Annan Fishery Management Plan - RAFTS

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014ForewordThe River Annan District Salmon Fisheries Board (RADSFB) is set up to managethe salmon and sea trout fisheries of the Annan District under the terms of theSalmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003. Whilst thelegislative remit is confined to salmon and sea trout since 1997, by agreementwith the proprietors, the Board has taken a wider remit and undertakes actions toregulate, promote, protect and enhance all the fisheries within its districtirrespective of species. In addition, the Board is now active in pursuing means ofconserving native non-fish species and the control of invasive non-natives.This Fisheries Management plan outlines some of the achievements over the lastfew years and seeks to build upon this in a sustainable and logical manner tofurther enhance the fishery. These actions and new ones to be implemented willbe assessed in terms of priority and a management strategy for the period 2009-2014 put forward. While this strategy will attempt to maximise the potential of thecatchment‟s fisheries in terms of economic value, actions must be based onsound scientific knowledge and the ecological consequences of these actionstaken into consideration. For this approach to be successful we will require thecontinued support of a number of outside agencies and organisations. Themanagement plan will cover the following six broad topics:RegulationBio-securityMonitoring and ResearchFisheries EnhancementEducationPromotionGeneric and specific management actions will be described under each headingwith a time frame for completion. Clearly resources will also be required tocomplete many of the actions described in this document. Much of the workdescribed in this document will be of a proactive nature but circumstances maychange in a manner that requires instant reaction. This plan will seek to describehow these circumstances can be managed. For example, what would the Boarddo in the event of a pollution incident indicated by ongoing monitoring schedules.2

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014ContentsChairman’s introduction 51 The Annan Catchment Area 62 Annan Catchment Characteristics2.1 Physical Characteristics2.1.1 Annan Topography 72.1.2 Annan Geology 72.2 Catchment Land Use 92.3 Climate Characteristics2.3.1 Weather & Rainfall 92.3.2 Flow & Abstraction 102.4 Fish Species Present 102.4.1 Native Species 112.4.2 Non-native species 153 Main Factors Limiting Fisheries Performance 194 Historical Management 245 Management Strategies5.1 Regulation 285.1.1 River Engineering 285.1.2 Point-source & Diffusion Pollution 295.1.3 Obstructions 305.1.4 Illegal Fishing 315.2 Bio-security 335.2.1 Protect Against Pathogens and Parasites 345.2.2 Protect Against Alien Invertebrates 355.2.3 Protect Against Alien Fish Species 365.2.4 Protect Against Alien Mammals 375.2.5 Protect Against Alien Flora 385.3 Research & Monitoring5.3.1 Juvenile Salmonid Production 415.3.2 River Habitat Assessment 455.3.3 Adult Salmonid Stocks 465.3.4 Water Quality 475.3.5 Salmonid Population Structuring 495.3.6 Assessment of Non-salmonid Stocks. 535.3.6 Other Research Involvement 555.4 Fisheries Enhancement5.4.1 Habitat Enhancement 565.4.2 Hatchery Activities 585.4.3 Encouragement of Catch and Release 615.5 Education and Training 635.5.1 Ensure that school children are aware of fisheries issues 645.5.2 Educate Anglers and Proprietors 665.5.3. Staff Training 673

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.6 Promotion 69References 71Appendices 724

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Chairman‟s IntroductionI welcome this document for it is important not only to the history ofsalmon management of the River Annan but especially for the next five years.This document sets out the management proposals for all types of fisheries onthe Annan.Whatever work is done within or adjacent to the River Annan, benefit willcome to the habitat for all species in the river.This five year program is set out as a management tool identifying workneeded; it also forms the basis of a bible for the River for the next five years.I look forward to the next period with great interest. Wishing you all goodfishing!Earl of Annandale and Hartfell(Chairman Annan DSFB)5

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20141 The Annan Catchment AreaThe RADSFB management area covers all the water that runs into the Solwaybetween the West bank of the Sark (but not including the Sark or any of itstributaries) near Gretna and the West bank of the Lochar Water (including theLochar and all of its tributaries). The principal rivers entering the Solway in thisarea are (from east to west) the Kirtle Water, The River Annan, the Pow Waterand the Lochar Water. The River Annan dominates the area and is a watercoursewith a catchment area of 950km². Its main tributaries are the Mein (39km 2 ),Water of Milk (127km 2 ), the Dryfe Water (119km 2 ), The Wamphray (26km 2 ), TheMoffat Water (75Km 2 ), The Evan Water (82km 2 ) and the Kinnel (230km 2 ) whichhas the Water of Ae (146km 2 ) as a significant tributary. The Lochar, Kirtle andPow are 126km², 87km² and 24km² respectively (see Figure 1.1).Figure 1.1The RADSFB catchment area including the Lochar and Kirtle catchments6

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20142 Annan Catchment Characteristics2.1 Physical Characteristics2.1.1 Annan TopographyRepeated glaciations throughout the last 2 million years have resulted in gentlyrounded plateaux and convex summits dissected by incised valleys and ravinesin the upland part of the catchment. The middle section is generally flat or gentlyundulating and consists of flood plains through which the catchment watersmeander (SNH). The lower reaches increase in gradient again to the sea (Fig 2.1a).2.1.2 Annan GeologyThe oldest rocks which dominate the geology of the area derive from ancientmuds, silts and sands laid down over 420 million years ago. Around 400 millionyears ago, the two land masses either side of the long disappeared LapetusOcean met in a continental collision known as the Caledonian Orogeny (ScottishGeology website) to form the mountain chain that formed the foundation of thesouthern uplands. Fossils crucial to interpreting the boundary between theOrdovician and Silurian periods have been found at Dobbs Linn in the Moffat Hills(SNH).The lower ground is mostly covered by drift deposits, comprising till, sand andgravel, from the last ice sheet. Gorse covered knolls are evident where olderrocks are exposed through the more recent glacial deposits (SNH).The buffering capacity of such as magnesium and carboniferous limestonesmean that the Annan catchment is largely protected from the ravages ofacidification with any problems being mainly localised events.7

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 2.1a) Annan catchment topography & b) Annan catchment bed geology8

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20142.2 Catchment Land UseThe Annan catchment is dominated by agricultural land use. SEERAD (2000)estimated that 70% of the area is managed for this purpose. A wide range ofspecies are supported in a variety of habitats ranging from heathland, parkland,scrub and many types of grassland. Of this 70%, the majority of activity centresaround grass for livestock grazing with approximately 31% of the agricultural landclassified as such. Other uses include semi-improved agricultural land such aswood pasture and scrub (5%) and arable land 7.5 % (SEPA, 2002).Of the remaining land (around 30%), coniferous woodland such as Sitka spruceaccounts for 27% with approximately 2% being broad leafed species such asoak, alder and ash. Urban areas account for less than 1% of the catchment areawith the majority of this centred round the towns of Annan, Locharbriggs,Lockerbie and Moffat (SEPA, 2002).2.3 Climate Characteristics2.3.1 Weather and RainfallThe climate in the Annan catchment (and the southwest in general) is generally awarm maritime climate. The driest months of the year tend to be March and April.The Northern and upland areas of the catchment are, unsurprisingly, wetter thanthe lower ones but not significantly. Moffat appears to have the heaviest rain fallwithin the catchment. Heavy episodes of rain can and do appear in almost allmonths. The warmest parts of the year are July and August and many of the highrain fall figures experienced in these months may well be due to summer thunderstorms.2.3.2 Flow and AbstractionIn general April, May, June and July are the periods of lowest flow with anincrease in average flows from August onwards. The highest flows of the yearare in the autumn and winter, which corresponds with the highest runs of salmonin the river. Abstraction is, in general, not a major issue with only three fish farms(a fourth at Moffat uses spring water and only discharges into the river without anabstraction) and a small abstraction for a pharmaceutical company in Annan.One fish farm, Carse of Ae, does occasionally abstract enough water to dry alength of river channel of approximately 2km but the situation has improved inrecent years. Historically a relatively large abstraction of water was abstracted forcooling at Chapelcross Power Station but this facility is now beingdecommissioned and does not pose a threat and is unlikely to in the future.9

