Issue 1, Number 1 July 2010 Fisheries Trust Newsletter Inside this issue: Controlling Giant Hogweed 2 Fundraising 3 Codes of Practice: Catch and Release Seat Trout Research 4 Flood Alleviation 4 Status Updates 4 Bailiff News 4 Gift Aid Form 5 The Season so Far 6 3 Introduction Welcome to the first proper Fisheries Trust Newsletter. This goes out to all our Members, to the three Fisheries Boards, to MPs and MSPs and to all our donors and supporters. Our members include all the Angling Associations, local government, SEPA and SNH representatives. In each newsletter we will include an update on the Trust s activities, some articles on aspects of fisheries management and reports from the rivers. Thank you for your support; we are trying hard to deliver the projects we believe to be important this year and to work with others to improve the management of our rivers and the fish stocks. Fishery Management Plans The Fisheries Trust recently completed the first Fishery Management Plans for the Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie. This allowed us to submit the plans to Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS), who authorise the release of Scottish Government and other funds to implement projects. You can view the Plans on the RAFTS website, see below. The Plans consider each river in its entirety and encompass salmon and trout population concerns, population structures, habitat management, obstacles, riparian vegetation, non-native invasive species, wind farms, flood alleviation schemes and predators. For each factor affecting the health of the rivers and fish, issues were noted, management aims and strategies identified, and actions proposed. From this extensive list, a manageable list of projects for 2010-11 was created. The first detailed project plan was submitted successfully to RAFTS, with several more to be submitted by the end of August. Initial work on projects has begun and we look forward to doing more! View Fishery Management Plans at http://www.rafts.org.uk/projects/fisheriesmanagement planning.asp Projects, 2010-2011 Projects prioritised for 2010-11 include the following: Develop a survey programme to determine spawning distribution Develop a Code of Good Practice Assess obstacles and fish access Explore potential for installation of fish counters Monitoring Salmon Conduct electro fishing surveys Develop a biosecurity plan to address invasive non-native species Education and awareness training Conduct habitat survey
Page 2 Photo courtesy of Robert Laughton Giant Hogweed Glyphosphate (e.g., Roundup) is the only effective herbicide that is also approved for use near water. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Detail of Japanese knotweed stem Controlling Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed Giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed are familiar sights in some locations on the Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie. They are a problem because they form dense stands preventing access to the river bank, and because they shade out native plants. Unlike native plants, hogweed and knotweed leave river banks bare in winter, leading to bank erosion. Good practice is to sow dense grass after treating banks, which may also crowd out re-growth. An additional danger with giant hogweed is the toxicity of its sap, which creates a very painful rash when sap on the skin is exposed to the sun. The rash can recur for several years. Giant hogweed seeds can remain viable for 7-15 years. Japanese knotweed spreads through its rhizomes, or root system, and it takes only 1 gram of rhizome to begin a new plant. By law, if you have hogweed or knotweed on land you own or occupy, you do not need to notify anyone and are not obliged to remove or treat it. However, you must not allow knotweed or hogweed to spread to adjacent land and you must not plant or encourage them. Control methods include spraying, digging up and spraying regrowth, removing weeds and contaminated soil for disposal off site, burying weeds and soil on site, and cutting and burning invasive weeds For our purposes, cutting and spraying may be most appropriate. For both weeds, glyphosphate (e.g., Roundup) is the only effective herbicide that is also approved for use near water. Away from water, picloram is more effective, as are imazapyr and triclopyr (e.g., Timbrel). The NetRegs website provides useful information on the regulations that affect the use of these herbicides. Cutting: Hogweed needs to be cut before the seeds form. There is some debate as to whether to cut before or after flowering. Damaging the rootstock is important to prevent re-growth. Cut plants should be burned. Knotweed should not be strimmed, but should be cut cleanly to prevent bits of plant from travelling by air or water and regrowing. The canes should be dried and burned, and checked for re-growth. Spraying: Spraying of hogweed should be done at the rate of 6 l/ha when plants are growing but still less than 1m tall, usually in April and May. Knotweed should be sprayed at the rate of 6 l/ha when it is flowering, from late summer. Both tops and bottoms of knotweed leaves should be sprayed. The NetRegs website refers to several environmental regulations affecting the use of herbicides and the disposal of invasive weeds. For example, the sprayer must hold a certificate of technical competence for herbicide use or work under the direct supervision of a certificate holder. There is a Code of Practice for using plant protection products in Scotland. If using herbicides near a watercourse, you must consult SEPA. You must do a COSHH assessment when using herbicides. Resources: 1. SEPA contact: Fraser Reid, 01343 547663 2. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology -- hogweed, http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/ documents/gianthogweed.pdf 3. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology knotweed: http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/ documents/japaneseknotweed.pdf 4. NetRegs: http://www.netregs.gov.uk/ netregs/63095.aspx 5. For information on COSHH assessments: www.hse.gov.uk
