THE FORTH DISTRICT SALMON FISHERY BOARD Annual Report

2011 The Forth District Salmon Fishery Board

MEMBERS ELECTED BY UPPER PROPRIETORS

(Chairman) J. M. B. Baillie-Hamilton – Cambusmore

(Vice-Chairman) D. A. J. Dickson – Lanrick

Mrs. F. Simpson – Mandatory for the Crown Estates

G. A. Cameron – Leny

MEMBERS ELECTED BY LOWER PROPRIETORS

D. Jones – Mandatory for Stirling Council

J. McGarvie – Airth

CO-OPTED MEMBERS

H. Shaw – Salmon Anglers’ Representative

F. Howieson – Salmon Anglers’ Representative

DIRECTOR & CLERK

Patrick Fothringham: The Lagg Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EE

Tel: 07788 416788

SUPERINTENDENT

Bill Cunningham

Tel: 01786 842122 or Mob: 07887 835549

www.fishforth.co.uk

Chairman’s Report

www.fishforth.co.uk

Mike Baillie-Hamilton – Chairman FDSFB & Vice-Chairman RFFT

Once again the bulk of news to report comes under the River Forth Fisheries Trust umbrella with its full-time biologist and part-time invasive species planner doing much good work. I refer you to the Trust Chairman’s and Director’s reports for more news on these topics. The benefits of these moves may take time to feed back into fish catches but your Board are convinced that our core funding support for the Trust is already paying substantial dividends.

We are delighted to see many sub-catchments developing their Fisheries Management Plans and getting involved with works on their rivers. This report contains encouraging news from several rivers.

Sadly, illegal activity remains a persistent, if only moderate, threat to our fish stocks. Bill Cunningham and his assistants have had another busy year with several arrests. What has been encouraging is the ever improving rapport with most police forces. In the good old days we used to prepare our own court cases but with electronic filing of cases and the European Human Rights rules, it is now more practical for cases to be prepared by the Police. Perhaps because of this, we appear to have seen a slight improvement in Procurators Fiscal taking cases forward; their previous reluctance has long been a bone of contention. Once again, I would like to highlight the Board’s and my own thanks to our unpaid volunteer Bailiffs who give us freely of their time and enthusiasm.

Boring but important issues such as Health and Safety have taken up much administrative time. Your Board believes these are all in order and will keep them up to date as time progresses.

During 2011, we decided to alter our recommendations for catch and release to a policy of returning all spring salmon. It is gratifying that all the major proprietors committed to this and we hope this will go some way to allowing the spring running populations to recover further. We have also tightened up our recommendations regarding sea trout.

Proprietors will have been pleased that we maintained our assessment poundage unchanged in 2011. This was only possible by budgeting for a slight deficit which came out lower than expected at £7,000 on a turnover of £138,000. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable situation and proprietors will have noted a small increase in their assessments for 2012 and should expect further modest rises in the future. Overall your Board consider both the annual financial result and the reserves to be satisfactory.

The River Forth Fisheries Trust Chairman’s Report

www.fishforth.co.uk Dennis Toon – Chairman RFFT

The Trust has been active across the Forth catchment throughout the year; its relationship with the Forth District Salmon Fisheries Board remains positive and constructive. Our productive and co-operative relationship with the Stirling Council Fisheries Team continues to be good and we are grateful for the accommodation and facilities they make available to us.

Ben Tyser left us late in the year and has moved south of the border; we have been pleased with the contribution made in developing the Forth Catchment Biosecurity Plan. Patrick Fothringham and Joanna Girvan working in conjunction with our colleagues at RAFTS have, of necessity committed a considerable amount of time detailing and completing the various applications for funding with our funding partners. We will know how successful this has been early in 2012, but are optimistic that the outcome will be positive. The pilot programme to control INNS on the Avon was successful and Giant Hogweed addressed on the Allan. The provision of equipment for the wider programme, together with training of the volunteers from many of the angling clubs and associations in the District is progressing. We have agreed that the three-year Ochils Landscape Partnership INNS control project, starting on part of the River Devon in 2012, will be continued when complete as part of the district Biosecurity Plan.

Patrick and Joanna have been working to integrate the Trust’s Management Plan with the individual Management Plans of some of the District’s angling clubs and associations. This is an important activity and is helping to develop good relationships with river management groups.

Electro-fishing has been carried out on a number of the rivers with particular concentration in known problem areas. Joanna has received a lot of help in this task from volunteers. The data collected is valuable in determining the corrective action that may be required to eliminate problems and improve habitat. Work with SEPA in accessing grants from the River Restoration Fund has been successful. The removal of barriers to fish passage gains spawning area and subsequently enhances the fish numbers.

Joanna again led a very successful Fish in the Classroom programme this year concentrating on Falkirk and Stirling Primary Schools. She received much praise and acclaim for her work from the youngsters and school staff. This programme will continue in 2012.