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20142.4 Fish Species PresentThe Annan has a very diverse fish population with many of the fish speciespresent being at or near to their northern limits. Much of the diversity is due tointroductions, although many of these introductions happened so long ago thatthe species present have naturalised into the native community.Table 2.1NativeAtlantic SalmonBrown/Sea TroutEelPerchPikeMinnowStone Loach3 Spined Stickleback9 or 10 Spined SticklebackVendaceSea LampreyRiver LampreyBrook Lamprey* Possibly native see text.Non -NativeGraylingChub*BreamTenchRoachRuddCarpBullhead*GudgeonIde (and Orfe)Rainbow TroutBrook TroutGrass CarpSilver CarpCrucian CarpGoldfishBarbel10

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20142.4.1 Native SpeciesAtlantic Salmon Salmo salarSalmon are generally abundant on the Annansystem although there are a few areas of concern,mainly in the south eastern tributaries, particularlythe Mein where only the lower parts of this tributarycontribute to salmon production. Many of the otherareas of the of the River Annan that show nopresence of salmon are above natural barriers or insmall streams that are unsuitable for them. Ingeneral the most productive areas of the river arethe Northern and Western tributaries. High numbers of fry are found in the Waterof Milk system but this does not translate into highnumbers of parr. This is probably due to a lack ofgood parr habitat but also from smolt scale readingwork carried out in 1997 it would seem that there isa high (30%) number of s1s being producedtherefore 1+ parr would not be available during thesummer electrofishing season. The upper (andtherefore colder) parts of this system do producemore s2s and therefore show correspondinglyhigher parr numbers in electrofishing surveys. Theelectrofishing also does not take into considerationthe main stem of the river and the lower parts of the major tributaries which aretoo wide and deep to be effectively electrofished.Two minor systems (the Lochar and the Kirtle) under the control of the RADSFBhave very poor distribution of salmon. These systems have suffered greatly frompollution in the past and are deemed to be in recovery. On the Pow Watersalmon are entirely absent but this is not surprising as the water is heavilymodified and provides very unsuitable habitat for salmon.Brown/Sea Trout Salmo truttaTrout are widely distributedthroughout the Annan systemwith absence found in veryfew areas. Almost all theareas that they are absentfrom are due to obstructions and in very minor tributaries.Above many obstructions that salmon are found to beabsent from there is good populations of trout, some ofthese populations could be migratory (either river troutmoving up or sea trout) that are able to access water thatsalmon cannot and others could be isolated breeding11

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014populations that are separated from the main river system.In the Kirtle and the Lochar, trout populations in the upper parts of these systemsare very good in general but the lower (and most polluted parts) of these rivershave very low populations. The Pow Water has a very small population but aswith salmon the heavily modified nature of this water course means that this isnot surprising.Common Eel Anguilla anguillaEels are widespread but scarce throughout allthe RADSFB‟s area of management (probablymore widespread than the map indicates) butare more common closer to the estuary. Mostof eel captures further up the river are made upof old and relatively large eels (>30cm). As theelectrofishing surveys do not target eels directly, proper distribution is notpossible to assess. On some of the stillwaters around Lochmaben anglers reportcapturing high numbers of eels whilst targeting other species but they areprobably present in most of the stillwaters in the area.Perch Perca fluviatilisPerch are locally common on the slower parts of theriver and in most of the stillwaters in the catchment.They are probably present in more stillwaters thanare recorded at present but there are no recordscurrently to confirm or refute this.Pike Esox luciusPike are widespread in the slow flowing area of themiddle river and in the stillwaters around Lochmabenand Kinmount. They appear infrequently in anglercatches on the faster, lower part of the river. It isthought that these are fish which have becomestranded from their „parent‟ population as this part of the river is unsuitable forthem.12

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Vendace Coregonus albulaVendace were once common in the lochs aroundLochmaben (Castle Loch and Mill Loch) but becameextinct some time in the late seventies through to thelate 80s due to eutrophication and the introductionsof coarse fish. They have since been successfully introduced to the catchment inLoch Skeen where a breeding population appears to have established itself. Thisis the only known breeding population in Scotland.Minnow Phoxinus phoxinusThe minnow is widespread throughout the riverand may have been introduced in the whole of theriver or it may be native. They have certainly beenintroduced into parts of the system (Loch Skeenfor example). The numbers tend to be higher in the lowland tributaries but theyare also found in upland environments where there are no obstructions (unlessmoved above those obstructions by man).Stone Loach Barbatulas barbatulusAs with the minnow, stone loach have been foundthroughout the river system, often in very highdensities in the lower and more enriched areas. Thedensities reduce in the upper parts of the river but they are still occasionallypresent. As with minnows they are not naturally found above obstructions butunlike minnows do not appear to have been introduced into any of these areas.Three-Spined Stickleback Gasterostreus aculeatusThese fish are found throughout the river system andalthough they are more common in the lowland areasthey are also present in most of the upland burns,albeit as infrequent samples in electrofishing surveys.Ten- Spined Stickleback Pungitius pungitiusAlthough these have never been found by the AnnanDSFB there are confirmed reports of their presence in thePow water from surveys carried out by other competentbodies (AERC). Whether the population still exists is not known.13

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinusSea lampreys are regularly seen spawning in highnumbers on the lower River Annan below Milnbie Caul.They have never been recorded above this barrier and itis assumed that this limits their presence in the river. Inthe Lamprey surveys carried out in 2002 and 2007 no sea lamprey ammocoeteswhere found. On the Kirtle and the Lochar where there are no barriers tomigration no sea lampreys have ever been recorded by the DSFBRiver Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilisIt is assumed that river lampreys cannot gain access to theRiver Annan for the same reasons that sea lampreysstruggle. On the Kirtle however there have been a couple ofrecorded adult lamprey sightings in the river upstream ofthe A75 and there is no reason why they could not migrate further upstream asthere are no further barriers.Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeriBrook lampreys are abundant throughout the whole of theRiver Annan catchment and all its tributaries wheresuitable habitat is available for the ammocoetes.Populations tend to be higher in the lowland parts of the river but occasionalsightings are confirmed in some of the upland areas.14

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20142.2.4 Non-native SpeciesGrayling Thymallus thymallusGrayling are thought to have been introduced tothe River Annan in the late 19 th century at asimilar time to the introductions of fish into theNith, Clyde and Tweed systems. They areabundant on the river throughout their range butnow appear to be absent North of a railwayviaduct at Cogries, north of Johnstonebridge. There is good anecdotal evidencethat they were present above here both in the main river and the Moffat Water asrecently as the early 1980s.There is also some anecdotal evidence of a population in the Kirtle but the AnnanDSFB cannot confirm this.Chub Leuciscus cephalusThe population of chub is long standingand there is no clear idea as to when theyappeared, they have certainly beenpresent in angler catches since the early20 th century and have been present longbefore then, the local word skelly whichrefers to chub has been in use in local records since the 16 th century. They arepresent within all the rivers that enter the inner Solway (Eden, Esk, Kirtle andAnnan) so the introduction may have been to any one of these rivers followed bya colonisation through the Solway (which has extremely low salinity at certaintimes). Interestingly the Environment Agency regards the chub as fully native andif so there could be a case for regarding the Annan population as native asopposed to non-native. In the River Annan they are widespread and relativelycommon but largely confined to the lower and middle sections and some of thestillwaters that are connected to the river. Very occasional fish are reported byanglers fishing the upper parts of the river but here they would be regarded asvery rare.In the Kirtle there is a population in the lower river which is thought to be longstanding and also a population in the Winterhope Reservoir at the head of thiscatchment. The population in the Winterhope Reservoir was almost certainlyintroduced relatively recently. All populations in the rivers have self sustainingpopulations although it would appear that in some years spawning isunsuccessful. The relatively long life span of this fish means that gaps inspawning performance can be compensated for in good years.15

