches from the Langavat SAC since 1930s

2.7 The Stakeholders The future management of the Langavat SAC is likely to involve a large number of groups/organisations/individuals. The Langavat SAC Forum will be an annual public meeting offering stakeholder representatives, competent authorities and members of the public a chance to meet and discuss the SAC and its management. Membership of the Forum will include, but not be limited to:

 Aline Estate  Aline Common Grazings  Balallan and Arivruaich Common Grazings  Bernera Community Council  Bernera General Common Grazings  Carason Angling Club  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES)  Earshader, Crulivig and Lundale Common Grazings  Grimersta Estate  Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE)  Linshader Common Grazings  Morsgail Estate

8  North Harris Trust  Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust (OHFT)  The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)  Scaliscro Estate  Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF)  Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)  Marine Scotland Compliance (MSC)  Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)  Scottish Salmon Company (SSC)  Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT)  Soval Angling Club  Soval Estate  Stornoway Angling Association (SAA)  Visit Scotland  Uig Community Council (UCC)  Uig and Hamanaway Estate  Western Isles District Salmon Fisheries Board (WIDSFB)  West Highland Area Advisory Group (WHAAG)

In addition a smaller core, known as the Management Group, will meet annually or more often as required. Its purpose will be to provide a mechanism for integrating the statutory activities of the competent authorities with respect to the operations and aspirations of stakeholders so as the Langavat SAC is effectively managed. Membership will be drawn from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Scottish Natural Heritage, Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust, the aquaculture industry, common grazings, Grimersta Estate (Landowner/Fishery Representative), Stornoway Angling Club, outer Hebrides Salmon Fisheries Board

9 3. Factors Impacting Salmon Populations

3.1 Climate Change Climate change impacts salmonids in fresh water and at sea. Direct impacts include changes to river flow rates and water temperatures and changes to ocean currents. Indirect impacts include changes to fish habitat and food available around the coast and further offshore. Climate change has been linked to low marine survival and growth of grilse returning to the north of Scotland.

3.2 Barriers to Migration Barriers to fish movement can have significant effects on salmon stocks, by preventing adults from reaching spawning areas or making them more vulnerable to predation. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) process, lead by SEPA, downgrades waterbodies that are subject to unnatural limitation to fish migration.

The current WFD classifications7 for the waterbodies within the catchment are High or Good, with the aim of maintaining each individual status until 2027 (details of each Waterbody within the catchment and its classification are given in Appendix E). The WFD currently identifies 3 passable man-made barriers to fish movement within the catchment. Whilst these structures do not act as absolute barriers to fish movement, they may restrict fish passage at certain flows and should be investigated in the near future.

3.3 River Morphology The term river morphology (or fluvial geomorphology) is used to describe the shapes of river channels and how they change over time. The morphology of a river channel is a function of a number of processes and environmental conditions, including the composition and erodibility of the bed and banks (e.g., sand, clay, bedrock); vegetation and the rate of plant growth; the availability of sediment; the size and composition of the sediment moving through the channel; the rate of sediment transport through the channel and the rate of deposition on the floodplain, banks, bars, and bed; and regional aggradation or degradation due to subsidence or uplift.

In terms of management it is important to recognise the natural variations in a river/catchments morphology over time. It is also important to monitor these changes and manage them in order to protect salmon populations where necessary.

The Langavat SAC catchment contains a number of different morphological features, and river types. In some areas the rivers run through bedrock substrates and are subject to very little variation over time. Other parts of the system are very dynamic, with variable habitats. Man-made features also alter the morphology of the river in some areas. The Grimersta River, from Loch Faoghail an Tuim to the sea, has approximately 12 gabion basket weirs which were installed to create fishing pools. Whilst these weirs may not present a problem in terms of fish migration, there is no doubt that they alter the morphology of the river significantly, and are subject to and cause erosive pressures that may not exist naturally.

