Electrofishing Survey This Document Has Been Produced By

Electrofishing Survey This document has been produced by

Of The River Nith Nith District Salmon Fishery Board 37 George Street To Assess Aquatic Populations Dumfries Dumfries and Galloway In The Vicinity Of Scotland DG1 1EB

The Proposed North Lowther Energy Initiative 01387 740 043 [email protected] www.river-

nith.com

Report author: Debbie Parke Senior Biologist Original 22.07.08 Amended 04.08.16

Reviewed and authorised: Jim Henderson Fishery Director 22nd July 2016

Cover photo: View down the Wanlock Valley

Commissioned by MacArthur Green on behalf of North Lowther Energy Initiative Ltd

Survey undertaken by

Introduction Contents

Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background 1.1 Background ...... 1 The River Nith is a river of major importance as a salmon and sea trout fishery, and is the largest river in 1.2 Nith District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) ...... 1 south west Scotland. It has its source in Ayrshire and flows through Dumfriesshire, spanning 1.3 North Lowther Energy Initiative Ltd ...... 1 1.4 North Lowther Wind Farm and surrounding vicinity ...... 1 approximately one hundred kilometres to its estuary in the Solway Firth, a total catchment area of 1200 1.5 Aquatic sampling ...... 2 square kilometres. 1.5.1 Fisheries surveys ...... 2 1.5.2 Invertebrate surveys ...... 2 1.5.3 Freshwater Pearl Mussels ...... 2 The annual catch of migratory salmonids is of significant economic importance to this rural area. An This Study ...... 3 2.1 Aims ...... 3 economic survey has been conducted and that revealed that the Nith accounts for £ 2.2 million being spent 2.2 Feasibility ...... 3 in the local economy (Leslie, 2000). There are net fishing interests in the estuarial reaches, with Haaf 2.3 Site selection ...... 3 Methods ...... 3 netting a commonly used method. There are a range of fixed nets on the western boundary, still within

3.1 Electrofishing surveys ...... 3 the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board area of jurisdiction. Angling is widespread over most of the main 3.1.1 Electrofishing apparatus ...... 3 3.1.2 Ancillary equipment ...... 3 stem and some larger tributaries of The Nith. Net fishing and angling produced a joint catch of 1119

3.1.3 Personnel ...... 3 salmon and grilse and 1346 sea trout during 2015 (N.D.S.F.B., 2016). 3.1.4 Techniques ...... 3 3.1.5 Data recording ...... 4 3.1.6 Salmonid species ...... 4 1.2 Nith District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) 3.1.7 Non salmonid species ...... 4 The NDSFB is a statutory body constituted under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries 3.1.8 Data Analysis ...... 4 3.2 Invertebrate surveys ...... 4 (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, tasked with the management of migratory salmonid species within 3.2.1 Invertebrate sampling apparatus ...... 4 their catchment area. The Board is empowered to conduct works and execute measures to safeguard, 3.2.2 Personnel ...... 4 3.2.3 Techniques ...... 4 improve and enhance stocks of migratory salmonids within its jurisdictional area. The NDSFB has no remit 3.2.4 Invertebrate identification...... 4 to manage non-migratory species other than with the permission of riparian owners and only where 3.2.5 Data Analysis ...... 5 3.3 Photography ...... 5 management of these species would be deemed to be in the furtherance of migratory species. Results and discussion ...... 5 Management of non-migratory species of fish within the Nith catchment is conducted by the Nith 4.1 Electrofishing results ...... 5 4.2 Freshwater Invertebrates ...... 6 Catchment Fishery Trust who works closely with the Board. The NDSFB is active and works in areas of 4.3 Freshwater Pearl Mussels ...... 6 fisheries protection, restocking hatchery programmes, habitat restoration and predator control (NDSFB, 4.4 Invasive Species ...... 6 Conclusions ...... 7 2016). Recommendations ...... 7 References ...... 7 1.3 North Lowther Energy Initiative Ltd

This survey was commissioned by MacArthur Green on behalf of North Lowther Energy Initiative Ltd (NLEI Ltd.), a joint venture between 2020 Renewables and Buccleuch Estates Ltd. NLEI Ltd is proposing to site 35 wind turbines and associated infrastructure (the Development) on the northern section of the Lowther Hills, between Sanquhar and Wanlockhead. An EIA scoping report was submitted to Scottish Ministers in January 2016.

