AFT Educational Projects

AFT is working to raise awareness of fisheries issues with a number of initiatives focused at different groups including:

Public Events:

AFT attends local events including the LAIA open day, the Dalmally show and the Argyllshire Gathering to raise awareness fish related issues and how we can improve freshwater habitats through poster displays and distribution of reports and leaflets.

Forestry Workshop:

AFT has recently helped to develop a workshop between the Forestry Commission and private contractors to raise awareness within the forestry sector of fisheries issues including harvesting and fish access issues. On-going consultation of forestry activities are also undertaken by AFT.

Renewable Energy Developments:

ATF and the Argyll District Salmon Fisheries Board are consulted regarding new developments and support and advise at regular meetings with both wind farm and hydro-electric developers to promote fish friendly practices in relation to fish access to habitats and water flows.

Local Authorities:

AFT is working with local authorities to improve fish access to habitats that have been affected by poorly designed bridge aprons and culverts. AFT are consulted on new developments, helping to ensure best practice guidelines are implemented.

Rivers in the Classroom (2006-07):

This project raises awareness of primary school children to the ecology and factors that affect fish and fish habitat in our rivers. Children at six schools per year (2005-7) are introduced to aquatic environment through classroom based presentations by AFT biologists. The children are taught about various subjects including the importance of conserving fish populations and their habitats. They are shown how to operate fish egg incubation units which are looked after until the eggs hatch into alevins and develop into fry in the early spring. The classes are then taken on a field trip to a river in their area where fry are planted into the rivers. The habitat requirements of fish and invertebrates are also highlighted during these visits. Later in the programme the children are shown the processes of juvenile fish survey techniques such as electrofishing. This allows the children to see the different developmental stages of fish first hand. This project is supported by SNH, LAIA and LBAP. Click here for more information about Salmon in the Classroom »