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Bream Abramis bramaThe river and stillwaters around Lochmaben havelongstanding populations of bream along with anumber of commercial stillwater fisheries dottedaround the catchment. It is possible that thepopulations in the Lochmaben (particularly CastleLoch) area have been present for many years with some scant evidence of theirpresence as a stew fish for providing food in the 15 th century. Whilst the breamseem to successfully spawn in the stillwaters it may be that the populations in theriver have come out of these stillwaters and do not successfully breed. Bream fryhave never been discovered in the river except for a small burn called theCalflake Burn which is the discharge burn for the Hightae Mill Loch and theCastle Loch. There is also a small population that appears infrequently on thetidal river around Annan but again this population does not appear to be breedingand could be made up from fish that have been washed down river and aretrapped by the sea and faster flowing water upstream.Tench Tinca tincaAs with the bream, tench may have been presentin some of the stillwaters around Lochmaben formany years as they would have been a popularstew fish but there does not seem to be anyevidence of this. There is however knownstockings of these fish into the Castle Loch in the late 70s. They do appear tobreed although how successfully is unknown. Fry and adults have been caughtvery rarely in the river.Roach Rutilus rutilusRoach are found in most of the stillwaters in thelower Annan catchment with a few in the north.They are probably more abundant than is thoughtbut as they live in areas that are not easy tosample and angling effort is very low the exact distribution is not clear. They arefound in the slower parts of the middle river and are almost certainly breeding butvery few are caught.Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmusRudd have been found or reported to be in all theplaces that we find roach. It is therefore not knownhow pure these populations are as roach and rudddo freely hybridise and seem to produce viablefertile offspring. They have been caught in the lower river but only rarely.16

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Common Carp Cyprinus carpioCarp were a popular stew pond fish (probably themost popular) but there is no evidence that theCarp population on still waters in the Annancatchment is very old. The earliest confirmedrecord of a stocking was into Castle Loch in the late 70s. Since then thepopularity of Carp as a coarse fish quarry species has lead to populationsspringing up throughout the catchment in still waters. Although they appear tobreed in many of these stillwaters every year, there seems to be little evidence ofthe fry surviving their first winter. Rarely these fish are caught in the river asadults that have almost certainly escaped from one of the Lochs.Bullhead Cottus gobioA small and scarce population of these fish appearsin the Ecclefechan Burn and in the Mein. Thispopulation seems to be extremely rare and onlyabout ten specimens have been turned over by theAnnan DSFB in the last ten years. Although notthought to be native to the Annan they are a named species on the Eden SACand regarded as native. The Eden will have been linked to the Annan severalthousand years ago.Gudgeon Gobio gobioThis diminutive bottom dwelling species isnot extensively widespread in Scotlandbut has established populations in anumber of specific locations including theRiver Clyde. On the Annan the gudgeon can be found on the mid to lower stretchof the main stem river and lower parts of the Kinnel and Ae. In the 19 th centurythe gudgeon was a popular live bait for pike and it is thought likely that this ishow it was introduced to the Annan. In the 17 th century gudgeon pie was apopular delicacy amongst peasant classes so they could also have beenreleased for these reasons. The gudgeon has a naturally limited home range andis active during the summer months.17

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20143 Main Factors Limiting Fisheries PerformanceThe principle factors that limit production within the Annan catchment aregenerally related to land use. On a broad scale, livestock, agriculture and itsassociated impacts stands out as the most widespread. There are however alsoother issues that may only be apparent at a localised level but may be highlysignificant at that level. Other factors such as sea survival and climate changemay be particularly significant across the whole of the catchment. Obviously at alocal level whilst we can inform the knowledge base, at a local, national andinternational level it is difficult to take remedial action.Table 3.1Factors limiting fish production in the Annan Catchment*1: major factor across large parts of the catchment, 2: locally significant, 3:significant but unlikely to be effectively controlled by local managementFactor sig* Evidence1Over-grazing1 Habitat surveys (backed up with electrofishing) that have beencarried out across most of the main Annan, its tributaries and theKirtle Water (still to do Lochar water, Pow water and minor SolwayTributaries). Chronic over-grazing has been identified in all of thesecatchments both from cattle and sheep. This problem is particularlyacute on the parts of the Milk, Dryfe, Mein, Kirtle and many of thesmaller burns that enter directly into the river, particularly in the2Diffuse Pollutionlowland areas.1 Both diffuse and point source pollution is an identified problem inmany parts of the catchment. Areas of particular concern includethe entire Kirtle catchment, the entire Lochar catchment, the entirePow catchment, the Mein Water and the minor tributaries that enterthe eastern part of the catchment from Johnstonebridge south.Most of the diffuse pollution can be attributed to agricultural landuse, probably the frequent application of slurry and other wasteproducts. On parts of the Lochar diffuse pollution is probably alsofrom land fill.3Point SourcePollutionThese issues have been identified through electrofishing andinvertebrate surveys (invertebrate surveys still in there infancy butthe data set is expanding and will cover all electrofishing sitessoon).1 & 2 Invertebrate surveys have identified areas in certain parts of thecatchment that appear to be suffering from chronic point sourcepollution (particularly the Annan Water, the Mein Water, the KirtleWater and Lochar). The nature of these pollutions is not yet fullyunderstood but is highly significant where it is found and seems to19

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20144River Engineering5Obstructionsalways be related to agricultural premises (although not necessarilyagricultural practices) and septic tank/sewage discharges. Verysignificant problems with point-source pollution occur in the Kirtlearound Kirkpatrick Fleming due to inadequate sewage treatment (aSEPA report stimulated by the Board in 2002 demonstratedincreases in the number of coli forms present in the waterdownstream from this sewage works was several orders ofmagnitude higher than the background level).1 Many of the smaller burns (2m wide) which are treated with greatersensitivity.1 &2 One obstruction above all others on the catchment remains aserious problem that limits the production of trout and salmon, theweir under the west Coast Mainline on the Whamphray Water. Thisstructure effectively bars production on the whole of this catchment(26km 2 ). There are other structures under the west coast mainlinenotably on the Dinwoodie Burn (Weir), the Dead Burn (Aquaduct),the Dalmakether Burn (culvert) and the Evan Water (Aquaduct), butthey are far smaller in nature. Above all of these obstructionselectrofishing has shown that there is zero salmon production andthe low trout densities that are found seem to indicate that there islittle if any migratory trout influence in the spawning population.There are other obstructions related to the road, (local authority,national network and forestry tracks) but they are mostly minor innature. The most common problems are perched culverts on minortributaries and Irish bridges in forestry areas. All of these burnscould potentially be very important in securing a recovery in the seatrout population.A weir on the Duff Kinnel that has been inaccessible since the1830s had a fish pass installed in 2005. Although initialelectrofishing results indicate that this has been successful onlytime will tell whether or not this is permanently so.20