1.4 NLEI and surrounding vicinity The network of watercourses within the proposed footprint of the Development drains into two major tributaries of the River Nith; the Crawick Water and the Mennock Water. Both of these tributaries are known to contain excellent spawning grounds with the Crawick Water being known as a prime salmon

spawning tributary and the Mennock for its sea trout. Although the fisheries surveys do not target non-salmonid species they are captured as a matter of course during these surveys. Other species typically found in watercourses within the Nith catchment 1.5 Aquatic sampling include eel, stone loach, minnow, lamprey, stickleback and grayling. Of significance to any construction In order to assess the aquatic species that may be present, and ultimately influenced by the construction project will be the presence of lamprey or eel due to their protected status. There are three different of the Development, NDSFB was commissioned to conduct fisheries and invertebrate surveys. In species of lamprey that reside within the River Nith; sea lamprey, river lamprey and brook lamprey. All addition, surveys for freshwater pearl mussel habitat were commissioned. three species of lamprey are listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (River lamprey are also listed

1.5.1 Fisheries surveys in Annex V) and in Appendix III of the Bern Convention. River and sea lamprey are on the UKBAP Priority These surveys are carried out to primarily assess the densities of juvenile salmonid species of fish present List. Eels are under threat with their populations declining by 90% over the last two decades. They are in the watercourses. The salmonid species targeted are juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and now protected under Scottish law and the EU commission has developed an Eel Recovery Plan. Eels are Sea/brown trout (Salmo trutta). Salmon and sea trout are anadromous, meaning that they spend their also on the UKBAP Priority List. adult life at sea and their juvenile life in freshwater. The returning adults migrate back to their natal 1.5.2 Invertebrate surveys rivers to spawn in late autumn laying their eggs in the spawning gravels. The adults either die or return The composition of freshwater invertebrate communities can provide an insight into the health of a to sea to repeat the process again. The eggs hatch in the riverine substrate after 440 degree days (i.e. watercourse. Certain species of invertebrates are more tolerant to pollution, both organic and 44 days at 10°C) where the young fish (alevins) exist for a number of weeks before emerging out of the inorganic, than others; as such their presence/absence provides an indication of water quality. Changes in gravels in March/April (Hendry and Cragg-Hine, 2003). The young salmonids remain in their natal invertebrate communities over a period of time can indicate to a pollution event, both point source or watercourses for typically two to three years before smolting and migrating to sea, where they will diffuse. These surveys are of particular importance when any type of construction activity is occurring spend their adult lives. Salmonids are a very good biological indicator species as they are sensitive to within a river catchment as they can assist in the long-term monitoring of the health of the watercourse. both direct and diffuse pollution. Silt, high nutrient levels and vibrations can all impact on their survival

rate. Salmon are listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention and Annex II and V of the EC Habitats 1.5.3 Freshwater Pearl Mussels and Species Directive and both salmon and sea trout are on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) Freshwater Pearl Mussels (FWPMs) are one of the longest lived invertebrates but their numbers and Priority Species List. distribution have declined dramatically in recent years, and they have become extinct in numerous watercourses. This is primarily due to the pressures placed upon them by commercial exploitation. Sea trout and brown trout are the same species (Salmon trutta) but brown trout are resident within Freshwater Pearl Mussels are now legally protected and are considered to be critically endangered. SNH freshwater and do not migrate to sea during their life history. It is not possible to determine if the requested that Freshwater Pearl Mussel habitat surveys be conducted in relation to this proposal. These juvenile trout captured during a survey are destined to remain as resident brown trout or migrate to sea surveys identify if there is any habitat present that is suitable for freshwater pearl mussels. and become sea trout. Consequently, they are referred to as trout for the purposes of this survey. Brown trout will often be found upstream of impassable falls and these populations will have discrete gene pools. However, the majority of both sea trout and brown trout progeny will migrate to sea to become sea trout due to the lack of available habitat. Although the decision to migrate or not will, in part, be down to genetics, environmental factors are fundamentally important to the choice they make. In a watercourse that has plentiful adult habitat i.e. deep pools, and is rich in food, a larger proportion of the juvenile trout will develop into resident brown trout. However, in a watercourse that has limited adult habitat and has a reduced abundance of food, it is in the best interests of the trout to migrate to sea.

This Study Figure 0.1 – Electrofishing Equipment

2.1 Aims This study set out with the following aims: (a) To utilise a replicable and efficient capture technique for juvenile salmonids and other species of fish which is suitable for the watercourses within the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site, including control sites. (b) To assess all fish population densities, within the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site. (c) To utilise a replicable and standardised kick sampling technique for the collection of aquatic invertebrates in the watercourses within the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site. (d) To assess aquatic invertebrate populations, within the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site. (e) To conduct habitat surveys to determine the potential for Freshwater Pearl Mussels to be present in

the watercourses in the vicinity of the Development.