Director’s Report

www.fishforth.co.uk

Patrick Fothringham – Director FDSFB & RFFT

The year to 31st Jan 2012 was a busy and productive one across all facets of both the Board’s and the Trust’s operations. I reported last year that the Board and Trust were operating closely together in order to deliver integrated, all-species fresh-water fisheries management across the District. Our Board &Trust partnership is greatly aided by the support it derives from working with Stirling Council who provide it with a base from which to operate and who enable many aspects of our work through their generous support. We are very grateful to the Council for its generous help and look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.

As you read these pages, you will find that significant progress has been made on a number of fronts; the two most important areas of which, in terms of significant long-term objectives, having been the building of large scale projects to address barrier easing/removal and invasive species control. For much of the year Ben Tyser, our invasive species officer, did an excellent job in constructing the Forth Invasive Non-Native Species Programme which is due to be launched in 2012. For the first time this will put invasive species control on a strategic District-wide basis and will be one of the largest projects of its kind anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Ben left us in December to move on to pastures new, and we wish him every success in his new role with the Wild Trout Trust. On the barriers front, progress has been steady if frustrating. We have been working with RAFTS and SEPA to build a project to address barriers on the rivers Tyne, Almond and Biel. Given the long history of these thorny, high-tariff projects, it is over- optimistic to suppose that these barriers will be sorted in 2012. However, I remain hopeful that 2013 will see substantial physical works carried out on a number of barriers on these rivers.

2011 was also the first full year in which Dr. Joanna Girvan has been employed as the Trust’s biologist. This has allowed the Trust to underpin and drive forward all its work from a scientifically-informed, evidence-based platform; this is one of the founding principles on which the Trust is based. She has worked to build strong and productive relationships with all the District’s volunteer fisheries management groups and I would like to thank her, and all of the volunteers who have helped us, for all their enthusiastic support and hard work.

Another key area in which we have made progress is that of fisheries protection. I refer you to the Superintendent’s report below, but would like to thank Bill Cunningham and his team of able volunteers for all that they have done for us. Poaching in certain parts of the District has again been a problem. We are now working more closely with the police and we believe that this partnership is now bearing dividends.

Sadly, I have to report that pollution incidents have once more been a thorn in our flesh with significant problems on the Devon, Avon and Bannockburn. We have been working with both Fishlegal and SEPA in order to maintain pressure on those who offend in this area.

So what of the future? 2012 will see the launch of the Forth Invasive Non-Native Species Programme (FINNSP) and will see further work on the slow job of constructing and funding a

project to address barriers to fish migration. Catchment based fisheries management plans will start to deliver their objectives and a full programme of monitoring and electro-fishing will be launched. I believe these are exciting and optimistic times in which to be involved with fisheries management on the Forth’s rivers and I look forward to a busy year ahead.

Biologist’s Report

www.fishforth.co.uk

Dr. Joanna Girvan – Biologist RFFT

Forth Invasive Non Native Species (FINNS) Programme

Upon the departure of the Invasive Species Officer (Ben Tyser) from the Trust at Christmas 2011, the Trust’s biologist was required to step in and become heavily involved with the major funding applications required to carry out the FINNS Programme. Many of the funding application deadlines fell within the period January – April 2012, and a large proportion of the biologist’s time was expended on this vitally important activity.

The biologist quickly came up to speed with the project plan and budget (having had very limited previous involvement), liaising with RAFTS and LEADER and assisting the Trust Director in producing successive iterations of the applications. The applications were generally received very favourably, and barring a few final administrative procedures still to be ironed out by funding bodies, the project has received sufficient financial support to go ahead.

In the current absence of an invasive species officer, the biologist has provided support to management groups carrying out hogweed spraying in early 2012 by purchasing and distributing equipment, and has also maintained a spreadsheet of new volunteers interested in taking part in the project, for use by the future FINNS project coordinator once they are in post.

Electro-Fishing

During the 2011 electro-fishing season, 96 sites were electro-fished by the Trust biologist with the help of numerous volunteers from the various angling management groups throughout the District. This activity has provided the closest liaison with the angling management groups of the District thus far. The electro-fishing provided baseline data for the biologist to use in developing fisheries management plans for each river by highlighting areas in need of attention and restoration, and by providing a forum through which local knowledge could be exchanged.

In 2011, SNH (via RAFTS) commissioned the various fisheries trusts of Scotland to carry out electro-fishing at SACs designated for salmon in order to determine whether the sites are in favourable condition or not. 13 sites on the River Teith were electro-fished by the biologist for this purpose, generating a payment of around £7,000 for the Trust.