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20146Industrial /construction sitepollution7Forestry Activities8Poaching9PredationAnother significant temporary barrier is the Milnbie Caul which is atthe head of the tide on the Annan. This structure has a reasonablyeffective fish pass on it but whilst most of the time migratorysalmonids can gain access it almost certainly acts as atemperature barrier for the upstream movement of Spring salmonin the early months of the year. It also acts as a total barrier for theupstream movement of lampreys and many of the freshwaterspecies that are present on this beat below the weir. It is also abarrier for the upstream movement of Eels that although passableresults in very heavy predatory losses.2 The construction of roads, gas pipelines and other industries hasfrom time to time impacted heavily on certain parts of the river. Theprinciple pollution that has been produced by these operations hasbeen suspended solids (although such as oil and other chemicalsmay have been present on a less frequent basis). More currentrisks will come from the construction of wind farms and theirassociated structures such as sub-stations.2 In the older plantations, primarily the privately owned ones,problems exist with tunnelling and the associated problems ofreduced productivity and siltation. In heavily planted areas theremay be increased drying out of minor watercourses in the summermonths (probably important to sea trout) but little work has yetbeen done to determine whether this is the case or not. Due to theunderlying geology, coniferous forestry does not seem toexacerbate acid problems but this may be the case in verylocalised areas.1 Poaching will probably always be present in a fishery, however atthe moment there is no data that can support a conclusion that it iscausing severe damage. In the past when poaching on a seriousscale was more prevalent it is likely that the impact was moresevere. The greatest problem is likely to be in the Solway (mostly,but not exclusively, outwith our district) where „legal‟ netting forMullet and Sea Bass catches has a by catch of salmon and seatrout.1 A background level of predation of fish will always be a factor thataffects fisheries however whether or not this is significant willlargely be down to the time of year and abundance of stocksavailable to the predator. At the moment the two biggest concernsare: cormorants in the Autumn which are targeting herling in areaswhere they have accumulated in low water conditions; andgoosanders and cormorants in the late winter and spring monthswhen smolts of either trout or salmon are moving on the river. Minkalso represent a predatory issue, particularly in small burns duringspawning periods; the level of this activity is difficult to determine.21

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 201410FisheriesExploitation11Alien invasivespecies12Climate change13Sea Survival1 There is little data to support a conclusion that exploitation iscausing severe problems in the majority of the fishery however withsome stock and species the issue may be significant. Springsalmon for example are in such low numbers that any exploitationis likely to be detrimental. Sea trout numbers also are low and areduction in exploitation may be of help. In the Solway there existsa mixed stock fishery that has reduced in recent years, howeverlittle is known about the origin of the fish caught in this fishery. As amixed stock fishery it is likely that further scrutiny will be placed onthe fishery in the future.1 The Annan already has a huge amount of introduced fish speciesand in many cases the effects are either passive or even ifproblematical very difficult to resolve. Note these are not just fishspecies but may be anything that impacts the river and is not nativeto the Annandale area (they may in some cases be UK native).Botanical invasives are more problematical with Japaneseknotweed and Himalayan balsam being of particular concern.There is not thought to be any invertebrate species of concern butthere have been unconfirmed reports of signal crayfish. Withmammals, the North American mink poses a problem.3 Whilst overall changes in the climate will not be changed by actionsfrom the Annan DSFB it is likely to have a severe impact and mayalready be doing so. Temperatures in smaller burns (important forsea trout) may already be causing problems but as yet there isinsufficient data to support this on a local basis.3 For the migratory species in the Annan District, changes in seasurvival over the last few years will have had a dramatic effect onproductivity. Other than at a very local basis with net fisheries andpoaching, little can be done at a local management level.Whilst all of these factors are in a rough order of significance items 1 – 5 areprobably equally the most important and in many ways are related. 5 – 7 are alsovery important but will probably only have localised impacts in most cases. 8, 9and 10 are related with 8 and 9 being the most important only because we haveno idea about the level of exploitation that is created by illegal fishing and thetrue level of predation of ours stocks. 11 is very difficult to assess as we have nodata from before any of the introduced species came to the river. It is potentiallya bigger problem if other new species such as signal crayfish were to appear.The biggest threat in this section would be the introduction of G. salaris whichwould have a devastating effect. 12 and 13 may well be the most important of allbut extremely difficult to assess with the tools currently available to the AnnanDSFB.22

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Table 3.2Description of whether factors produce chronic, episodic, historical or emerging impactsFactor1. Over-grazing Chronic and historical but probably increased gradually as aconcern over the last 40 or so years as live stock numbers haveincreased.2. Diffuse Pollution Chronic and historical and will have been impacted greatly bychanges in agricultural, particularly the use of slatted barn systemsfor store and dairy cattle which produces large volumes of slurry.3. Point Source Pollution Chronic and episodic depending upon the source4. River Engineering Chronic, historical and episodic depending upon the type.5. Obstructions Chronic6. Industrial / construction Episodic and emerging (e.g. wind farm construction)site pollution7. Forestry Activities Chronic8. Poaching Chronic and emerging (e.g. increasing exploitation of sea bass andmullet with their associated by-catch of salmon and sea trout)9.PredationChronic10. Fisheries Exploitation Chronic11. Alien/ invasive species Chronic and emergingClimate changeEmergingSea SurvivalChronic and Episodic, sea survival seems to fluctuate and not beuniform over salmon and sea trout.23

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20144 Historical Management on the River AnnanThe earliest records of fisheries management activities on the Annan stretchback to the late nineteenth century when the principal activity was theprosecution of the net fishery in the inner Solway. The Annan net fisherystretched from the Lochar water all the way to Gretna (see map of 1884 below).The stake nets alone numbered 30 ranges with 84 pockets. In addition to thisthere were thrivingHaaf, Poke andWhammel fisheriesactively pursuingsalmon throughoutthe whole of the InnerSolway. There is littlein the way of recordsthat can tell us howproductive this fisherywas, but trains had beput on at Carlisle totake the fish away tomarket, whichindicates that thefishery was veryprolific.The main management activities that were undertaken then were the prosecutionof poachers and thieves that would try and steal fish from the nets. Towards thebeginning of the twentieth century the rod fishery started to become moreimportant although many early records indicate that is was not very good andthat poaching was widespread and endemic. The main thrust of activity howeverremained the operation of the net fishery, with nearly 100,000 fish being taken insome years up to the 1920s. Another activity throughout this time was thediscussions about the viability of the Annan as a single Board with severalattempts to form a Solway Board comprising of the Annan, Esk and the Eden.This was part of the 1923 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act where thepowers to form a Solway Board were granted. The provisions were never takenand the power was repealed in 1948. The Hunter report made a similarobservation in 1965 but again the idea was rejected.Conservation measures did take place from time to time; in 1959 the season wascurtailed to finish at the end of October due to a concern in the lack of laterunning fish. This was changed back in 1969 when it was felt that there was noadvantage to keeping the shortened season any longer. In addition variousreports were commissioned to look at obstacles in the river with a view of eithergetting the removed or fish passes fitted. In particular the Water of Milk was aconcern along with Milnbie Caul. In general the main thrust of management24

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014activity was the reduction of poaching which appears to have been a far moreserious problem than it is now. The most shocking element appears to be thefrequency of poisoning events with Cymag (no longer produced) being the mostpopular chemical. The profits from poaching could be considerable with, forexample, one confiscated fish being sold for £35 at a time when the Head Bailiffs‟weekly wage was only £19.In the late eighties and early nineties the Board became very active as a result ofactivities and proposed activities on the river. The first of these was the proposedimpoundment of parts of the river to form a reservoir for the expansion ofChapplecross Power Station. The Board, probably for the first time, elected tomove to the appointment of a scientific consultant, Dr David Solomon, to help todefend the interests of the river. This resulted, in amongst other things, the firstcatchment wide electrofishing surveys and also a small radio trackingprogramme to determine the areas that were most important for salmonspawning. The Board also asked for the opinion of Dr Solomon about the meritsof restocking the river. The opinion of Dr Solomon was that it was not required.Despite this in the early 90s some 250,000 fry were stocked by the BaronyCollege in parts of the Kinnel and Ae. This stocking activity was short lived.Another major civil project that caused majorproblems and stimulated the Board into furtheraction was the construction of the M74 from Gretnato Johnstonebridge. This project was very poorlymanaged and created significant problems in theAnnan and Kirtle with large volumes of heavilysedimented water discharging down the river atregular intervals. A number of successfulprosecutions were brought against the contractorswith the example on the left resulting in a £10,000fine. Unfortunately this did little good for the river asthe money just went to the exchequer! As a resultthe Board started to form the opinion that a morestrategic way forward was needed with someone onthe ground available who was able to deal withthese issues and try and stop them happening inthe first place.In 1993 the Annan Board became affiliated to what was then called the WestGalloway Fisheries Trust (now the Galloway Fisheries Trust). One of the firstmajor effects of this was the production of a habitat survey of the whole of theriver which identified where problems were. This would lead to the formation ofthe Annan‟s first management plan in 1995. What was clearly identified in theplan was that there was a need for a member of staff to take forward therecommendations and also the need to develop a funding package to implementthem. Galloway Fisheries Trust and one Board member in particular, David25