(f) To produce data to assist in the design considerations and safeguards f o r t h e NLEI which 3.1.2 Ancillary equipment may be implemented for the general protection of the River Nith catchment and its environs. One dip net with 1.3 metre handle attached was used to capture stunned fish which were placed into a water-filled bucket to recover. 2.2 Feasibility

In order to accurately survey aquatic invertebrates and fish populations present in the watercourses 3.1.3 Personnel within the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site this study had to take account of the time of year when To conduct this electrofishing survey, NDSFB utilised the services of their own staff, who are qualified and surveying was conducted, the height of water and general conditions at time of survey. For these experienced in the use of electrofishing equipment and capable of conducting such research. The Scottish reasons the survey was conducted during the summer (between 16th June 2016 and 7th July 2016) to Fisheries Co-ordination Centre (SFCC) protocol for electrofishing was adhered to throughout this survey. ensure efficiency of capture was optimum.

For their personal protection all personnel wore waders. All personnel could swim. All members of the 2.3 Site selection team were qualified in first aid, and first aid equipment was available in the Fishery Board vehicle present This study conducted surveys in the watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed NLEI site. The sites throughout the survey. were chosen for their accessibility and their habitat containing “typically” juvenile salmonid riffles. 3.1.4 Techniques

To accurately assess the populations of fish throughout this survey, a method of electrofishing was Methods adopted which could efficiently capture the appropriate age classes and species likely to be present. The 3.1 Electrofishing surveys method adopted entailed selecting natural features on the river which provided boundaries to each

electrofishing site. Features such as shallow riffles at the top and bottom of a section of river were 3.1.1 Electrofishing apparatus Backpack electrofishing equipment was used for the duration of this survey due to the remote typically utilised. Once a site had been selected, the electrofishing team systematically worked from location of some of the sites (see Map 1). The unit used was a Hans Grassl IG600 back pack linked to a downstream to upstream following a carefully agreed pattern removing all fish caught. Working in stationary cathode of braided copper (placed in the stream behind the operative) and one mobile anode, an upstream direction prevents any sediment caused by wading in the river from obscuring the working which consisted of a two metre pole with a stainless steel ring (used to draw fish) and an operator area.

controlled switch (Figure 1). The anode operator was able to draw stunned fish downstream, assisted by the current, towards the hand-held dip net which was lifted clear of the water after each sweep, to permit the removal of

captured fish for transfer into water-filled buckets. 3.1.7 Non salmonid species The presence of non-salmonid species was recorded at each survey site and population densities were This method captured all species present in the sites. All fish were returned, unharmed to their original recorded. capture sites on completion of examination and data recording.

3.1.8 Data Analysis 3.1.5 Data recording The results from the surveys are expressed as the number of fish present within 100m2. The densities of All fish captured were removed from the survey sites, placed in water-filled buckets and allowed to fry and parr were then classified using the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre national recover from the temporary stunning effects of electrofishing. Each bucket of fish was processed by classification scheme (Godfrey, 2005). This classification scheme categorises the data according to five removing the fish from the water using a small net and placing them into anaesthetic. Once sufficiently categories derived using data from over 1600 Scottish sites. This allows the performance of each site anesthetised, the fish were placed onto a wet measuring board where fork lengths were measured. The surveyed to be demonstrated graphically. area electrofished at each site was measured and recorded. A global positioning system was employed to

record the exact location of each site. 3.2 Invertebrate surveys

3.2.1 Invertebrate sampling apparatus 3.1.6 Salmonid species Sampling was carried out using standard kick sampling methodologies in accordance with SEPA Salmonid species were counted and recorded as: guidelines (S.E.P.A. 2001). The apparatus used included one 25cm wide kick sampling net strung with  Salmon fry (O+) which refers to a young fish less than one-year-old, resulting from spawning at 1mm mesh, one aquarium hand net strung with 0.5 mm mesh, one standard size bucket, 60 ml storage end of 2015. pots and 95% denatured alcohol.  Salmon parr (1+) which refers to a young fish which is older than one-year-old, resulting from

spawning at end of 2013/2014. 3.2.2 Personnel  Trout fry (O+) which refers to a young fish less than one-year-old, resulting from spawning at To conduct this aquatic invertebrate survey, NDSFB utilised the services of their Biologist who is end of 2015. qualified and experienced in conducting such research. The Biologist was accompanied and supported  Trout parr (1+) which refers to a young fish which is older than one-year-old, resulting from spawning at all times by NDSFB staff whilst in the field. at end of 2013/2014, or earlier in the case of larger specimens. 3.2.3 Techniques