The 2012 electro-fishing season began in June and, so far, sites on the River Avon have been surveyed to investigate water quality issues, fish kills that took place in 2011 due to pollution and water mains failure, and the effectiveness of habitat restoration projects in the upper catchment.

Commercial Survey Contracts 2012

There are currently five commercial electro-fishing contracts awarded to the Trust for the 2012 season. These are:

• A wind farm fisheries survey with a value of £2,490; • A distillery site survey with a value of £1,200; • Two fisheries surveys for mini hydro schemes with an approximate value of £1,260 each; • A salmonid habitat assessment for a mini hydro scheme with a value of £300 (completed).

Current total value of commercial contracts for 2012 = £6,510

Fish in the Classroom

The Trust biologist carried out the Fish in the Classroom project again in early 2012. Five schools in the Denny area were funded by Falkirk Council while a further three were part funded by local management groups. St Margaret’s and Whitecross primary schools (in Polmont and Linlithgow respectively) were supported by the Avon Angling Federation, while Clermiston PS in Edinburgh was supported by the Cramond Angling Association.

In addition to the classroom project, electro-fishing demonstrations were carried out in June 2012 for three classes from Whitecross and St Margaret’s. These were highly successful and very well received, and it is hoped that this aspect of the project can be continued and expanded in the future. Anglers from the Avon Angling Federation were heavily involved in the electro- fishing demonstrations and without their enthusiasm and support they could not have been carried out. The anglers organised the attendance of a journalist at the riverside, resulting in a large photo spread in the Falkirk Herald.

One of the primary schools funded by Falkirk Council (Dunipace PS) nominated the Trust biologist for a Falkirk Council Enterprise in Education Champion Award as a result of this project. On the 19th June, the biologist attended a ceremony at Grangemouth High School to receive the award, which was reported in the Falkirk Herald.

Through the funding from Falkirk Council, this project brought around £4,000 into the Trust.

Fisheries Management Planning

The first meeting of the Forth District management groups took place in November 2011. Representatives of all the management groups were present at the meeting and contact details exchanged so that experience and knowledge could be shared between groups. The main thrust of the meeting was to facilitate introductions and give an idea of the type of work the Trust can carry out with local groups.

Progress has been made regarding detailed management plans for several rivers (although there has been a delay due to secondment of the biologist to the invasive species officer role during early 2012). The first detailed plan is for the Carron and is due for completion in June 2012 with the others to follow close after.

Salmon SAC Reporting

In 2011, a range of Scottish Trusts was contracted by SNH (via RAFTS) to carry out electro- fishing for juvenile salmon at the 17 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Scotland that have been designated with salmon as one of their interest features. In addition to carrying out the requisite electro-fishing for the River Teith SAC, the Trust biologist was asked by RAFTS to deliver the reporting involved in the project. This involved:

• Collating, reporting and exporting the data for juvenile salmon contained for the sites within the SFCC database, • Collating environmental data for each site from various sources including SEPA online databases and Trust biologists, • Interpreting and reporting on adult salmon assessments, • Drawing all the information into a 240 page report for SNH, • Going through the stringent SNH QA process.

The reporting was carried out from March to June 2012 and was delivered to the high QA and formatting standards required by SNH.

This work has raised the profile of the Trust with RAFTS and has involved bringing an additional sum of around £4,500 into the Trust.

SFCC Database

The Trust biologist was asked by the SFCC to become a point of contact for all the other Scottish Trusts that use the SFCC database (which contains all electro-fishing and habitat data for member trusts in Scotland). The aim of becoming a point of contact was to provide support when the SFCC manager is away on leave or otherwise unavailable. This has so far involved assisting other Trusts in using the database and logging and following up support calls with the database developer when problems arise. There has been quite a lot to do recently as the database appears to have some serious flaws when it comes to reporting and exporting data.

This involvement with the SFCC has helped raise our profile with the other River Trusts in Scotland and to develop good relationships with the other biologists.

John Muir Trust at Bannockburn High School

Along with Stirling Council Fisheries and Ranger Services, the Trust biologist was involved in several river demonstration days for hard-to-reach children from Bannockburn High School. This was organised through the John Muir Trust. Activities involved demonstrating electro- fishing on the Bannockburn and showing the children how to take kick samples and identify invertebrates. The biologist gained experience dealing with challenging behaviour during these activities. On the 20th June, the biologist attended an awards ceremony at Bannockburn High School for the children involved in the scheme.

Barrier Prioritisation

In late 2011, the Trust’s biologist worked with RAFTS to collate data for obstacles in the Forth District and hence assist with the obstacle prioritisation exercise initiated and funded by SEPA and managed by RAFTS. Electro-fishing data up and downstream of obstacles form an important part of this process (e.g. if the data were to show that salmon are present downstream, but not upstream of an obstacle, this raises its priority for removal or fish passage improvement). This use of electro-fishing data will help to direct electro-fishing effort during the 2012 season.