7 http://gis.sepa.org.uk/rbmp/Data_Download.aspx 10 Some of the catchment’s tributaries contain very volatile habitats which can alter significantly within a short space of time. The Sandig burn, for example, is known to be one of the major spawning areas on the catchment, but is subject to volatile spate conditions which can cause erosion and sediment movement, which in turn could cause redd washout or deposition of fine sediment within spawning gravel.

Erosion on the Sandig burn

3.4 Invasive Species Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are those that have been transported outside of their natural range and that damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. Biosecurity issues are of increasing economic and ecological significance. Globalisation has expanded the possibilities, extent and complexity of world trade and the growth of the tourism market has expanded the number of destinations for activity holidays and travellers. These trends have led to the increased probability of the unintentional as we all as intentional introduction, establishment and spread of non-native invasive species, parasites and diseases in Scotland and the UK.

The OHFT, in partnership with RAFTS, SNH and SEPA, has recently produced the Outer Hebrides Biosecurity Plan, which identifies 30 species that pose a threat to the integrity of biodiversity in the Outer Hebrides. All of the species identified have the potential to have a negative impact on salmon or their habitats. It is therefore important that this plan recognises the importance of the objectives of the Outer Hebrides Biosecurity Plan and awareness is raised to prevent the spread or introduction of any INNS within the Langavat SAC.

American mink (Neovison vison) were released into the wild in Lewis in the 1960’s and spread throughout rapidly, potentially having significant impacts on juvenile salmonid populations. The Hebridean Mink Project (HMP8) was started in 2001. It sought to protect the internationally important ground nesting and migratory birds (as well as juvenile salmonids), particularly those regularly found within Special Protection Areas on the Western Isles. Phase two will be completed in 2011 and will hopefully see the total eradication of American mink from the whole Western Isles archipelago.

8 http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/snh-in-your-area/western-isles/hebridean-mink-project/ 11 No other significant issues with INNS are currently known within the catchment, although it is likely that species such as Rhododendron have colonised areas of riparian habitat throughout the catchment. Future monitoring and management should include data collection for INNS and inform future management through the Outer Hebrides Biosecurity Plan.

3.5 Aquaculture Fish farms are important to the local economy and farmers often work hard to protect wild fish. Conditions have improved since fish farming began but salmon farms continue to impact wild fish around the Hebrides. Of primary concerns to wild fisheries are sea lice, disease and genetic changes when farmed fish escape and inter-breed with resident fish.

Salmon farms can act as a reservoir of sea lice which infect migrating salmonids. Smolts with more than thirty lice are unlikely to survive. High louse numbers sometimes occur naturally outwith farms, particularly when river flows are low and fish are trapped near to the shore. Surveys of early returning Sea trout smolts by the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) have shown that fish often have high lice burdens and that this is more common in areas with fish farms. The TWG has conducted post smolt surveys on the Grimersta River since 2006. The results of these surveys are monitored by Marine Scotland Science (MSS).

There is currently only one company operating salmon farms within Loch Roag, the Scottish Salmon Company (SSC). There are 6 operational fish farms within Loch Roag, and 2 non-operational sites. All sites are operated under the Loch Roag Area Management Agreement (AMA). The company achieved a full fallow of Loch Roag in 2008, which is believed to be the first time this has happened in over 20 years of aquaculture production.

The statutory responsibility for monitoring disease, sea lice and escapes on fish farm sites lies with MSS. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) has responsibility for determining planning applications, ensuring that the industry develops in a sustainable manner. The Comhairle utilises its Development Plan, including the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan and the Supplementary Guidance for Marine Fish Farming, to support this function.

Aquaculture in Loch Roag

12 3.6 Management Practices Most fishery managers work hard to protect their fisheries. However, inappropriate management can impact fish stocks. Recent examples of this type of work include inappropriate stocking, instream work at the wrong time of year, creation of pools which flood spawning habitat and selective removal of trout to encourage salmon. All instream works are now subject to the appropriate permission from SEPA under Controlled Activities Regulation (CAR). It is important that Best Practice is demonstrated by fishery managers and other users in order to protect and enhance salmon populations.