At each site riffles were selected and kick sampling was undertaken for 3 minutes using a 25cm wide Age determination of salmonids has been assessed by the length of individuals captured from each kick sample net with a 1mm mesh. The kick net was held downstream of the sampler’s feet and the bed fishing site. of the river was disturbed by kicking the substrate to dislodge any invertebrates present. During these Figure 0.2 – Salmonids: Salmon and Trout, Parr and Fry three minutes all habitats within the selected site were sampled. The kick sampling was followed by a further minute of manual search where stones, submerged plants, logs and other instream objects were examined for attached invertebrates such as cased caddis and molluscs.

The invertebrate samples were placed into sample bottles containing 95% ethanol. This included any plant material or substrate collected during the kick sampling process. Samples were transported back to the NDSFB facilities and stored for future identification.

3.2.4 Invertebrate identification In the laboratory, the samples of aquatic invertebrates were placed into large plastic trays and cleaned of any plant material or substrate. The samples were then sorted according to broad taxonomic groups.

Invertebrates were then identified to family level using a Brunel SX10D Stereo Dissecting Digital

Microscope at x 40 magnification and dichotomous keys. Results and discussion

3.2.5 Data Analysis A total of 23 sites were surveyed. The general location of these sites was decided prior to surveying and The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) scoring system was used in order to calculate the then micro-sited when on site. Seventeen sites were located on the Wanlock Water and its biotic index of the water quality. This scoring system assigns a score to each family of aquatic tributaries, the most major watercourse draining the proposed site. An additional site was located invertebrates identified depending on its sensitivity to pollution. A score of 1 – 10 is given, with those downstream of the Wanlock Water on the Crawick Water. Three sites were located on the Cog Burn, a families most tolerant to pollution being scored as 1 and those most sensitive as 10. The sum of those tributary of the Crawick Water that drains the west side of the proposed site footprint and one site on scores gives a BMWP score for a site. Table A shows the BMWP scores and the categories associated with the Glendyne Burn, a tributary of the Mennock Water, which drains the south side of the footprint. each score. The higher the BMWP score the higher the quality of the water. Low scores indicate that One control site was located on the Spango Water, a tributary of the Crawick Water. Electrofishing pollution, either diffuse or point source, has occurred. surveys were conducted at all of these sites. Freshwater invertebrate samples were taken at six of the selected sites including the control site on the Spango Water. Map 1 displays all survey site locations and The second scoring technique utilised for this survey is the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT). This divides photographs of each site can be found in Appendix 1. the BMWP score by the number of taxa present in the sample and provides an average score for each group. Table B shows ASPT scores and the categories associated with each score. The ASPT is viewed as 4.1 Electrofishing results a more stable and reliable index of pollution than BMWP scoring as it is influenced less by the physical The results for the electrofishing surveys are outlined in Table 1 which provides the densities of salmonids 2 nature of the watercourse or variations in sampling effort. for each site, displayed per 100m . The table also includes the site number, general site description, grid referenced 12 digit co-ordinates, date of survey and other species present. The environmental Table A - Biological Monitoring Work Party (BMWP) categories data associated to these sites is outlined in Table 4 where the following data is recorded: altitude, Table A – Biological Monitoring Work Party (BMWP) Categories wet width, average depth range, temperature, pH, conductivity, water level and water clarity. Fisheries BMWP score Category Interpretation habitat data was also collected at each site and can be found in Table 5. >100 A1 Excellent 71-100 A2 Good 41-70 B Moderate Fish were found to be present in 19 of the 23 sites surveyed. The upper Wanlock (sites 1-7) contained 11-40 C Poor excellent densities of trout parr and, where suitable fry habitat was available, densities of trout fry 0-10 D Seriously polluted were also excellent. Some sites contained mature brown trout as well as juvenile trout. Juvenile salmon