Training

Following training in barrier assessment, electro-fishing team leader and River Fly monitoring in early 2011, there has been little requirement for further training of the biologist since then.

The biologist attended a hydromorphology training day in September 2011 organised by SNH (cost to Trust - £50), and plans to attend a similar day in August 2012, focussing on hydro electric development, and also organised by SNH (cost to Trust - £70). Consideration is also being given to acquiring training in freshwater pearl mussel survey as this is sometimes requested by SNH during fisheries and salmonid habitat assessment surveys for developments.

RAFTS Conference

Trusts throughout Scotland were required to produce posters outlining all fisheries management activities for presentation at the RAFTS conference in March 2012. This was part of the requirements attending Scottish Government funding for fisheries (administered by RAFTS). The Trust biologist produced the poster for the Forth.

Health and Safety

The biologist has acquired an official HSE accident book for use by the Trust and Board. Two minor injuries have been entered into the book by the biologist in the last year. A weed spraying Risk Assessment was added to the existing list, for use by volunteers taking part in invasive weed spraying.

The Genetics of Atlantic Salmon Populations in Scotland

Dr. Joanna Girvan – Biologist RFFT

The results of genetic studies on Atlantic salmon (and other salmonid species) have suggested that there are distinct populations of fish between and within rivers, with populations adapting their behavior to suit local environmental conditions. Behavioral traits that affect survival and reproductive success can be inherited, with the result that populations become specialized to their local environment and over time, become genetically distinct from populations in other rivers, and even in other parts of the same river. Therefore, intermixing of populations may not be desirable. Knowledge of the degree of genetic structuring of salmon populations can thus be used to inform management decisions.

In order to develop better understanding of Scottish in-river genetic populations, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) set up a collaborative project – Focusing Atlantic Salmon Management on Populations (FASMOP) – in partnership with Fisheries Research Services (FRS) and individual District Salmon Fishery Boards (DSFB) and Fisheries Trusts. The project is an ongoing programme of genetic sampling and analysis with the aim of understanding the complexity of salmon stock structure within river systems and directing more informed management of salmon stocks. The individual Trusts and Boards provide tissue from fry and parr, and the technical genetic analysis is carried out by FRS, Pitlochry. Tissue samples have been provided from catchment across the length and breadth of Scotland. The samples were used for molecular genetic screening and the insights gained into local population structuring can be used to protect the genetic integrity of salmon stocks and the economically important fisheries they support. The extent of the coordinated programme of sample gathering and analysis is unprecedented in Scotland. The main source of funding for the work was the Scottish Government, with some additional funding raised locally by Trusts and Boards.

The specific aims and objectives of the project are to:

• Establish the number and spatial boundaries of breeding populations of salmon within any Scottish river system using micro-satellite genetic markers;

• Establish the ancestral relationships and functional biological differences between wild salmon stock components across Scottish rivers;

• Use information and insights gained to improve local management practice and increase the of focus salmon management on local breeding populations as these are the fundamental biological units underpinning recruitment in river stocks.

The Genetics of Atlantic Salmon Populations within the Forth District

Tissue samples from fry and parr were provided for analysis from 18 sites within the River Forth. Seven of these were from the River Teith, three from the Upper Forth, four from the Allan Water and four from the River Devon (See Map on next page).

Map (from Coulson et al., 2012): Map of the Forth District showing the 18 sample sites for tissue analysis.

Data from 17 microsatellites (or genetic markers) were collected for each individual. The results of the analysis showed that most populations were moderately different from each other (with the markers used) indicating that there is indeed genetic structuring among the sites. While the four tributaries were moderately different from each other, there was also difference (albeit to a lesser degree) within the River Devon and the River Teith, indicating within-river structuring. Overall, the results suggest a moderate level of population genetic structuring within the River Forth using the current genetic markers.

The degree of structuring can be demonstrated by the ability to predict which tributary a sample is from using the results of the genetic analysis (genetic assignment). More accurate predications can be made with a greater degree of difference between populations. Overall, the average value of correct assignment to site for the Forth was 46%, which is higher than one would expect if there were no genetic structure in the data. However, assignment to the Allan Water was correct, on average, 75% of the time, indicating the greatest level of differentiation based on the markers used.

Overall, the results to date suggest that there are distinct breeding populations within the River Forth, notably at the tributary level, with evidence for within-tributary structure predominantly in the Teith.

Implications for Management

The power to assign fish of unknown origin to their spawning area with high accuracy is possible where populations show strong genetic differentiation. This approach is useful for discriminating the composition of mixed-stock fisheries. This could be useful, for instance, in assigning rod caught adults to their particular stock component. It may also be possible to determine whether salmon returning to a river at different times of the year are destined for different parts of the catchment.

