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Projects
The Trust is undertaking a number of projects which support its Fishery Planning objectives.
Biosecurity:
Surveys of all four catchments for the presence of weeds are in progress with the Bervie being completed in 2008. The Lunan, South Esk and North Esk will be completed by October 2009.Crayfish surveys have been undertaken in 2009 and todate:The pond at Edzell remains free stongly suggesting asuccessful treatment in 2004.The ponds at Drumtochty still have crayfish present despitedespite previous tretaments. However, unlike in 2008,crayfish were not detected in the outflow from the Castlepond in 2009. This outflow flows into the Luther which is atributary of the North Esk.A single cracyfish was found in the course of routine electro-fishing on the Pow Burn in 2008. This catchment iscurrently being extensively sampled and to date no crayfish have been found.
Forestry Initiatives:
Forestry surrounding the Adielinn Burn in Glen Clova is currently being thinned and hopefully will improve theproductivity of this tributaryThe Kilbo Burn is subject to extensive forestry virtually preventing any light penetration. It is hoped thatnegotiations will shortly be completed permitting the felling of at least a buffer zone.A major project for the Trust is the improvement of the Pow Burn which use to be a major sea trout andsalmon production catchment. The catchment rises in Montreathmont Forest and many of the 8 tributaries arein a poor state due to excessive shade. Discussions have begun with the Forestry Commission to develop animprovement plan.
Fish Access:
Two significant dams require fish passes:Pow Burn: An old fish pass is no longer operational and requires renovation. Proposals are being developed byEnvirocentre for the Trust. Consideration will also be given to the migration of eels in the renovation of the pass.Restoration of the pass is considered a priority for the Trust.Lunan - Boysack Dyke: A Mill Dam allows passage of salmon and sea trout at high water. Improvements arebeing considered but will depend on future funding.
Sea Trout:
In common with most catchments there has been a major decling in sea trout catches particularly on the SouthEsk. In order to begin to understand sea trout populations in the four catchments, samples from trout have beencollected for future genetic analysis when sufficient funds are available.A major project is being planned for the resoration of the Pow Burn which in addition to the problems arising fromrestricted access and forestry, has also considerable degradation of the habitat due to silt. Both salmon and troutpopulations have declined and an intensive survey of its catchment is underway.
Rottal Burn:
This is an example of extreme canalistaion reducing the biodiversity of the in-river habitat. Options to removebankside restriction is planned perhaps on a small scale to evaluate effects.
Focusing Atlantic Salmon Management on Populations (FASMOP) Project:
This project is being coordinated by RAFTS and inn 2008 all four catchments were extensively sampled, 250 of which are currently being genetically typed. The results from this first group will determine the location of furthersamples for analysis.