Table B – Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) Categories were present in the mid and lower sections of the Wanlock Water and its tributaries (sites 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16) in good to excellent densities. This is typical of watercourses in Scotland which contain both ASPT Category Interpretation ≥6.0 A1 Excellent juvenile salmon and trout as salmon will generally spawn lower down in the watercourse than trout, 5.0-5.9 A2 Good which can more easily access these smaller watercourses at higher altitudes. The Wanlock Water is 4.2-4.9 B Moderate 3.0-4.1 C Poor predominantly made up of habitat suitable for parr and this is apparent in the data collected. Where fry <3 D Seriously polluted habitat was available, high densities of fry were present. These fry will distribute themselves further

down the watercourse as they age. 3.3 Photography All sites were photographed to provide an accurate record of conditions at time of survey. These photographs are a useful aid in assessing environmental status and to assess the quality of each site Three sites on the Wanlock (sites 10, 11 and 12) did not contain salmonids. These sites were located on with regard to its potential as a salmonid habitat. tributaries of the Wanlock. The Nicol Burn (site 10) is a small, high velocity tributary of the Wanlock and had a small fall at the mouth of the burn which appears to prevent fish accessing it. The Glenbuie Burn is a tributary of the Wanlock which drains Wedder Dod and Well Hill within the site footprint. The upper Glenbuie and Back Burn did not contain any salmonids. However, both trout and salmon parr were found to be present in the lower section of the burn. Access is limited to the upper reaches of this burn by a steep gorge and a series of small falls. 4.2 Freshwater Invertebrates Freshwater invertebrate samples were taken at six sites (7, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 22) and BMWP/ASPT During the course of the survey, fish with black tails were observed in the Wanlock Water and its scores assigned. The BMWP and ASPT scores are summarised in Table 2. A complete list of all species tributaries. The number of fish affected was higher at the top of the Wanlock than at the bottom. This identified can be found in Table 3. discolouration is caused by lead in the water, a remnant of the former lead mining industry which took place there. The occurrence of this has also been observed in fish in the top of the Clyde system, on The BMWP scores assigned through analysis of the freshwater invertebrate communities, indicated that the other side of the Leadhills. The Clyde Foundation has been conducting research into this issue but it all of the watercourses sampled, except for the Spango Water, have a water quality classification of does not appear to affect the survival rate of the juvenile salmonids Moderate. This implies that there may be a potential issue with the water quality of the burns draining

this section of the Lowther Hills. However, the ASPT score assigned, classify all but one site in the Lower The Whitecleuch Burn, a tributary of the Wanlock Water, drains the north of the site footprint and Wanlock, as being Excellent. The ASPT score is generally considered to be a more accurate classification as contained good densities of salmon fry and parr and moderate densities of trout fry and parr (site 17). it isn’t influenced by the habitat or sampling technique to the degree that the BMWP methodology The habitat in this burn was suitable for both fry and parr due to the size of substrate present. can be. The number of taxa (NTAXA) found to be present is lower than anticipated when compared to other local watercourses but the majority of those taxa found to be present were high rating and would A control site (18), upstream from any potential impacts from the proposed site footprint was surveyed therefor indicate that there is no pollution present. in the Spango Water. Salmon were present within this watercourse with excellent densities of salmon parr being of note. These high densities are due to the large quantities of cobbles and boulders found 4.3 Freshwater Pearl Mussels within the lower Spango Water. During the course of the survey, habitat surveys were undertaken to determine if there was any habitat suitable for FWPM. The results of these habitat surveys are outlined in Table 5. FWPMs require sand and The Crawick Water was surveyed downstream from the confluence of the Spango Water and Wanlock fine gravel to burrow into in fast-flowing, unpolluted rivers (Skinner et al. 2003). Ideally these Water (site 19). Both salmon and trout parr were present at this survey location and are known, sand/gravel patches should be interspersed amongst large cobbles and boulders that provide from previous survey work, to be present in the entire length of the Crawick Water to its confluence stabilisation of the fine substrate. The majority of the watercourses surveyed do not contain suitable with the River Nith. substrate for FWPM as they are composed mostly of pebbles, cobbles and boulders. In addition, large

sections of the upper Wanlock Water consist of unstable substrate which is unsuitable for FWPM. Four The Cog Burn contained trout at both sites surveyed (21 and 22) and the lower site, (22) also contained sites (13, 15, 16 and 17) were identified as containing limited habitat suitable for Freshwater Pearl salmon. Glenshalloch Burn, a tributary of the Cog Burn, (site 20) contained no fish species. Mussels. These sites were located in the lower sections of the Wanlock Water and in the lower sections

of two tributaries entering the lower Wanlock Water. Historically there are no records pertaining to The site surveyed on the Glendyne Burn (Site 23) contained excellent densities of trout fry and parr (see FWPM in these watercourses. Table 1). There are two dams located on the upper Glendyne which would pose a barrier to fish passage.