When there is clear evidence of distinct breeding populations, as there is in the River Forth, then a continued caution with respect to stocking and sourcing brood stock would be desirable in respect of stocking programmes. Even with weak to little observed differentiation, the same caution should be exercised and only locally sourced brood stock should be used to reduce the risk of disrupting any local adaptations that lead to increased survival.

The full report for the Forth District and the other participating catchments can be found on the RAFTS website at:

http://www.rafts.org.uk/focussing-atlantic-salmon-management-on-populations/

References

M. W. Coulson, P. Steuart Fothringham, J. Girvan, A. Armstrong, E. Cauwelier, L. Stradmeyer, J. Gilbey, C. Sinclair & E. Verspoor (2012) An Overview of Population Genetic Structuring in the River Forth., Marine Scotland Science Report.

Superintendent’s Report

www.fishforth.co.uk

Bill Cunningham – Superintendent FDSFB

All in a Day’s work

Even after the arrest there is still work to be done; productions must be sorted, labelled and bagged in readiness for court. Tangled nets can take a considerable amount of time to straighten out as can be seen in the photo.

Each bailiff has then to write a report on the incident to be forwarded to the police or the procurator fiscal - All time given freely by our excellent bailiffs and water wardens.

The Board is fortunate in having 14 well-trained, certificated Water Bailiffs and 14 water wardens, two of whom have passed the exam and will become Bailiffs in June.

Six more candidates will take the exam this year, thus building up the strength of our volunteer force. Their training has paid dividends and this is reflected in the number of arrests that have resulted in successful prosecutions.

Bucking the trend of previous years, activity on illegal fishing has been up since the last annual report and we have had 20 plus arrests. One of the incidents was a first for the Board when during a patrol two men were suspected of fishing for salmon, they insisted that they were eel fishing and were subsequently arrested for eel fishing without permits. The case came to court and a guilty plea made making this the first case of its kind to be successfully prosecuted in Scotland.

The Board’s bailiffs and I have spent many hours in joint operations with all three police forces, Lothian & Borders, Central and Fife and I can now say that we have cultivated very good working partnerships with all three forces. I have attended several police seminars and have given presentations at some of them on anti-poaching operations further strengthening our working partnership which is good for the overall health of the river system.

At the inaugural meeting of the Central Scotland Anti-Poaching Group, it was decided that the group will trial a project along the same guidelines as River Watch, which was very successfully pioneered in the Grampian area last year and will be part of the group’s ongoing agenda. It is believed that this is the way forward and that through the sharing of information and cooperation between all of the agencies and other Boards much can be accomplished. Acting with Marine Scotland, three large nets were recovered from the coastal area; this type of net can cause considerable loss to salmon stocks before the fish even reach our rivers.

The final word comes in the form of a quote by Simon McKelvy from the Cromarty DSFB which I believe is relevant to all boards:

“Perhaps the most important function of each Board is to deliver effective fishery protection and this is principally done through the use of water bailiffs. In recent years the role of the bailiff has evolved and expanded considerably, and they are increasingly professional in pursuit of a wide range of goals.”

Note to Proprietors Once again I would be most grateful if any proprietor who believes or suspects that illegal fishing is taking place would contact me on the numbers listed below. All calls will be treated with confidence and investigated. I would like to assure all proprietors that the rivers are patrolled on a regular basis. Even though bailiffs are not always conspicuous, it does not mean we are not there.

Equipment

The majority of the Board’s equipment continues to give good service. The Board increased the budget for safety equipment to ensure that it operates within the law as far as health and safety is concerned.

BILL CUNNINGHAM: - 07887 835549

The River Leven

www.fishleven.co.uk

Whilst no formal contribution to this annual report has been received from the Leven group, we would refer you to the web address given above where details of the club’s activities may be found.

The most significant activity in this part of the District has involved the Board and Trust working very closely with Scottish Coal, who have made an application to extend St Ninian’s coal mine. It is planned that Loch Fitty will be drained and coal extracted from under the loch. When the project is completed, the loch will be restored and both the Board & Trust believe that, on balance, environmental benefits will accrue as a result. Water quality in the loch is eutrophic and there are a number of alien species of fish present, together with a population of the potently damaging parasite Argulus. Scottish Coal’s proposal offers an unexpected opportunity to restore this badly damaged water body and the Trust has been working with them to try to ensure that the perceived environmental benefits of the project are realised.

The Rivers Devon and Black Devon

www.clacksnet.org.uk/hosted/daa

Dennis Toon – Committee Member, Devon Angling Association

Extract from the Association 2011 Newsletter:

In May we had a tremendous gale whilst the trees were in full leaf. This resulted in a large number of fallen trees which caused blockages in the river, obstruction of pathways and undoing the efforts of the work parties who had worked hard during the early part of the year to improve access. There were further gales and floods in late November and again just before Christmas. These events brought down more trees and did more damage to the river bank. It will take a lot of effort to remove fallen trees from the river and to re-establish access in some places. While we can seek help from both the Council and the main landowners, the Association agreed to utilise some of its general funds to assist the work needed over the course of the closed season and beyond.