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Rothwell, worked hard on this plan and a package of funding from the RoadsDirective (partly compensation for problems caused in the first phase of the M74upgrade), Scottish Natural Heritage, European Development Fund (5b) andBNFL. This secured the funds for a five year programme of habitat improvementand secured a member of staff to deal with issues such as the new upgrade ofthe M74 from Johnstonebridge to Beattock Summit.In 1997 the appointment of the Environmental Manager was made. The primaryrole of this job was to implement an ambitious habitat improvement programme,to liaise with the Road Construction Company (M6JV), provide an educationalprogramme and to put in place scientific monitoring procedures.In 1997 annual electrofishing surveys started which have continued more or lessinterrupted since then. This work, whilst of little value in the first two or threeyears, becomes increasingly valuable as time passes on.The motorway constructionalso began and closeliaison was almostimmediate with the Boardhaving an influence in suchthings as culvert designand water quality controls.In general, although therewas some teethingproblems at the beginning,this resulted in themotorwaybeingconstructed in asenvironmentally friendlyway as possible, indeed in many respects it became a model for environmentallysensitive road construction that is still used to this day. As a result of thegoodwill generated a number of impassable culverts were upgraded with fishpasses (example on the Cogries burn in the picture above) and significanterosion control works were undertaken on parts of the Moffat water.The habitat improvement programmedelivered something in the order of45,000m of river bank fencing andmany bank improvements in areas ofunnatural instability with the use oftechniques such as log and Christmastree and rock revetments. The mainareas that work was carried out were inthe Kinnel Water, Moffat Water and theAnnan water. Some of this work had26

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014startling results as indicated in the chart below which shows the results of fencingon parts of the Upper Kinnel. The work was carried out in 1999 so 1997 and1999 can be regarded as pre works controls with 2000 and 2002 as post worksresults.The apparent success of thehabitat improvements modelfor effecting sustainablefisheries management led tothe development of the HLFand SNH funded Annan andKirtle habitat improvementscheme. This scheme is inoperation already and still has18months to run and willresult in a further 40,000m ofbankside fencing beingerected.It should be noted that whilst the Board has been successful in effecting changein the way that many parcels of land have been managed that this work couldonly have been done with the support of the landowners and land managers inthe Annandale area. This level of support is essential and as we look forward itmust be maintained.A new development in the work that the Board carries out is in the marketing ofthe river. The Annan is an extremely accessible river with the majority of thefisheries offering day tickets at prices that are affordable to all pockets. Throughthe development of the FishAnnan website anglers can now easily access all ofthese beats. It should be noted that this access is not just for salmon fishing asthe same facilities can also be used to purchase permits for coarse, trout andgrayling fisheries. An added advantage of the access that is created for anglersis that there is a myriad of trials and tracks that any members of the public canuse for recreational walking.27

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145 Management Strategies5.1 Regulation5.1.1 Reduce and Try and Eliminate Harmful River Engineering WherePossible.The preponderance of river engineering schemes in the Annan District is aproblem that has been difficult to control and regulate until recently. By workingclosely with SEPA under the new Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) thenumber of new harmful river engineering works should reduce dramatically.Areas that have already been damaged will be and are being tackled through theSolway Area Advisory Group and River Basin Management Plan.In addition to these regulatory powers the Board can also use provisions insection 23 part 2 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation)(Scotland) Act 2003 which states that: (2) Any person who knowingly-(a) injures or disturbs salmon spawn; or(b) disturbs any spawning bed or any bank or shallow in which the spawn ofsalmon may be,shall be guilty of an offence.When considering licensing activities under CAR, encourage SEPA to insistelectrofishing, invertebrate and habitat surveys are carried out before licensingand afterwards to demonstrate that no ill effects have been caused and wherethey have they should be addressed or mitigated against. The combination ofenforcing all these different sets of legislation should result in more sensitive riverengineering works.Action Description Reactive orProactive5.1.1.a. Work with SEPA, developers and engineers to Reactiveensure that all engineering activity is carriedout in a sustainable way using the licensingprocess.5.1.1.b. Educate all potential developers on best Proactivepractice. Develop best practice guides, inconjunction with SEPA where applicable.TimescaleOngoingOngoing28

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.1.2 Identify the Sources of Point-source andDiffuse Pollution and Stop Them.Point-source pollution problems are identifiedthrough invertebrate and electrofishing surveys. Inserious cases complaints are made by FisheriesBoard staff or the public. The main regulatory powerlies with SEPA and therefore these issues must beand are being tackled in partnership with thisorganisation. By encouraging proprietors to joinorganisations like Anglers Co-Operative Association(ACA), the Board may be able to pursue the mostproblematical through the civil courts which will actas a disincentive to cause further problems. There isgood track record of this in England where the fearof an action from the ACA acts as a greater deterrentthan the actions of regulatory bodies. Principally this is because to be foundguilty in criminal cases, a polluter‟s guilt has to proven beyond reasonable doubt.In civil actions fault is determined on a balance of probabilities.ActionDescriptionReactive orProactiveTimescale5.1.2.a5.1.2.b5.1.2.cWork with SEPA to identify the sources of pointpollution and ensure that they are acted upon.Continue to develop and expand the use of‘quick’ invertebrate assessments.With serious cases seek redress through civilcourts with assistance of ACA.ProactiveProactiveReactiveOngoingOngoingAsnecessary29

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.1.3 Identify and Remove All ManmadeObstructions to Fish.The dams and screens legislation in Scotland hasbeen largely superseded by CAR (although it isstill in force). This means that all obstructions tothe free movement of fish need to be licensed.SEPA can put conditions on licences and theBoard will be consulted upon them. All of themajor obstructions to fish movement are known but there will be others on minorburns (less than 2m wide) that are not known. SEPA certainly does not knowwhere they all are and needs to be informed as part of the river basinmanagement planning process. In the past, efforts were often made to removenatural barriers to fish; in general this is now frowned upon as there is likely to bepopulations of fish upstream which may be lost. This is particularly true in thecase of sea trout as there will be obstacles that sea trout can overcome butsalmon cannot. Removing the barrier may favour the salmon to the detriment ofthe sea trout.Action Description Reactive orProactive5.1.3.a Carry out further walkover surveys on all the Proactiveminor burns to assess obstructions.5.1.3.b5.1.3.c5.1.3.dEnsure all obstructions are known by SEPAand are subject to controls under CAR wherepossibleEnsure during licensing process that fishpassage through structures is conditional forgranting the licences.Where obstructions are causing a problem andowners are not co-operating seek redressthrough civil actions in severe casesProactiveReactiveReactiveTimescaleCompleteallwalkoversof all minorburns by2010.Complete2010OngoingAsnecessary30

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.1.4 Reduce the Amount ofPoaching Activity within the DistrictThe provisions made in many sections ofthe Salmon and Freshwater fisheries(Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 makestrong and enforceable regulations. Inaddition the Annan DSFB can and doesuse the provisions made in The ScotlandAct 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 in theSolway. Successful prosecutions havebeen made using this with close liaison withthe Environment Agency enforcement teams.In the main river one of the most obvious problems is the lack of protection that theAnnan suffers from by the repeal of the Solway Offences. Whilst this may be regardedas a minor offence there is an issue of fairness as the majority of anglers buy permitsand contribute to the conservation of the fish within the river by doing so.Notwithstanding legislative problems, the Board will continue to try and discourageangling for freshwater fish and brown trout without permits whilst at the same timelobbying hard for a change in the law. Another issue that is becoming increasinglyimportant is the development of a sea bass and mullet gill net fishery which does catchan undisclosed number of salmonids by accident.Other issues that have become apparent over the last few years include the capture ofgravid hen fish to extract the ova for bait and the use of this bait by a minority of anglers.All poaching activities should be treated activities seriously and there is an opportunityfor multiagency approaches as many forms of poaching are indiscriminate and mayharm all forms of wild life, not just fish.31