The grid references for the barriers are NX 82651 11161 and NX 82812 11395. See map for location. The 4.4 Invasive Species Glendyne drains into the Mennock Water where both trout and salmon are known to be present. Whilst conducting these surveys no invasive non-native species were identified. The closest known occurrence of Japanese knotweed is at Sanquhar and should not raise any concern for this project. The distribution of fish species found throughout this series of surveys typically reflected those found in However, as with all construction projects, care must be taken to prevent the ingress of invasive non- this area of the River Nith catchment. Other than the Dams on the Glendyne Burn, there are no significant native species from other sites and biosecurity measures should be adopted as a matter of course. barriers to prevent fish accessing the main watercourses that drain the footprint of the Development.

Conclusions References

This study concludes that in the watercourses surveyed in the vicinity of the Development: SEPA 2001 Sampling of Freshwater Benthic Invertebrates. Method number NWM/ECOL/002.

 Salmonids species of fish are present in the majority of these watercourses Leslie, T. 2002. The Economic Importance of Salmon Angling In Scotland: The River Nith to Dumfries and  No other fish species are present Galloway and The River Tweed to the Borders. University of Stirling, 2000.  High scoring freshwater invertebrate species are present  The presence of salmonids and high scoring freshwater invertebrates indicate high water quality1 Godfrey, J.D. 2005. Site Condition Monitoring of Atlantic Salmon SACs. Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre 2005.  There is evidence of high levels of lead being present in the Wanlock Water

 Limited Freshwater Pearl Mussel habitat was identified Hendry K & Cragg-Hine D (2003). Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon.

 Based on historic information and limited habitat it is highly unlikely that Freshwater Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough. Pearl Mussels are present Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, 2016. The River Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Management  No invasive non-native species were found Report and Review 2015 Season. Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Dumfries.  There are no significant barriers to fish migration Skinner, A. Young, M and Hastie, L. (2003). Ecology of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. Conserving Natura Recommendations 2000 River Ecology Series No. 2. English Nature, Peterborough.

This study recommends: • Any engineering works in the vicinity of watercourses must be complemented with appropriate mitigation plans to preserve those species known to be present.  Generally, all advice and guidance on pollution prevention from SEPA should be adhered to, and consultation with the NDSFB should be sought on aspects of this proposed construction project which may affect fish or the environment in which they reside.  Biosecurity measures should be implemented to prevent the ingress of invasive non-native species.

1 This water quality assessment does not include any chemical analysis of water samples, only biological markers.

Table 1: Results of Electrofishing Surveys – NLEI Watercourse Site Location Easting Northing Sampling date Salmon fry Salmon parr Trout fry Trout parr Other species code (/100m2) (/100m2) (/100m2) (/100m2) present

Limpen Burn 01 30m upstream from road 286122 613852 03/07/16 0 0 0 9 -

Wanlock Water 02 Upstream from confluence 285927 613866 03/07/16 0 0 0 53 - with Shielding Burn Shielding Burn 03 40m upstream from confluence 285905 613867 03/07/16 0 0 0 12 - with Wanlock Water Wanlock Water 04 20m upstream of confluence with 258807 614290 03/07/16 0 0 19 11 - Glenmarchhope Burn Glenmarchhope Burn 05 60m upstream of confluence 285460 614283 03/07/16 0 0 67 0 - with Wanlock Water Glengaber Burn 06 Upstream form confluence 285080 614832 03/07/16 0 0 0 8 - with Wanlock Water Wanlock Water 07* 150m upstream from ford at 285074 614893 03/07/16 0 0 0 22 - Duntercleuch Glendorch Burn 08 Upstream from confluence 285000 615278 05/07/16 12 0 0 24 - with Wanlock water Wanlock Water 09 30m upstream from 284380 616318 05/07/16 3 22 0 0 - watergate Nicol Burn 10 10m upstream from 284307 616366 05/07/16 0 0 0 0 - confluence with Wanlock Water Back Burn 11 Downstream from track 283551 615363 06/07/16 0 0 0 0 - culvert Glenbuie Burn 12 Downstream from track 286079 616082 06/07/16 0 0 0 0 - culvert

Glenbuie Burn 13 55m upstream from 283441 616812 06/07/16 0 12 0 18 - confluence with Wanlock Water Clacklieth Burn 14 Upstream from confluence 283180 617097 06/07/16 0 10 133 10 - with Wanlock Water Wanlock Water 15* 100m downstream from 283059 617260 06/07/16 2 27 4 2 - sheep bridge * Invertebrate samples were also taken at these locations.

