The purpose of this project was to engage with young people from Garelochhead and Helensburgh, showing them the breadth of the salmonid industry and some insights into fisheries management.
We provided them with an insight into the work of a fisheries trust, the opportunities of the angling world and the running of a well established fisheries farm and the job prospects available to them. We also aimed to stimulate an interest in aquatic conservation of Scotland’s native fish species and showcase how salmonid industries throughout Scotland work together to better our understanding of salmonid populations.
Our first session with the group included a variety of practical techniques for biology fieldwork. These were electrofishing demonstrations, fish processing and handling. We also demonstrated a kick-sampling technique to collect river invertebrates, and invertebrate identification.
The kids learnt how to ID fish species, their life stages, and the issues they are facing. The group were naturals at holding the fish correctly and safely, ensuring no harm was caused to them. We saw plenty of conservationists in the making! During our electrofishing we caught trout, eels, and even a flounder which is the first one we’ve caught this year!
During the kick-sampling and invertebrate survey the kids were taught how to identify different species, how they can tell us about water quality, and how they are important components of fish diets. Although we didn’t get much invertebrate diversity, the group found the abundance of freshwater shrimp and cased caddis really cool!
During the second and third session the children got to go to Carmen Fishery to try their luck with some fly-fishing. John Bell, a well known and successful fisherman, taught the children the correct technique which they practised and perfected. After learning the technique and getting comfortable with the rod, in the next session we got stuck in casting in the hopes of catching a fish. With the session coming to a close we thought we were out of luck … however, we persisted and caught a lovely rainbow trout! A great end to a fantasticfly-fishing experience.
During the fourth and final session, with this brilliant group of kids, we took a trip to a Bakkafrost fish farm in Loch Striven. Here the kids got to learn about the runnings of a fish farm and the employment opportunities these big businesses have for locals. Within the tour we got to see all aspects of the fish farm – from the biologists ensuring the fish are healthy, to workers ensuring the pens are clean, using a very high tech underwater net cleaning machine! The kids were also given a talk on the wider opportunities fish farms offer their staff including travel and the other industries
Overall, the Garelochhead project has been a great success and we hope the children now have a better understanding about fisheries management and the salmonid industry. Thank you so much to everyone who was involved including the staff at Centre 81, the parents, John Bell and everyone at the fish farm.
