Update to Pink Salmon and Red Skin Disease

As we are in an odd-numbered year, Pink Salmon may once again make an appearance across Scottish rivers.

In addition, last year saw widespread outbreaks of Red Skin Disease (RSD) across Scotland with high fish mortality in some rivers during June. RSD typically appears as red spots or rash on the belly of the fish in its early stages, developing severe ulceration and fungal infection as it spreads, resulting in the death of the fish.

Please report any sighting of Pink Salmon or Red skin disease to the Board immediately.

Please see the below link for up to date guidance on both Pink Salmon and Red Skin Disease

AST Blue Book

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Fishery Management Scotland Grilse Briefing

Fishery Management Scotland Briefing on 2017 grilse run

Fishery Management Scotland has produced a briefing on the 2017 grilse run. (see link below)

We have seen a similar pattern in the Cromarty Firth region developing for a number of years. This has been most clearly seen at Loch na Croic where the whole run of the Upper Blackwater is trapped and examined. The larger late running grilse which used to produce the majority of eggs for the Conon hatchery operation has declined significantly and has to some extent been replaced by an increase in the number of multi-sea winter salmon.

170925 – FMS – briefing on grilse

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Pink salmon update

Pink salmon update

There have now been two pink salmon captures reported in the Cromarty Firth region, one from the Conon and one from the Alness.
Fishery Management Scotland have produced an update regarding pink salmon in Scotland 170814 – INNS – FMS Statement – Pink salmon 3
Please retain any pink salmon captured and report the capture to Fishery Board staff

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Pink salmon caught on the Conon

The first Pink salmon was reported from Lower Fairburn this week. A male fish coming into spawning condition was caught on Lower Fairburn.

Anglers are asked to retain any Pink salmon caught and report the capture to Board staff.

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catch and release guidance

Catch and release guidance

Catch and release is a very effective tool to protect wild fish stocks to be effective it has to be done carefully and the leaflet below gives some very useful guidance. Hard copies of the leaflet are also available and will be distributed to ghillies and angling clubs

170601 – Catch and Release leaflet 2017 (1)

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IFM Award

IFM Award

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For the last two years Edward Rush has been studying for the Institute of Fisheries Management Diploma. This has been a significant commitment on top of a very busy workload managing the bailiffing team. Not only has Edward passed the examinations but has been awarded the Phil Hickley Award for the best research project. Edward was given the award at the recent IFM conference by Sarah Chare Director of Fisheries the Environment Agency.

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New Hatchery

New Hatchery Progress

The construction of the new hatchery at Contin is going well, is due for completion ahead of schedule and well in time for this seasons broodstock collection.

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Construction of frame of new building

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Shell of building completed

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Interior ready for the installation of new troughs

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Orrin Fish Pass upgrade

Orrin Fish Pass Upgrade

After the works last year to restore the fish Pass at Orrin Falls, Fairburn House have carried out further works to improve the pass, with the replacement of a temporary step in the pass with a permanent cross wall.

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Within hours of its construction fish were observed clearing the step and moving upstream

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Strathrannoch restoration

Strathrannoch restoration project update

For a number of years the Cromarty Firth Fishery Board has been working with the Forestry Commission to restore riverbank habitats in the headwaters of the Blackwater, Alness and Peffery.

The photograph below shows the view upstream of Forestry Commission ground in Strathrannoch which shows how the banks of the river were before the start of restoration.
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The photograph below shows the downstream view on Forestry Commission ground where bankside vegetation is recovering and native trees have been planted and are growing well.
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Ken Howie

Ken Howie

We recently received the sad news that Ken Howie passed away last week. Ken was a Trustee of the Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust and a long term supporter of the work of the Board and Trust. His involvement in local angling and environmental education will be badly missed. In particular the Board staff will miss his enthusiasm, support and advice.

The funeral will be held on Friday the 5th of February at 12.30pm

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