Key to other species: E – Eel, M – Minnow, SL - Stone Loach, L – Lamprey, SB – Stickleback, G – Grayling, F – Flounder, P – Pike. 2 Key to classification of salmonids per 100m absent very poor poor moderate good excellent

Table 1 continued: Results of Electrofishing Surveys – NLEI Watercourse Site Location Easting Northing Sampling date Salmon fry Salmon parr Trout fry (/100m2) Trout parr Other species code (/100m2) (/100m2) (/100m2) present

Wanlock Water 16* 40m downstream from 282656 617960 16/06/16 21 2 0 0 - track bridge Whitecleuch Water 17 Downstream of track 282622 618028 16/06/16 23 14 6 3 - bridge Spango Water 18* 200m upstream from 282202 618010 16/06/16 4 26 0 0 - Spango Bridge Crawick Water 19* 200m downstream of 282207 617711 16/06/16 0 31 0 3 - Spango Bridge Glenshalloch Burn 20 Downstream from track 283253 614343 07/07/16 0 0 0 0 - culvert Cog Burn 21 Downstream of track 282785 613081 07/07/16 0 0 0 4 - culvert at Cogshead Cog Burn 22* Downstream of ford at 280698 615159 07/07/16 9 14 7 0 - Nethercog Glendyne Burn 23 Downstream of bridge at on 281849 609974 07/07/16 0 0 34 13 - track to Brandleys

* Invertebrate samples were also taken at these locations.

Table 3. List of Families present for each site with taxa score shown in brackets Table 2. Summary of BMWP/ASPT scores for sites surveyed

Site 7 Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Site 15 Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Site code Site description BMWP NTAXA ASPT score Leuctridae – Stonefly (10) Heptageniidae – Mayfly (10) score Chloroperlidae – Stonefly (10) Chloroperlidae – Stonefly (10) 7 Upper Wanlock Water 63 10 6.30 Rhyacophilidae – Caddisfly (7) Rhyacophilidae – Caddisfly (7) 15 Mid Wanlock Water 61 9 6.78 Psychomyiidae – Caddisfly (8) Psychomyiidae – Caddisfly (8) 16 Lower Wanlock 53 9 5.89 Limnephilidae – Caddisfly (7) Limnephilidae – Caddisfly (7) 18 Spango Water (control) 82 12 6.83 Dytiscidae – Beetle (5) Dytiscidae – Beetle (5) 19 Crawick Water 61 8 7.63 Elmidae – Beetle (5) Elmidae – Beetle (5) Chironomidae – Non-biting midge (2) Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5) 22 Cog Burn 56 8 7.00 Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5) Site 18 Ancylidae- Freshwater limpet Gammaridae – Freshwater shrimp Site 16 Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Heptageniidae – Mayfly (10) Heptageniidae – Mayfly (10) Chloroperlidae – Stonefly (10) Ephemerellidae – Mayfly (10) Rhyacophilidae – Caddisfly (7) Leuctridae – Stonefly (10) Dytiscidae – Beetle (5) Perlidae – Stonefly (10) Elmidae – Beetle (5) Rhyacophilidae – Caddisfly (7) Tipulidae – Cranefly larvae (5) Psychomyiidae – Caddisfly (8) Chironomidae – Non-biting midge (2) Hydropsychidae – Caddisfly (5) Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5) Chironomidae – Non-biting midge (2) Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5)

Site 19 Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Site 22 Baetidae – Mayfly (4) Heptageniidae – Mayfly (10) Heptageniidae – Mayfly (10) Leuctridae – Stonefly (10) Ephemerellidae – Mayfly (10) Perlidae – Stonefly (10) Leuctridae – Stonefly (10) Chloroperlidae – Stonefly (10) Perlidae – Stonefly (10) Rhyacophilidae – Caddisfly (7) Elmidae – Beetle (5) Hydropsychidae – Caddisfly (5) Chironomidae – Non-biting midge (2) Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5) Simulidae – Blackfly larvae (5

Table 4: Environmental Factors - Physical and chemical Site Code Watercourse Easting Northing Altitude (m) Wet width Average depth range Temp °C Conductivity Water clarity Water level (m) (cm) µS/cm