The riparian and instream habitat of the catchment is managed to different extents by different estates/landowners. It is important that overall catchment management is implemented through this plan. All parties with an interest in the catchment should be encouraged to participate in its management.

3.7 Riparian Habitat Well established bankside vegetation is important for stabilising river banks and providing food and cover for fish. Removal of vegetation by livestock and muirburn has declined in recent years but remains a problem in some areas. Previous habitat surveys on the catchment have highlighted areas that were subject to overgrazing, namely the Langadale River and Sandig Burn. Extensive fencing and planting of native woodland in the North Harris Trust section of the Langadale River has excluded sheep and deer from the riparian habitat surrounding the river and promoted recovery of natural riparian vegetation. Other methods of bank stabilisation and livestock management can also benefit riparian habitats, and should be investigated where problems occur.

3.8 Instream Habitat To spawn successfully salmon require access to clean gravel and a constant flow of well oxygenated water. Eggs and juvenile fish can be present in spawning gravels between September and June and are vulnerable to pollution and crushing throughout this period.

Forestry work and construction, including road building, often generates sediment-laden run-off water. Where works are close to watercourses the sediment can pollute spawning gravel where it can smother and kill young fish and eggs and render gravel unusable for the future. The short growing season and cool temperatures of the Outer Hebrides mean that natural revegetation of exposed soils is slow, and silty run off from disturbed ground can persist for over a year. Careful siting of works away from sensitive water courses and treatment of run off water is therefore important. The OHFT works with SEPA, CnES and construction companies towards minimising the impact of construction on salmon within the SAC.

Future survey work should assess instream habitat and identify areas that require attention/restoration in order to enhance the habitat available to adult and juvenile salmon.

3.9 Pollution Juvenile salmon and their prey are particularly vulnerable to changes in water quality. Discharges into freshwater and seawater are controlled by SEPA under CAR regulations. Due to the remoteness of the majority of the Langavat catchment, significant pollution events are unlikely to occur. However it is important that all stakeholders are aware of the issues water pollution presents, and regulation is enforced by SEPA.

13 Diffuse pollution is also covered under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). A series of general binding rules introduced by CAR aim to prevent pollution arising from agricultural and forestry activities and surface water discharges from construction and road sites by setting our conditions which must be adhered too. Further information is available on the SEPA website at http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/diffuse_pollution.aspx.

3.10 Exploitation The removal of large numbers of fish from a fishery may reduce the number of spawning adults and therefore limit juvenile production. Exploitation can be broken down into two forms; legal exploitation by the rod and line fishery in freshwater, and illegal exploitation both in freshwater and at sea. There are no legal netting rights exercised anywhere within the SAC or Loch Roag.

3.10.1 Legal Exploitation Over-exploitation by the rod and line fishery may occur within salmon fisheries, particularly where fishing access is unlimited. All exploitation of salmon should be undertaken sustainably without compromising any component of the stock.

The legal exploitation of the Langavat Fishery is something that is difficult to quantify. As stated earlier, 6 separate sporting estates have fishing rights on the catchment, all of which have their own policies/limits on both angling effort, method and fish retention. Catch returns from each fishery are collected by Marine Scotland (MS) each year for salmon and sea trout; the WIDSFB collect catch returns for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. At present, returns from the Langavat fishery are not separated from other fisheries within an estate’s catch return. Whilst it is difficult to obtain consensus over what appropriate exploitation levels are, it must be remembered that this management plan and the SAC designation is primarily for the protection of salmon populations, not the enhancement of salmon angling.

In order to manage legal exploitation throughout the fishery it is important to establish a Code of Good Practice for angling on the entire catchment. Previous attempts to do this have had limited success, due to differing opinions and priorities of various fishery proprietors.