More damaging was the event on 4th July when a major pollution incident occurred at the Scottish Water plant upstream of the Fossoway Bridge. This destroyed the fish population at least as far downstream as the Scout Camp at Crook of Devon. The incident had repercussions for the rest of the season, although the emergency restrictions imposed by the Food Standards Board were lifted after five weeks. The Committee subsequently agreed to treat the Fossoway area as a reserve with no fishing allowed for the next two seasons in the hope that it will recover

naturally. The Fisheries Trust will assist in monitoring both water quality and periodic electro- fishing. FishLegal are involved in establishing liability.

On the whole it was a good year on the lower part of the river with quite a number of anglers enjoying excellent sport. Fly fishing in particular produced good catches of trout in the 1-2lb range with a few 3lb+ figuring as well. It is noted that most fishermen keep very few fish.

When the river needed water at the back-end of the season it was at a low level and many Devon salmon remained below Cambus or in the Forth unable to access the River. As a result many fewer salmon were caught this year compared with 2010. The final tally was 36. The figures for released fish were disappointing with 53% of salmon being returned to the river. The Committee have resolved to improve the percentage returned in 2012.

In November the rain came, too much of it. The result was a major flood bringing many fish into the river. The extensive growth of Himalayan balsam, the grazing of cattle and growing of crops right to the very edge of the river had led to considerable instability, consequently significant damage occurred.

The Allan Water www.allanwaterangling.co.uk

Tom McKenzie – Membership Convenor, Allan Water Improvement Association

The Allan had another rather poor year and although grilse catches were up a little they are still disappointingly low. Sea trout catches remain static and stocks do not appear to be recovering.

The season started off on 15th March very slowly as usual but the first sea trout did not appear until the beginning of May. The reports from anglers suggested that although there were few larger sea trout they were not there in any numbers and this is borne out by the poor catch returns.

The grilse run began as usual in late July and some very nice fish were taken, although fluctuating water conditions over the period made them difficult to catch. Fish came in on every flood after that until the end of season but with water levels constantly up and down they never really stopped in the middle and lower river and they ran right through into the upper reaches above Balhaldie. There was one positive note in that the grilse were a bit bigger and about a pound heavier on average than normal. A few salmon entered the river from June onwards although numbers were low.

The total returns for the year were (Caught and returned in brackets):

Salmon 18 (19) Grilse 63 (109) Sea trout 29 (47)

Members of the Allan Water Angling Improvement Association reported at its AGM that they felt that poaching was becoming a greater problem and highlighted a few instances where they had come across evidence of netting. The committee agreed that this was an important matter and it is reviewing its protection measures. Two members have been trained and have sat the Bailiffs’ exam and hopefully will become Fishery Board bailiffs in due course. The whole protection issue has been raised with the Board and this matter is ongoing. The Association has also for a period discontinued all stocking with brown trout to see if that will help sea trout stocks.

Survey works were carried out in summer on fish populations on a number of streams in the upper catchment with healthy stocks being found. It is therefore a little difficult to pinpoint the reasons why our grilse and sea trout runs are continuing to show an average year-on-year decline. Continuing survey work will hopefully eventually identify what are likely to be a number of causes. Loss of spawning and nursery areas in our headwater streams is already identified as one cause and some progress is being made in that direction. A report was produced on the Scouring Burn which indicated that some 8000sq. m. of habitat is available above the waterfall there and negotiations are ongoing to have these improved. A number of pollution incidents have also been reported in the headwater areas and these all add to the pressures on what is still a fairly fragile stock.

Plans are in place to progress the River Allan Five Year Plan in 2012 and work will continue on surveys, access improvements, and alien species such as hogweed in the coming months. Stabilizing river banks to prevent soil erosion and providing buffer zones, combined with improving access to headwater spawning are seen as the key to the future and improvements in those areas. These should contribute not only to a general improvement but also to the long term stability of salmon and sea trout stocks.

The Rivers Forth and Teith

www.stirling.gov.uk/fisheries

David Jones – Fisheries Officer And Member of the FDSFB

2011 was a particularly challenging year for Stirling Council’s fisheries. A significant rise in levies since 2009, a rise in VAT and the global recession made matters very difficult in financial terms.

Despite this Stirling Council continued to offer fishing at affordable prices on the Forth and Teith. Various incentives were introduced in an effort to sustain current numbers as well as attracting others to the fishery. This proved very successful and the financial position was better than expected.