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action Description Reactive orProactive5.1.4.a Work with all neighbouring agencies to ensure Proactivethat enforcement of fisheries regulations is and reactiverobust.5.1.4.b Ensure all bailiffs are aware of their powers Proactiveand how to use them in an appropriate mannerthrough training5.1.4.c Lobby hard for changes in legislation regarding Proactivethe legality of fishing for freshwater fish withouta permit.5.1.4.d5.1.4.e5.1.4fWork with agencies such as Sea Fisheries andSolway Partnership to regulate the Sea Bassfishery in the Solway using powers in theMarine BillContinue to work with the Environment Agencyand pursue infringements of fisherieslegislation in the Solway with the powersafforded by The Scotland Act 1998 (BorderRivers) Order 1999Further develop relationship with wildlife liaisonofficers and the ‘wildlife fiscal’ and otheragencies to ensure fisheries regulations aretaken seriouslyProactiveReactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoingAs soon asa legislativewindowbecomesapparentProcessstarted,meetingswill be heldin early2009 toprogressOngoingOngoing32

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2 Bio-securityBio-security is a broad theme that covers everything from disease to invasivespecies. Scotland‟s natural freshwater fauna and flora is somewhat impoverisheddue both to Britain‟s status as an island and, in Western Scotland, due to the lackof historic land (and river) links with mainland Europe. The most naturally diversepart of the British Isles would be the south eastern areas of England as therewould have been freshwater links via the Rhine which will have allowed ingressof freshwater species. The impoverished nature of Western Scotland‟s naturaldiversity does not mean that bio-diversity is poor but it does mean that manyspecies are vulnerable to the effects of competition, parasites or disease fromorganisms that they have not co-evolved with. Maintaining, as much as possible,the status quo of our current natural biota is therefore highly desirable if we wishto have natural abundance. Unfortunately there is a small band of anglers who,for entirely selfish reasons, believe that introductions of new species to acatchment are a good idea. This is emphatically not the case as all introductionshave an impact and none are ever passive. Within a river there are a myriad ofhabitat types which are fully utilised by fish. Sometimes a species of fish willthrive in a habitat that would be regarded as suboptimal. If a species isintroduced that finds the same habitat optimal or the fish species is predatorysevere damage will be caused. An example of this within the catchment was theextinction of vendace in Mill Loch where the introduction of roach by anglers wasone of the contributing factors. The two most common reasons for any wildlife tobe pushed towards extinction is the introduction of alien species and habitat loss(WWF).33

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.1 Protect Against Pathogens and ParasitesThe most significant danger to salmon, and as a resultall fisheries on the Annan, is from the parasiteGyrodactylus salaris. The mortality rate amongst thesalmon would be in the order of 85% plus and the onlycure is to kill all the fish in the river. The results of thisare too disastrous to contemplate and so the only solution is to ensure that, asfar as is practicably possible, the parasite is kept out. The main risk is from directfish transfers but there are also other risks from anglers and canoeists who havebeen in GS areas.Although not as dangerous to wild fish, other notifiable disease pathogens suchas Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) could be devastating for theaquaculture industry and stimulate partial or total river closures until the outbreakis brought under control. Other diseases may have strains which are exotic to theAnnan fish and may cause problems in wild fish under extraordinary conditionssuch as very low flow with high temperatures and also high numbers of fishtrapped in small sections of the river. In these conditions fish are under stressand open to a wide range of diseases such as furunculosis which is caused bythe bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida.Action5.2.1.a5.2.1.b5.2.1.c5.2.1.dDescriptionEnsure sufficient literature in the way ofsignage is available to all anglers so they areaware of what to do to ensure that they canmaintain a disease and parasite free fisheryEndeavour to provide disinfection points at allthe popular angling access points on the river.Ensure that people are available to ensuredisinfectants are routinely renewed and olddisinfectant is properly disposed ofOrganise regular seminars for owners andanglers to attend and reinforce the message ofbio-security and GS in particularWorking with other fisheries organisations tryand maintain a frequent press presence of theGS issueReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingHavedisinfectionpointscompletedby Jun 2009Every twoyearsstarting2009AnnuallyNB note that all measures in this section are proactive, reactive measures wouldmean that it is too late.34

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.2 Protect Against Alien InvertebratesThe North American signal crayfishPacifastacus leniusculus was first introduced toEngland and Wales through fish farms around20 years ago. It was first noted in Scotland inthe nearby River Dee in Galloway in 1995.They are also present on the upper Clyde andthe Tweed so the Annan is at a high risk of colonisation.The signal crayfish feeds largely on small fish, fish eggs and other invertebratesand is known to cause severe damage to stream ecosystems. Preliminarystudies by FRS have shown that these crayfish exclude juvenile salmon fromshelters during winter. This behaviour would increase the vulnerability of wildsalmon to predators (Marlab website). In addition, the species digs burrows up tothree feet long in riverbanks to lay its eggs. At times of increased flooding theburrows are increasingly causing river banks to collapse.An intensive trapping programme is has being undertaken in the Annancatchment with support from FRS. As yet there have been no crayfish trappedand long may this continue. However, although there have been reliablesightings of the species in the area, the lack of captures so far would suggestthat it is not yet distributed in great numbers or that the populations did notsucceed in breeding.Action5.2.2.aDescriptionContinue with monitoring & trappingprogrammeReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoing5.2.2.b Education, e.g. provide leaflets for public Proactive Ongoing35

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.3 Protect Against Alien Fish SpeciesThe natural biodiversity of the Annan catchment isalready compromised by introductions ofnumerous fish species over the last century or so.Many of these fish have naturalised and as suchhave integrated themselves into the river andattempted removal would be counter-productiveon two fronts:1. The damage caused to native fish during the removal would beunpalatable.2. Some of the introduced species now have economically and sociallyimportant fisheries developed around them.Under provisions made in section 33a of the Aquaculture and Fisheries(Scotland) Act 2007 the introduction of fish into inland waters will be anoffence unless licensed. Also in provisions made in the Aquaculture andFisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 an amendment was made to the Salmon andFreshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 section 4subsection 2 which made the use of live vertebrates illegal. This bans the useof live baits which was common practice amongst pike and some troutanglers. The release of live baits after fishing was commonplace and hasbeen a regular method for alien species to enter new waters. Theseprovisions will help us to maintain the fish communities as they currently are.Action5.2.3.a5.2.3.b5.2.3.c5.2.3.dDescriptionEnsure that all stocking of fish into anywatercourses within the Annan District arespecies which are native or long termnaturalised to not only that watercourse but tothat area of the river. Liaise with FRS to ensurethis is the case and encourage enforcementaction on any individuals that can be seen tobe involved with illegal transfers.Ensure live baiting measures are firmlyenforcedBy the development of innovative monitoringtechniques, continually check the speciescomposition in the river and associated watersso that an early warning system can bedeveloped for the presence of new speciesand the appropriate action takenThrough education make anglers aware of thedangers of introductions and encourage thereporting of captures of novel fish to the Board,preferably with carcasses for identificationReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveandReactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoingAnnualmonitoringSeminar onaliensspring 200936