14 Angling on the Langavat catchment, photo courtesy of Louise Scott

3.10.2 Illegal Exploitation Illegal exploitation of a fishery may occur both at sea and in freshwater. Illegal gill netting at sea, although reduced, is still an issue that requires constant attention. In freshwater illegal exploitation can be in the form of netting or rod and line angling.

Policing the illegal exploitation of the Langavat salmon fishery is the responsibility of qualified Water Bailiffs, the WIDSFB, Marine Scotland Compliance and the Northern Constabulary. As stated above, the OHDSFB does not employ Water Bailiffs, but licenses Bailiffs that are employed by individual estates or angling clubs. The OHDSFB has recently appointed a Superintendent, whose role is to coordinate Bailiffing effort and liaise with the SFPA and Northern Constabulary. Given the size and remoteness of the Langavat catchment it is difficult to police illegal angling practices with the current number of Bailiffs warranted in the area.

There are currently 5 Water Bailiffs warranted for the Estates that hold an interest in the Langavat catchment (Grimersta 3, Soval 2). The Grimersta Estate runs a Sea Patrol that encompasses the majority of Loch Roag, while the Uig Lodge Estate operates a Sea Patrol that covers part of West Loch Roag.

15 4. Priorities For Action Chapter 3 described the different factors that can impact on salmon populations, and therefore the SAC. It is important to identify Priorities For Action (PFAs) in order to focus management in the future. Below is a list of 5 PFAs which should be acted upon within the timeframe of this plan, with results being reviewed periodically.

4.1 PFA details

PFA 1: Code of Good Practice for Angling on the entire catchment agreed and established

Fishery proprietors should agree a code of good practice for angling on the catchment. This code should encourage sustainable access to the catchment, and have the conservation of the fishery at its centre. The code should also seek to clarify the bailiffing responsibilities and effort on the catchment, and how this might be improved in the future. Previous suggestions have included bag limits, limiting methods in certain areas and promoting ‘catch and release’. Once the code of practice is agreed it should be added to this plan as an appendix.

PFA 2: Monitoring programme for juvenile salmonids established for entire catchment

In order to establish the relative ‘health’ of juvenile salmon populations within the catchment a monitoring regime should be established. SNH carries out Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) on a 6 year cycle, with the SAC due to be surveyed in 2011. The OHFT will continue to monitor juvenile salmonids within the catchment on a more regular basis where possible.

This ongoing monitoring regime will inform future management decisions and lead to a better understanding of juvenile salmonid populations and habitat within the catchment. The results will be used to identify areas that require riparian or instream enhancement or restoration works.

PFA 3: Monitoring programme for adult salmonids established for catchment

Monitoring juvenile salmon stocks is a well established method that informs fishery management. However, the reported reduced number of returning adult salmon into Scottish rivers in recent years has been attributed to poor marine survival. Whilst catch returns can tell us a certain amount about adult fish numbers within a system, they can only tell us a certain amount about returning adult numbers. One of the most effective methods of monitoring the numbers of returning adult fish to a catchment is by installing a fish counter. A well designed, appropriately placed fish counter should give large amounts of reliable data that can be interpreted relatively easily.

16 This plan proposes to initiate a feasibility study into the installation of a fish counter on the lower Grimersta River, to be carried out by the OHFT in conjunction with SNH. External contractors would be required to assess various aspects of the proposal such as hydromorphology, sediment dynamics etc. Therefore funding would need to be secured before a feasibility study could be carried out.

PFA4: Restoration works carried out where required

Where problems with habitat are encountered during the surveys proposed above or by users of the catchment, practical management measures should be put in place. The OHFT has the facilities to coordinate practical works, and works with Estates to tackle problems when they arise.

A strategic approach should be taken when considering restoration within the catchment. A scoping stage should be carried out to identify the main impacts. This could also include a survey of invasive non-native species. Any restoration scheme is more likely to be eligible for funding if a strategic approach has been taken in assessing the pressures affecting the catchment.