Throughout 2010 and 2011 a number of improvements were made to the fishery, particular focus being on access.

New paths were laid along the Forth at the Cornton and also alongside the Teith at the Geisher pool in Callander, where a new platform for disabled anglers was also erected. Other improvements included new notice boards, benches and a fishing cabin for anglers, which was sited at the Dykes car park on the bank of the Forth at Stirling. The cabin is now owned and managed by the River Forth Anglers Association and this is a major step forward in terms of improving facilities for those who visit the fishery. All in all there is now a modern look to the fishery, which has been well received by all who visit.

Stirling Council remains committed to the conservation of stocks and has formed a partnership with the Forth Fisheries Trust to explore ways in which stocks can be sustained and improved. A number of projects have already been identified and these will progress as we move forward. The Council is also supporting the Trust with its catchment-wide invasives project. A substantial amount of funding has been provided by the Council and it is hoped we will be able to eradicate/manage invasives throughout the Stirling District in an effective manner.

In terms of fishing, 2011 proved to be an average year due mainly to a lengthy spell of high water. Despite this we saw some big fish being caught throughout the season with many fish well over the 20lbs mark.

In line with conservation anglers returned over 70% of all fish caught. The efforts of the anglers for a number of years cannot be underestimated and they should be applauded for their approach to conservation. Stirling Council rewards those anglers who have shown outstanding commitment to conservation by issuing them with a fishing cap. This initiative commenced in 2010 and it is hoped over time that many anglers will proudly wear these caps as an indication of their support of conservation of salmon and sea trout.

Stirling Council’s Fishery Officer chairs the Forth and Teith Management Group. This group which is made up entirely of volunteers works with the Forth Fisheries Trust’s biologist to map the way forward in terms of improving fish passage, habitat, water quality and a whole range of other project driven initiatives. This approach will bring measurable benefits and it will also address many of the SEPA directives that have to be delivered by 2015.

Stirling Council staff are working closely with dedicated wildlife crime officers from Central Scotland Police. There will be regular joint patrols of the fishery and surrounding area in an effort to detect or deter those who engage in wildlife crime. This joint approach has already yielded results and in the future we will be able to build a very good intelligence picture as well as an excellent network of contacts and expertise. Council staff also work alongside the Board’s Superintendent and by sharing information we have seen a number of arrests of those who engage in illegal activities.

Stirling Council will continue to offer fishing at affordable prices whilst remaining committed to conservation. We continue to ensure that those who visit the fishery enjoy the experience and come back time and again.

We will also continue to work with the Forth Fisheries Trust and to ensure that this partnership grows stronger and is able to deliver many projects, which will be of benefit not just to Stirling District but also to the Forth catchment.

The River Carron

www.rcfmg.co.uk

The River Carron Fisheries Management Group is among the best organised and most committed management groups that we have in the District. Its work has been extensive, varied and highly successful. There is insufficient space to detail it in this report and we would refer you to the Group’s detailed and regularly updated newsletter which you will find at the web address below: http://www.rcfmg.co.uk/newletter2012.pdf

The River Avon

www.l-a-c.co.uk

In 2011 the Avon enjoyed its strongest run of salmon in living memory. At least 30 salmon were caught, together with a good number of sea trout. This was accompanied by the fact that when upper reaches of the Avon were electro-fished good numbers of juvenile salmon were found, which gives every cause for optimism for the future. The Avon management group is now working closely with the Trust on electro-fishing, invasive species control and fisheries management planning and the Trust is enormously grateful to the many volunteers who have enabled progress to be made in so many areas.

The only fly in the ointment has been that there was a serious incident in which a burst water pipe washed out a lengthy stretch of a spawning tributary. The Board is taking legal advice on the matter and will seek what remedy it can.

The River Almond

www.fishalmond.co.uk

Calum J McRoberts - Vice-Chairman, Cramond Angling Club

After the fantastic 2010 season, hopes were high that the 2011 season on the River Almond would continue in a similar vein. In common with many other areas though, salmon catches were down on the previous year - but only just. Catch statistics from the Cramond Angling Club (CAC) show that 49 salmon (53 in ’10), 231 sea trout (221 in ’10) and 740 brown trout (654 in ’10) were caught during the season.

Evidence shows that an increasing number of fish are being returned with a release rate of 76% for salmon (down from 2010) and almost 100% for sea trout and brown trout. A significant moment in the management of the river took place at the Annual General Meeting in the autumn, when club members voted for 100% C & R for the 2012 season.

Work-parties continue to be undertaken throughout the season and as with any river that runs for a greater part through an urban environment there is always plenty to deal with. Litter picking, removal of fallen trees, maintaining pathways, clearing salmon passes and all manner of other things ensure our club volunteers always have plenty to keep them occupied. It was especially pleasing that members of Cramond Angling Club and West Lothian Angling Association (WLAA) worked together with the help of the local Council and the landowner in the spring to work on opening up a stretch of the Linn Burn which was almost entirely blocked due to fly tipping.