Issue 1, Number 1 Page 3 Flood Alleviation Moray Flood Alleviation plans some 30-50 individual flood alleviation projects for the River Lossie as it flows through Elgin. They also have plans for considerable works in the lower reaches of the River Findhorn, where floods can affect a large number of residences and businesses around Forres. The Trust has met with Moray Flood Alleviation on each of these schemes, to satisfy ourselves that fish have been properly considered and that any negative effects of the projects are modified as far as possible. The Trust continues to work with Moray Flood Alleviation to optimise one or two changes that can be made. Sea Trout Research Marcus Walters of the Moray Firth Sea Trout Project addressed the Lossie and Nairn District Salmon Fishery Boards to update them on progress and activities. With the Trust, the Sea Trout Project is addressing obstacles and habitat improvement on the River Lossie, which will benefit sea trout and salmon. The Wild Trout Trust will conduct an advisory visit in August. An important part of the sea trout research is scale analysis. Instructions for taking scales in a way that does not harm the fish are available from the Trust office, along with envelopes for transporting the scales and log books for sea trout fishermen and ghillies. Taking scales from a trout Codes of Practice: 6 Simple Steps to Catch and Release This is the beginning of the Trust s work in developing Codes of Good Practice for anglers and river managers. Thanks to Ewen Brodie for this. 1. Use the strongest practical nylon cast to facilitate quick landing of fish. Long playing leads to the build up of harmful metabolites such as lactic acid which kills fish even after they appear to swim away unscathed. 2. Use barbless hooks. These can be difficult to obtain but ordinary hooks can easily be adapted by carefully crimping down the barb with slimjawed pliers. 3. Try and plan your release strategy as you are playing the fish - think where the best area would be to net, unhook & release your fish. Avoid sandy beaches and silty bays, and where there are extensive areas where the water depth is shallower than the depth of the fish. 4. Take great care in handling fish. It helps if there are two of you so try and fish in pairs. Do not pick the fish up by the tail and carry it to the bank for unhooking purposes. Use a widemouthed small knot-less mesh net to minimise handling and remove the hook and release the fish while still in the water. Wet the hands first or use surgical gloves and wet them as well, avoid the gill area, do not squeeze the stomach and take care not to rub off scales. Turning the fish upside down will often prevent it from struggling. Use your knees or the river bank to keep the frame of the net level and just above the water surface. 5. Use long-nosed artery forceps or slimjawed pliers for removing hooks. 6. Try to minimise out of water and handling times. Return the fish as quickly as possible. Some photographers keep fish out of the water far too long, considerably reducing their chances of recovery. Support it until it has recovered enough to swim away. Try and plan your release strategy as you are playing the fish think where the best area would be to net, unhook & release your fish. Angler releasing fish
Page 4 Fundraising In 2009 and 2010, the Trust raised 9,000 in donations. Of this, about 8,500 came from anglers and 500 from corporate donors. Especially considering the relative lack of fish, the Trust feels this is a very good result so far. Gift Aid will add 1,500. Additional fundraising from the public and private sector is now moving into full swing and letters have gone out to many companies with a direct or indirect interest in our three rivers. These have included the wind farm developers, distilleries and the kayak and rafting fraternities but the list is not exhaustive and suggestions of other potential donors would be most welcome. The Trust will have collecting buckets at various summer events. The first few are listed below. If you hear of an appropriate one, please bear this in mind. Local Highland Games and fetes are possibilities and we must tap into the system now as the summer unfolds. A meeting has been scheduled with a representative of Moray Council to discuss other funds that we may tap into, and they are many, some of which are not well publicised! If you hear of such a vein of gold please pass on the details to me. Finally, raising charitable funds during a recession is never easy and whilst my enthusiasm will carry me a long way I do need all those who gain such pleasure from our rivers to help me raise some 8000 by 31 st March 2011. I can be contacted on, 01343860256, 07890 933985 or davidbroadfoot@btinternet.com. David Broadfoot, Chair, Fundraising Committee P.S. Do ensure you have a copy of the Findhorn Brainteaser a testing and fun quiz for all! Win 100! Available from the office. Look for Fisheries Trust collecting buckets here: 29th July 3rd Aug Pride and Prejudice, Logie Steading, Forres The Tempest, Logie Steading, Forres 6/7th Aug Moy Highland Field Sports Fair, Moy 17th Aug Romeo and Juliet, Logie Steading, Forres 25th Sept Living Food at Cawdor Castle, Cawdor Look for Fisheries Trust collecting tins at summer events such as at Cawdor Castle Status Updates The Trust is a founding member of the Moray Firth Predator Management Group. Other members include Fisheries Trusts from the Spey in the East to the Kyle of Sutherland further north. The Group s first focus is sawbill ducks, including mergansers and goosanders. The first action point is to commission a literature review of research into the interactions between sawbill ducks and salmonids. The Trust continues to monitor the wind farm situation and takes part in the review of plans with the respective Fisheries Board. Most local projects are awaiting a decision on applications, or have yet to submit an application. In an effort to prevent wildlife crime such as poaching, River Watch is being established. This is a partnership between District Salmon Fishery Boards, Grampian Police Wildlife Officers, and the general public. It works very much like neighbourhood watch, wherein members of the public can phone in concerns and the bailiffs or police will respond. The Lossie River Watch scheme was launched on 24th June and an article appeared in the local press. Bailiffs from the Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie attended a Bailiff Training on 24th June at the Craigellachie Hotel. The training covered bailiff personal safety, use of notebooks and interviews, and surveillance. Sandy Robb, Bailiff on the River Nairn, attended the annual Bailiff Seminar on 17/18th March in Dumfries, where he also passed his bailiff exam. Congratulations Sandy! The Bailiff Seminar included a visit to a river diversion and associated riparian works, discussed new developments in electronic tagging, and heard about drug crime in Scotland and how poaching is often linked to other criminal activity.
Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust You can support the work of the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust by making a cash donation or by setting up a Banker s Order. Please complete the Gift Aid Declaration and Part A or B. Gift Aid Declaration I would like the Trust to treat as Gift Aid this and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify the Trust otherwise. Title Forename(s) Surname Home address Postcode E-mail (for receiving Trust newsletters only) Signature Date A. Cash donation I enclose a cheque in the sum of made payable to Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust. B. To make a series of donations, please complete the Banker s Order below. BANKER S ORDER To The Manager Bank Plc Sort Code Branch Address Postcode Please pay to ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND, 20 High Street, Nairn IV12 4AY (83-25-23) for the credit of FINDHORN, NAIRN AND LOSSIE FISHERIES TRUST (Account No. 00244739) the sum of ( pounds) on the day of, 20, and a like amount on the same day each month/quarter/year (delete as appropriate) (a) until I give you notice in writing OR (b) for a total period of years. Account to be debited A/C No Sort Code Account name Signature Date Title Forename(s) Surname Home address Postcode... If you have fished on one of the rivers, please state River and Beat Please submit the completed form to The Fisheries Office, Logie Steading, Dunphail, Forres, Moray IV36 2QN.... You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax in each tax year at least equal to the tax that the Trust will claim from HM Revenue & Customs on your Gift Aid donation(s). Please notify the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust if you: (1) want to cancel this declaration, (2) change your name or home address, (3) no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. The Trust will reclaim 25p of tax on every 1 you give on or after 6 April 2008. The Government will pay to the charity an additional 3p on every 1 you give between April 2008 and 5 April 2011. This transitional relief for the charity does not affect your tax position. If you pay income tax at the higher rate, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return if you want to receive the additional tax relief due to you.... Company Registered in Scotland No. 350687 Registered Charity No. SC 040152
Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust Fisheries Office Logie Steading Dunphail Forres Moray IV36 2QN Phone: 01309 611220 Email: admin.fnlfisheries@btconnect.com Chairman: Maj Gen Seymour Monro Biologist: Robert Laughton Administrator: Beth Dunlop w w w. r i v er find h orn. org.uk/ findh o r n_ ma ster_tr ust. h t ml About the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust: Officially launched in 2009, the Trust s objectives are: To conserve and restore all species of native freshwater fish and improve their habitats, and To advance the education and understanding of the river environment and river catchment management. The Trust works in close co-operation with the District Salmon Fishery Boards, as well as the local Councils, SNH and SEPA. It produces 5-year Fishery Management Plans for each river. The Trust is funded by grants from the Scottish Government through RAFTS, by donations from anglers, and by other fundraising efforts. We welcome all contributions, see the form overleaf if you would like to donate. All funds are used to improve the health of the rivers and the fish. Research Restore Educate Posters The Trust has available for sale copies of Atlantic Salmon Trust posters useful for fishing huts, angler accommodation, schools, etc. Salmon Recognition: a Fisherman s Guide Sea Trout Recognition Threats to Salmon and Sea Trout Survival Atlantic Salmon Lifecycle For copies, contact the office on 01309 611220 or admin.fnlfisheries@btconnect. com. The Season So Far The fishing season started very quietly on all three rivers. Fish catches were generally lower than last year, possibly due to low water levels. With a rainy July, water levels increased and a lot more fish were being caught. The Boards and the Trust will keep conservation policies under review. On the Findhorn, one beat produced 75 fish in a week, probably a record. The bailiff, Albert Duffus, reports the usual level of fishing effort. On the Nairn, about a dozen fish were caught in Angling Association waters and a few more upstream, up until mid July. However as water levels rose in mid July, the fishing improved substantially. On the Lossie, a 6 1/2 lb fish was the earliest grilse ever caught on the river. In mid July, fish are now running in the river and have been seen coming in from the sea. Possibly due to the relative lack of fish early in the season, bailiffs are reporting little poaching, although there have been some difficulties on the Lossie and one incident on the Nairn. Fishing the Findhorn in March Photo courtesy of Ian Neale, speycaster.net