Monitoring and Research
Much of the Trust staff time is taken up with monitoring out in the field using a variety of techniques.
Invasive weeds have been an important project focus in the last two years. Invasive weeds surveys will be completed on all six main rivers in Ayrshire on by the end summer 2009. Once all survey data has been collected the Trust will be well placed to develop strategic control strategies. The control of Giant Hogweed on the upper River Ayr has already begun and is showing significant effects.
One of our core activities is electrofishing to sample fish populations. Electrofishing is carried out between June and Oct when water temperatures and levels are most suitable. Timed electrofishing to establish salmon fry numbers in the main stem of the larger rivers are completed annually, providing an invaluable time series. We also carry out routine electrofishing for the Ayrshire salmon fishery boards as well as consultancy work for developments such as road upgrades, windfarms, coal mines etc.
Genetic sampling and scale samples are collected whilst out electrofishing. The genetic samples are sent to the freshwater fisheries laboratory in Pitlochry for analysis. Scale reading allows the age and growth rates of donor fish to be established.
The Trust is also involved with monitoring of a range of biodiversity including freshwater pearl mussels and water voles.