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.4 Protect Against Alien MammalsThe only alien mammal that has been found to havean effect on the fishery is the North American mink.This species escaped from or was released from furfarms. Colonisation of most of the UK has been fairlyrapid. The mink is a generalist predator that cancause serious damage to wildlife including fish.Significant damage may be caused at certain keytimes with trout in small burns probably morevulnerable than salmon. Mink are also partly responsible (along with habitat loss)for the major losses in water vole populations over the last few decades. Watervoles are now the fastest declining mammal species in the UK. The Annancatchment does have a few refuge populations of this mammal remaining andthey are worthy of mention in a fisheries management plan as improving thehabitat and reducing the predation for water voles will have effects on fishpopulations.Action5.2.4.aDescriptionDevelop sustainable methods of minkcontrol/eradication with partners such as Gameconservancy, SNH etcReactive orProactiveTimescaleProactive 2009 - 201237

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.5 Protect Against Alien FloraJapanese knotweed Fallopia japonica varjaponica was introduced into the UK as anornamental garden plant in the mid-nineteenthcentury. It has since spread across the UK,particularly along watercourses, transport routesand infested waste areas. .The spread and high regeneration rates of theplant have serious implications for dispersal by both natural and human means.In river catchments, fragments of rhizomes or cut stems that are washed intowatercourses under high water flows can form new plants downstream. Flytippinggarden waste that contains stem or rhizome fragments, usingcontaminated topsoil and transporting soil from infested sites during constructionworks are the main ways that people spread the plant (Environment Agencywebsite).The vigorous growth of Japanese knotweed means it out-competes less resilientnative species of plant on watercourses. Control or eradication is difficult as theplant can regenerate from cut stems and tiny pieces of rhizome. If you aredealing with an isolated patch then constant pulling or cutting of the stems shouldwork by exhausting the rhizomes, but this may take several years. Any cutmaterial should be gathered up and placed on plastic sheeting to dry out until allsigns of life have gone. Digging out the rhizome is not recommended on a largescale as it produces too many fragments. Larger areas require repeatedherbicide treatment. Combined with controlled digging over, this can be veryeffective. Close to watercourses, the only two herbicides that can be used areapproved formulations of glyphosate or 2,4-D amine. The rhizome (undergroundstems), stems (above ground growth) and soils in which the plant grew must betaken to a landfill site. Dead stems may be left to rot down (DGS website).Himalayan or Indian balsam Impatiensglandulifera was introduced to Britain in1839, but escaped from gardens andrapidly colonised riverbanks and areasof damp ground. Himalayan balsamgrows in dense stands that suppress thegrowth of native grasses and other flora.In the autumn, the plants die back,leaving the banks bare of vegetationand vulnerable to erosion (EnvironmentAgency website).38

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Control measures should aim to prevent flowering and if this is achieved beforeseeds are set, eradication is possible in two to three years. Again, glyphosate or2,4-D amine may be used. The best results are achieved while the plant isactively growing in early spring. Other recognised methods of control are cutting,pulling and grazing by livestock.The RADSFB has undertaken an extensive survey of both the above speciessupported by SEPA, Dumfries & Galloway Council and Solway Heritage.Examples of the extent of invasion of these species in the Annan catchment areshown in Figure 4.2.1. At present it would appear that the control of Himalayanbalsam would be far too extensive and costly to be attempted by the Board,however, a programme of control for Japanese knotweed may be possible withfinancial support.ActionDescriptionReactive orProactiveTimescale5.2.5.a5.2.5.b5.2.5.cContinue to monitor the presence of invasiveplant speciesDevelop strategy for control of invasive plantspecies. Liase with farmers and landowners todiscuss possible methodology for control ofinvasive plant speciesEducate the public on the dangers of invasiveplant speciesProactiveProactiveProactiveOngoingCompleteend 2009Ongoing39

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 5.2.1Examples of the extent of the distribution of a) Japanese Knotweed and b) Himalayan Balsam40

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3 Research & Monitoring5.3.1 Assessment of Juvenile Salmonid ProductionAs a District Salmon Fisheries Board, the vast majority of data collection by theRADSFB is aimed at assessing the status of salmonid stocks. The most widelyused method of assessment is that of data collection for juvenile salmonidproduction using electrofishing techniques. It should be noted that whilst thesesurveys are primarily designed for salmonid assessment, the number ofindividuals present for any other fish species is also recorded.The Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre (SFCC) holds a national database ofdata collection (electrofishing and habitat surveys) from member Trusts andDSFB‟s around Scotland. This information alongside input from the aboveorganisations‟ biologists and managers are used to improve research and surveymethods for the benefit of all. The RADSFB is integrating data from FisheriesResearch Services (FRS) reports and methods of electrofishing currently in useby other organisations to formulate an improved, more efficient system ofsurveying specific to the purposes and resources of the catchment.An example of this was the use of our sizeable single run minimum density (per100m 2 ) data set to construct a grading system for production at eachelectrofishing site. The historical data (1997-2007) provided 434 sites on which tobase the grading. This system was founded on the work of Jason Godfrey of theFRS using quintile ranges for numbers of 0+ salmon, 0+ trout, 1++ salmon and1++ trout. This information was then used to classify each site for the 2007season on the scale shown in Table 4.3.1 below. Examples of the completedgradings for 0+ trout and 0+ salmon on the Water of Milk and Corrie Water areshown in Figure 4.3.1.Table 5.3.1Minimum Density FigureQuintile RangesClassification> 80 th percentile to max Excellent>60 th percentile 40 th percentile 20 th percentile zero (min)

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 5.3.1a) 0+ salmon and b) 0+ trout gradings on the Water of Milk and Corrie Water42

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Since 1997 the RADSFB has mainly carried out minimum density electrofishingsurveys and a number of 3 run surveys that provide a more accurate density (ifrequired for consultancy work). The resources of the RADSFB do not allow 3 runsurveys to be carried out at every site. A limited number of sites are carried outannually to gain some record of long term trends in juvenile production for eachindividual stock. The 10 year trend (1997-2007) for minimum density figures ineach catchment are displayed below in Table 4.3.2. Greater numbers of surveysmay then be carried out on a particular river depending on what the Boardconsiders to be of greatest importance in each particular year.Table 5.3.2Ten year changes in abundance of juvenile salmonids in the Annan catchment (1997-2007)Tributary% change over ten yearsSalmonTroutMain stem minor Tribs +26.66% -38.31%Annan Water +45.41% +43.25%Dryfe -10.05% -70.95%Kinnel +18.45% -7.27%Moffat Water -8.85% -3.92%Milk +37.67% -61.48%Evan +97.46% +73.27%Kirtle -51.18% -40.69%Lochar -54.26% -29.46%Overall all sites on data base +13.80% -19.26%For example, with the beginning of the Sulwath Connections Habitat Project (seeSection 4.4.1) in 2007 it was decided to carry out a more comprehensive study ofthe Water of Milk and its main tributary, the Corrie Water where areas ofbankside fencing were to be constructed. The same areas will be assessed in theforthcoming years to discover if habitat improvement has led to increasedjuvenile production on these watercourses.This study involved the use of a method devised by Crozier & Kennedy (1994)and since modified that allows population densities to be calculated for timed(normally 5-10 minute) electrofishing surveys by carrying out a limited number of3 run sites and using statistical analysis to calibrate the juvenile abundancefigures from the timed sites into densities per 100m 2 in tandem with the 3 runsites completed. The advantage of this method is that timed surveys takesignificantly less time to complete and a greater number of sites can be sampledthus allowing estimates of juvenile production to be calculated on a wider scale.This method has been widely adopted throughout the UK using variations inprocedure to suit the purposes and staff levels of each organisation. It wasdecided to assess this method on the Water of Milk and Corrie Water.43