It is proposed to establish a ‘Langavat Working Party’ to carry out practical works when required. The Working Party should consist of Estate Employees, members of Angling Clubs/Associations, Volunteers and other groups that use the catchment. Members of the working party would help with practical works when required on any part of the catchment. The OHFT could coordinate the working party and establish possible funding streams (e.g. SEPA Restoration Fund9, SRDP10) for the equipment/materials required to carry out practical works for the benefit of the catchment. Possible projects for the working party could include bankside stabilisation, fencing, native woodland planting, and barrier easement/removal. This may have positive impact on the status of these waterbodies.

Any engineering works carried out within the water environment, including bank stabilisation and removal of barriers are likely to require authorisation under CAR. The level of authorisation required is dependent upon the activity carried out and the risk to the water environment. If the works are carried out solely for the benefit of the environment the authorisation would be exempt from application fees and subsistence fees, if any. An authorisation would still be required prior to the work being undertaken.

PFA5: Promote best practice for all users within and adjacent to catchment

There are many users, other than sporting estates and anglers that make use of the Langavat catchment or adjacent marine habitats. It is important to recognise these users and work with them to ensure best practise is adhered to, and the SAC is protected from potentially damaging activities. All users have the potential to increase the likelihood of INNS entering or spreading through the catchment, so it is important to raise awareness of this issue with all users. The Langavat SAC Forum provides an opportunity to raise awareness of issues among stakeholders.

9 http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/restoration_fund.aspx 10 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP 17 4.2 PFA Timetables This section presents the actions required to realise the PFAs described in section 4.1, along with the lead agency, key partners and timeframe required for their implementation.

Table 1: Required actions, lead agency, key partners and timeframe according to the objective and output.

Priority for Action LEAD PARTNERS TIMEFRAME 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 PFA 1: Code of Good Practice for Angling on the entire catchment agreed and established

Agree Code of Practice All Fishery for angling on the Proprietors/Angling OHFT, SNH Langavat Catchment Clubs

Ensure that Code of All Fishery Practice is adhered to Proprietors/Angling OHFT, SNH by all legal users of the Clubs fishery

Police illegal All Fishery WIDSFB, Northern exploitation on whole Proprietors/Angling Constabulary catchment Clubs

PFA 2: Monitoring programme for juvenile salmonids established for entire catchment Review existing data for OHFT SNH, MSC the catchment Establish suitable core sites for ongoing OHFT SNH, MSC monitoring Ensure that monitoring programme enhances OHFT, SNH the SCM required by SNH

Carry out surveys OHFT SNH

Review monitoring programme results to OHFT SNH, ALL inform management

Carry out practical All Fishery restoration works Proprietors/Angling OHFT where needed Clubs

PFA3: Monitoring programme for adult salmonids established for catchment

Langavat catch return All fisheries WIDSFB to reported annually

Conduct feasibility OHFT, SNH Fisheries, MSS study into fish counter

18 Identify appropriate funding source for fish OHFT, Fisheries SNH counter Apply for funding OHFT, Fisheries SNH Install fish counter OHFT, Fisheries MSS

Monitor returning adult OHFT SNH, MSS numbers

Review monitoring programme results to OHFT SNH, ALL inform management

PFA4: Restoration works carried out where required

Fisheries, Angling Form Working Party Clubs, Volunteer OHFT, SNH groups

Scoping of restoration OHFT SEPA, SNH issues

Coordinate Fisheries, Angling projects/works for SNH, OHFT Clubs, Volunteer party to carry out groups

Identify funding sources OHFT, Fisheries SEPA, SNH for works

Identify and remove SEPA, WIDSFB, potential barriers to OHFT Fisheries fish movement PFA5: Promote best practice for all users within and adjacent to catchment Production of revised OHFT SNH, SEPA Management Plan Langavat SAC Forum to promote importance of Forum members SAC

