AFT Activities - Islay, Jura and Kintyre

Isle of Jura

The Isle of Jura supports limited fisheries for salmon and sea trout. In line with the decline in salmonid species elsewhere these fisheries are now not as productive as they once were. AFT has undertaken a limited sampling programme on one river catchment. Little is currently known of the status of fish populations in most of the other rivers on the island.

Fish surveys

Electrofishing sampling of all the Lussa catchment was undertaken in 2006 to evaluate the distribution and relative abundance of juvenile salmon and trout present.

Our work on the Isle of Jura was supported by Ardlussa Estate.

Isle of Islay

Islay has historically supported fisheries for salmon and sea trout. In line with the decline in salmonid species elsewhere these fisheries are now not as productive as they once were. The AFT has undertaken a limited sampling programme on two river catchments on the Island. Little is currently known of the status of fish populations in most of the other rivers on the island.

Fish surveys

Electrofishing sampling of all the Laggan and Sorn catchments were undertaken in 2001 to evaluate the distribution and relative abundance of juvenile salmon and trout present. A further survey of the Duich River was undertaken in 2004 and 2006 to provide fish population information pre and post works of the road bridge replacement.

Management

This data has been used to inform individual riparian and fishery owners and the Laggan & Sorn Salmon Fishery Board.

Our work on the Isle of Islay was supported by Laggan & Sorn Salmon Fishery Board and Argyll & Bute Council.

Knapdale & Kintyre

The AFT has undertaken a juvenile fish and habitat survey of a number of river catchments on the Knapdale & Kintyre peninsular including the Stronchullin, Claonaig, Carradale, Saddel, Glenlussa, Conieglen, Breakerie, Machrihanish, Barr, Clachaig, Clachan, Learg an Uinnsinn and Ormsary catchments Prior to this project, very little was known about the status of freshwater fish populations on the Kintyre peninsula.

Fish surveys

Electrofishing surveys of 12 catchments were undertaken in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the distribution and relative abundance of juvenile salmon and trout and lamprey species.

Habitat surveys

Fish habitat of a large proportion of these catchments has also been surveyed using SFCC habitat survey protocols.

Management

Survey reports on specific catchments have been generated, which will inform individual riparian and fishery owners, angling clubs and the Kintyre River Improvement Association. The information will also inform management policy and help to facilitate the development of the Sound of Jura and Isle of Arran Area Management Groups.

Our work on the Knapdale & Kintyre peninsular is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, Lighthouse Caledonia (Pan Fish Scotland Ltd), Scottish & Southern Energy Plc and West Highland Educational Leader Kist (WHELK).