Catrine fish pass extension

by | Jul 30, 2014 | General

The fish pass was flowing tonight at just below the designed capacity of 0.5 cubic metres per second. The extension was completed and apart from a bit of rock armour required at the top side,  I think it looks sound and should hold up to the force of the spates that...

Large sea trout scale

by | Jul 30, 2014 | Electrofishing, Events

I took scale samples from the large trout we found dead at Enoch Farm Bridge on Monday. Trout of this size are a rarity in Ayrshire these days but even when more numerous, a sea trout of this size  would have been a trout to remember. The fish wasn’t weighed but...

Himalayan balsam discovered in the Ayr catchment

by | Jul 29, 2014 | Invasives

Whilst following  the Coyle upstream, we eventually arrived at the Kerse Burn where we discovered a relatively new infestation of Himalayan balsam, The plant densities  found indicate that this outbreak is relatively new, possibly in it’s second or third year....

Girvan and Stinchar updates

by | Jul 28, 2014 | Conservation, fishing, General

I arranged to meet the Fish Health Inspector at the Girvan today and then go on to the Stinchar. As he was coming from Aberdeen, we attempted to catch 5 dying fish for him to sample to determine whether or not these fish mortalities were as a result of natural stress...

Water temperatures dangerously high

by | Jul 26, 2014 | Conservation, fishing, General

We are facing a catastrophe on two Ayrshire rivers at the moment and there’s nothing we can do about it. The Stinchar and the Girvan are both affected by extremely high water temperatures of around 23ºC, and fish are dying in the lower reaches. The Kirkhill beat...

Catrine update

by | Jul 24, 2014 | Conservation, General

Although there hasn’t been much to report recently, that doesn’t mean things have ground to a halt. Yesterday the contractors poured a huge mortar slab which was setting up nicely today. The base to the fish pass extension was poured last week and today,...

Girvan pollution update

by | Jul 24, 2014 | Electrofishing, General

Following our visit yesterday where we discovered a slurry pollution situation at a farm in the Barlewan catchment, I am pleased to report that the landowners have taken our concerns on board and cleaned up the affected area. I am grateful to them for their prompt...