1 Limpen Burn 286122 613852 340 1.2 11-20 12 84 Clear Medium 2 Wanlock Water 285927 613866 333 1.7 21-30 12 96 Clear Medium 3 Shielding Burn 285905 613867 335 0.5 11-20 12 74 Clear Medium 4 Wanlock Water 258807 614290 320 2.8 21-30 13 104 Clear Medium 5 Glenmarchhope Burn 285460 614283 322 0.7 11-20 12 68 Clear Medium 6 Glengaber Burn 285080 614832 309 1.3 11-20 12 72 Clear Medium 7 Wanlock Water 285074 614893 308 3.1 21-30 12 103 Clear Medium 8 Glendorch Burn 285000 615278 304 2.5 11-20 12 70 Clear Medium 9 Wanlock Water 284380 616318 277 3.0 21-30 14 106 Clear Low 10 Nicol Burn 284307 616366 275 0.4 21-30 13 52 Clear Low 11 Back Burn 283551 615363 322 0.9 11-20 12 80 Clear Low 12 Glenbuie Burn 286079 616082 312 0.8 21-30 12 72 Clear Low 13 Glenbuie Burn 283441 616812 259 1.4 21-30 14 77 Clear Low 14 Clacklieth Burn 283180 617097 254 0.7 11-20 14 97 Clear Low 15 Wanlock Water 283059 617260 253 5.0 21-30 13 104 Clear Low 16 Wanlock Water 282656 617960 241 7.0 11-20 14 122 Clear Low 17 Whitecleuch Water 282622 618028 243 2.5 <10 14 151 Clear Low 18 Spango Water 282202 618010 242 10 11-20 14 146 Clear Low 19 Crawick Water 282207 617711 236 11 11-20 14 144 Clear Low 20 Glenshalloch Burn 283253 614343 339 0.7 11-20 14 53 Clear Low 21 Cog Burn 282785 613081 265 5.6 21-30 14 53 Clear Low 22 Cog Burn 280698 615159 204 4.7 21-30 15 64 Clear Low 23 Glendyne Burn 281849 609974 191 3.3 21-30 14 126 Clear Low

Table 5: Environmental factors - Habitat and flow types Substrate Flow type Freshwater Pearl Site Instream cover Bank face Bank top SI SA GR PE CO BO BE SM DP SP DG SG RU RI TO Mussel habitat? code vegetation vegetation % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % 1 Good Uniform Simple 0 0 0 20 40 40 0 0 20 0 0 0 20 60 0 No 2 Excellent Uniform Simple 0 0 0 20 60 20 0 0 0 0 0 10 70 20 0 No 3 Moderate Simple Simple 0 0 0 20 40 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 80 10 0 No 4 Good Uniform Simple 0 0 0 20 60 20 0 0 0 0 30 30 40 20 0 No 5 Good Simple Simple 0 10 10 20 40 20 0 0 0 0 0 40 30 20 0 No 6 Good Simple Simple 0 0 0 40 60 0 0 10 0 0 0 10 60 20 0 No 7 Good Simple Simple 0 0 10 20 50 30 0 10 0 0 40 0 30 20 0 No 8 Good Simple Simple 0 0 10 30 50 10 0 0 0 20 0 0 60 20 0 No 9 Excellent Simple Simple 0 0 10 0 40 30 10 0 0 0 0 10 40 50 0 No 10 Good Simple Simple 0 10 10 10 40 20 10 0 20 0 0 20 40 20 0 No 11 Good Simple Simple 0 0 10 20 60 10 0 0 0 0 0 20 60 20 0 No 12 Good Simple Simple 0 10 20 50 20 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 60 20 0 No 13 Excellent Simple Simple 0 10 10 20 40 10 10 0 0 0 0 30 40 30 0 Limited 14 Good Simple Simple 0 10 10 20 40 20 0 0 0 10 0 0 60 30 0 No 15 Excellent Simple Complex 0 10 10 20 40 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 60 0 Limited 16 Excellent Bare Simple 10 10 20 20 30 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 70 20 0 Limited 17 Excellent Bare Uniform 10 10 20 30 10 20 0 10 0 0 0 20 6 10 0 Limited 18 Excellent Bare Uniform 0 10 10 10 10 60 0 20 0 0 0 10 50 20 0 No 19 Excellent Bare Uniform 0 0 0 20 20 60 0 10 0 0 0 10 40 40 0 No 20 Excellent Simple Simple 0 10 10 20 30 20 10 0 0 20 0 10 50 20 0 No 21 Excellent Bare Simple 0 0 10 20 40 20 10 0 10 0 0 0 40 50 0 No 22 Excellent Bare Simple 0 0 10 10 40 40 0 0 0 0 0 10 30 60 0 No 23 Excellent Simple Complex 0 0 10 40 30 20 0 0 10 0 0 20 50 20 0 No

Vegetation: Bare – Bare ground, Uniform – One vegetation type, Simple – 2-3 vegetation types, Complex – 4 or more vegetation types including scrub/trees.

Map 1 – Survey site locations

Appendix 1 - Photographs of sites surveyed

Site 1 Site 2 Site 7 Site 8

Site 3 Site 4 Site 9 Site 10

Site 5 Site 6 Site 11 Site 12

Site 13 Site 14 Site 19 Site 20

Site 15 Site 16 Site 21 Site 22

Site 17 Site 18 Site 23