Raise awareness of SNH, CnES, SEPA, potential impacts of OHFT WIDSFB, new INNS within catchment WILBAPSG New or amended aquaculture CnES, WIDSFB, SNH, developments to SSC, Aquaculture MSS recognise importance of SAC

Aquaculture companies to ensure Code of Good SSC, Aquaculture MSS, TWG, AMG Practice is adhered to at all times

19 Active deer management to be SNH, Sporting DMG undertaken throughout Estates catchment

20 5. Abbreviations used

General Terms: INNS – Invasive Non Native Species SRDP – Scottish Rural Development Programme SAC – Special Area of Conservation SPA – Special Protection Areas SSSI – Sites of Special Scientific Interest RBMP – River Basin Management Planning LBAP – Local Biodiversity Action Plan CoGP – Code of Good Practice FASMOP – Focussing Atlantic Salmon Management On Populations WFD – Water Framework Directive CAR – Controlled Activities Regulations HMP – Hebridean Mink Project

Organisations: OHFT – Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust WISFB – Western Isles Salmon Fisheries Board RAFTS – Rivers And Fisheries Trusts of Scotland CnES – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNH – Scottish Natural Heritage SEPA – Scottish Environment Protection Agency MSC – Marine Scotland Compliance SFCC - Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre HIE – Highlands & Islands Enterprise RSPB – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SGRPID – Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspectorate Division SCF – Scottish Crofting Foundation SWT – Scottish Wildlife Trust SAA – Stornoway Angling Association VS – Visit Scotland UCC – Uig Community Council SSC – Scottish Salmon Company MSS – Marine Scotland Science TWG – Tripartite Working Group WILBAPSG – Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group

6. Appendices A. Salmon distribution within the Langavat SAC B. Estate boundaries surrounding the Langavat catchment C. Bank fishing rights on Loch Langavat 21 D. 2005 Langavat Fishing Code of Practice E. WFD RBMP Waterbody classifications

22 APPENDIX D LANGAVAT CATCHMENT FISHING CODE OF PRACTICE 2005

Conservation (Catch and Release) Recommended bag limits:

Brown trout – 6 retained fish per Rod/Day.

Sea trout – Catch and release until further notice.

Salmon/Grilse – Day tickets: 1 retained fish per rod/day. Weekly lets: 2 retained fish per rod/week. Strongly encourage release of all hen salmon/grilse. Target 60%+ catch and release over season.

Boats and Method:

Loch Langavat.

Aline – 2 boats; Grimersta – 2 boats (1 in practice); Morsgail – 2 boats; Scaliscro – 2 boats; Soval – 2 boats (1 in practice); Uig and Hamnaway – 2 boats (used by Stornoway Angling Association).

Any legal method, Trolling restricted in areas where fly fishing taking place. 1 hand held rod per angler, maximum 3 rods per boat.

Loch Coirigerod.

Scaliscro – 1 angling boat. Any legal method.

Loch Bruiche Breivat.

Scaliscro – 1 angling boat. Any legal method.

Loch Airigh na h-Airde.

Grimersta - 1 angling boat, 1 ferry boat. Fly only (trolling with flies permitted when travelling between North Jetty and marker posts on Eilean Mhic Fail).

23 Loch Faoghail Kirraval.

Grimersta – 1 angling boat, 2 ferry boats. Fly only.

Loch an Easa Ghil.

Grimersta – 1 angling boat.

DM Maclean - 1 angling boat.

Fly only.

Loch Mohal Beag.

Scaliscro – 1 angling boat. Any legal method.

Loch an Fhir Mhaoil.

Scaliscro - 1 angling boat

Grimersta (Stornoway Angling Association) - 1 angling boat.

Any legal method.

Loch Faighail Charrasan.

Grimersta – 2 ferry boats.

Carason Angling Club – 2 angling boats.

Fly only.

Loch Faighail an Tuim.

Grimersta – 3 angling boats, 1 ferry boat. Fly only.

24