Thankfully this area has remained litter free after two days of hard work.

River work also took place on the Niddry and Brox Burns which were both almost entirely blocked by debris and fallen trees, this has opened up access to significant spawning grounds.

The Fish go to School initiative was operated once again in partnership with the River Forth Fisheries Trust, this time using Clermiston Primary School. There were some technical issues, but thankfully the children were still able to release the fish into the Almond.

During April the Club worked with The River Fly Partnership and delivered the Anglers’ Monitoring Initiative, a further batch of volunteers being trained later this year. As a result we have good coverage of the system with regards to kick samples.

With the support and assistance of the Forth District Salmon Fishery Board (FDSFB) and River Forth Fisheries Trust (RFFT), the club was fortunate to have two days of Electro Fishing surveys, covering a good area of the main stem and several feeders. Worryingly the results were very poor and we hope to continue working with Jo Girvan during the 2012 season and beyond as we try to build up a better picture of what happens to our migratory fish once they enter our system. Once again this demonstrated the cooperation between WLAA and CAC. It was pleasing that one of the Club’s junior members, Cameron Chapman, was able to assist us, and we thank him warmly.

The RFFT arranged and funded training for several members of the CAC and WLAA, who undertook invasive control training at the end of the year and it is very pleasing that work has already begun on invasive control as I write this in the spring of 2012.

Policing within the catchment has had a great boost, with a further four Water Wardens recruited covering both CAC and WLAA waters. My thanks to the FDSFB and Superintendant for making this possible.

Cormorants, Goosanders and Mergansers are being seen in increasing numbers on the lower reaches of the river, which is worrying and will be having an impact on the fish population; however it is a good indication that fish stocks are improving. The increasing number of otters seen on the river appears to be dealing with our mink problem.

Once again our Junior Day was very special and my thanks go to our hard working Committee and the staff at Selmuir Trout Fishery for making it possible. It was also good to see the Scottish Junior Team and our junior member Ali Brodie winning on home turf.

Work is still progressing with the Weirs removal, but clearly this is going to take a while and will be expensive. I am looking forward to seeing this long-term project start to deliver and again thank SEPA and the FDSFB for their hard work and commitment.

The Club is keeping a close eye on the progress of the River Almond Walkway. This long term project (2010-2020) is aiming to establish a walkway from Livingston to the sea at Cramond and while there are some significant obstructions to overcome we are hopeful that improved access to the river will encourage all riverside users to enjoy the delights of our local river.

The Water of Leith

www.waterofleith.org.uk

The Water of Leith is perhaps the Forth’s most urban catchment and, like the Esks, barriers prevent migratory fish access to over 90% of the catchment. The Water is ably policed by the honorary bailiffs of the Water of Leith on behalf of Edinburgh City Council and we would refer you to the website above for more details.

The Rivers North and South Esk

www.eskvalleytrust.org

Ownership of the conservation issues of the Rivers Esks has been taken on by the Esk Valley Trust. The Esk Valley Trust was formed in April 2001 by groups of local people interested in the countryside of Midlothian and East Lothian and consists of several local community groups. Though not primarily concerned with fishing, its mission is to care for and support the environmental heritage of the Esks. In the absence of a formal management group on the Esks we would refer you to the website noted above.

The Rivers Tyne and Biel

[email protected]

The Tyne remains the focus of a major barriers removal project. This is being carried out in conjunction with SEPA and the East Lothian Angling Association, which are very active on the Tyne. Like the Esks the Tyne was mapped for invasive species extensively by SNH in 2004 but no significant control had followed up the initial mapping. We are delighted to report that a start has been made on the strategic spraying of invasive weeds in the Tyne catchment.

With regard to the Biel, the Board and Trust are in close communication with SEPA over the issue of fish passage at an impassable weir. As predicted, it has proved a hard task to hold regulators and operators at the site to their obligations in order to open up the Biel to runs of migratory fish. The Board, through SEPA is now in communication with Network Rail who we believe to be the owners of the obstruction, and after discussions with SEPA are optimistic that physical works will be carried out in 2012 so that fish may once more freely run the river.

Fisheries protection remains a very high priority on the Tyne and a significant proportion of the Board’s resources are channelled towards reducing the poaching threat in the catchment. The Board once more made a number of arrests and takes the matter extremely seriously.

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The Board would like to thank all those anglers who released fish in 2011. Their actions have helped safeguard stocks for the future.

CONTACT DETAILS

Patrick Fothringham (Director)

The Forth District Salmon Fishery Board & River Forth Fisheries Trust

The Lagg Aberfeldy Perthshire PH15 2EE

Tel: 07788 416788