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014The database for this study was not as extensive as we would have liked due tothe poor summer weather and analysis showed that for the 2007 surveys thebest overall picture of the status of juvenile salmonids in the Milk and Corrie wasserved by the minimum density figures displayed above. In particular, the numberof 3 run sites carried out for calibration against timed sites was regarded as fartoo low. After consideration, it was decided that unless required for such asEnvironmental Impact Assessments or academic purposes, future monitoringschedules would be unlikely to feature time-consuming 3 run surveys.For the above reasons, it was decided that minimum density and timed catch perunit effort (CPUE) electrofishing surveys would be carried out in 2008. When aminimum density site was conducted, the time taken to complete the survey wasnoted to give a CPUE figure in addition to a minimum density estimate. Overtime, this will allow us to have a data set large enough to complete a CPUEgrading system similar to that compiled for minimum densities. This could be ofparticular use in areas where area based surveys are unsuitable, e.g. in channelstoo wide to survey efficiently using a single anode. Analysis of the 2008 data hasyet to be undertaken and this methodology will need further consideration as, forexample, varying levels of electrofishing efficiency between differing site channelwidths may need to be integrated into any grading system created. Theadvantage of the 2008 methodology is that no extra survey time was required togather CPUE data in addition to that produced for minimum densities.Action5.3.1.aDescriptionDecide on the best methodology for futuremonitoring programmesReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleCompleteend 20095.3.1.bContinue to monitor juvenile production in allcatchmentsProactive Ongoing5.3.1.c Ensure all staff are trained to SFCC standards Proactive Ongoing44

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.2 Assessment of River HabitatsIn conjunction with the above electrofishingsurveys, habitat surveys are carried out toSFCC standards. Again, these surveys weredesigned to assess juvenile salmon and troutand spawning habitat. A few of the manyhabitat characteristics that may be assessed ateach site include water depth and flow type,substrate type, instream and bankside coverand land use. While there is a standard SFCC habitat survey format to be used atelectrofishing sites there are a wider range of characteristics that can be chosento suit the purpose of the survey. For example, when assessing sites for thepurposes of the Sulwath Connections habitat project, poaching by livestock,bankside erosion and collapse and riparian vegetation were the primarycharacteristics recorded during a walkover survey.Action5.3.2.aDescriptionAnalyse correlations between juvenilesalmonid densities and the habitatcharacteristics assessed at each electrofishingsiteReactive orProactiveProactive5.3.2.b Identify areas in need of habitat enhancement ProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoing5.3.2.cEnsure all permanent and temporary staff aretrained to SFCC standardsProactiveOngoing45

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.3 Assessment of Adult Salmonid StocksAdult numbers in the catchment are determined by rod catches. Figure 4.3.2shows catches and 5 year rolling averages for both salmon and trout since 1952.Rod catch data will obviously give an underestimation of the true adult stocks inthe catchment. However, long term trends of abundance can be measured fromcatch figures and indeed data analysis has shown that 10 year estimates ofnumbers from rod catches display close correlation with the 10 year trends ofabundance for juveniles taken from the electrofishing surveys in Table 4.3.2.Figure 5.3.23000Rolling Five Year Averages for Sea TroutSea Troutrolling five year averageLinear (rolling five year average)2000Rolling Five Year Averages for SalmonTotaltotal salmon caughtrolling five year averageLinear (rolling five year average)250015002000150010001000500500000604020098969492908886848280787674727068666462605856545206040200989694929088868482807876747270686664626058565452Action5.3.3.a5.3.3.bDescriptionTry to increase the accuracy of salmon andsea trout rod catch figure returns byimplementing the Conservation of Salmon(Collection of Statistics) Regulations (2006,Scottish statutory instrument No. 572).Try to improve knowledge of CPUE used in rodcatch return figures by running fishing eventsReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleAnnuallyAnnually46

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.4 Assessment of Water QualitySince 2006 invertebrate kick samples have been conducted in the catchment bythe RADSFB as a means of assessing water quality. The technique devised bythe Riverfly Partnership was employed. This system does not need the samelevel of expertise as the River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System(RIVPACS) procedure and is less time-consuming so greater coverage of thecatchment can be achieved. Examples of invertebrate surveys carried out in thecatchment in 2008 are those for the Mein Water and Kirtle Water. These surveysare discussed below.The results on the Kirtle suggested that water quality is mostly poor on the lowerreaches with some improvement further upstream. Results on the Mein Waterwere better, with sites ranging from moderate to good. The scoring method forthe surveys grades sites from A1 to D6 with A1 being best. The letters A-Dassess taxonomic quality of survey samples with A showing excellent waterquality. The grades 1 to 6 classify invertebrate abundance in each sample with 1representative of high numbers. The maps in Figure 4.3.3 below display a systemwhich is graded by colour to represent classes A-D and decreasing circle sizeshowing abundance grades 6 through to 1.Action5.3.4.a5.3.4.b5.3.4.cDescriptionContinue to expand invertebrate surveyprogramme by concentrating upon one subcatchment per yearInform SEPA of any areas where surveys maysuggest pollution incidents etcEnsure all staff are trained to RiverflyPartnership standardsReactive orProactiveProactiveReactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoingOngoing47

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 5.3.3Invertebrate survey gradings on a) the Mein Water and b) the Kirtle Water48

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.5 Assessment of Salmonid Population StructuringAtlantic Salmon: FRS/RADSFB Study on Genetic Structuring in the AnnanCatchmentAlmost all of the fisheries managers in Scotland have identified that mapping andunderstanding the different populations of salmon in their river is key to stockmanagement. The importance of this has meant that funds have already beenearmarked for genetic work on Scottish rivers over the next three years. The firstpart of this project is the production of a hypothetical map based aroundenvironmental discontinuities and set up a sampling programme in these areas.Many of the areas will already be covered by the annual monitoring surveys andgaps can be identified and plugged. Environmental discontinuities will be thingssuch as tributary junctions and barriers. Figure 5.3.4 below shows thedistribution of salmon within the catchment with the rivers divided into segmentsbetween discontinuities. Once the analysis is completed by Dr. Eric Verspoor ofthe FRS the map itself may change with segments being merged with oneanother or queries being generated which will mean some sections have to befurther divided. The lack of hatcheries on the river until recently means it is likelythat the stock is more diverse than on rivers which have had hatcheries operatingon them over many years.The power of genetic analysis of fish stocks to yield useful fisheries managementinformation is still largely untapped but rapid progress is being made in this field.For example once we know where different stocks are spawning in the river wecan start attributing behavioural characteristics to these stocks. Certainbehaviours such as run timing (or rather the time fish arrive back at the coast andwait for a spate) are known to be driven largely by genetic influences. Previoussurveys on the Annan have identified areas that are important for spring fish butwe have not been able to identify anything at a finer scale e.g. areas for summer,late summer, autumn and winter fish or grilse and MSW fish. Knowledge of thiscan enable us to target management effort to areas where the fish are mostvulnerable or valuable. Another potentially valuable piece of work that can bedetermined from this is the proportion of fish entering the river that emanate fromthe hatchery or the proportions of fish from different rivers in the inner Solway netfisheries.In some cases it may not be possible for us to have all of the material we collectanalysed straight away but the creation of a tissue library will enable us to takeadvantages of future opportunities. The current funded work is aimed at salmonbut trout data is also being collected that will shed light on the interactionsbetween migratory and non-migratory fish.49

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 5.3.4Hypothetical Map of Annan Catchment Salmon Populations50

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Sea Trout: The Celtic Sea Trout ProjectSea trout, the sea going form of the brown trout is ubiquitous in rivers around theCeltic seas. The phenotypic and genetic variations of sea trout representimportant elements of marine and freshwater biodiversity and thus representsignificant conservation value. However, sea trout in parts of Western Britain aresuffering decline in response to unspecified impacts, although the pattern ismixed. Historical studies have shown substantial temporal and spatial variation instock status and life histories of sea trout around these waters, but hardlyanything is known about the distribution and mixing of sea trout at sea or theirexposure to mixed stock fishing. Little is known of the environmental conditionsthey experience at sea, or their response in terms of feeding, growth, survivaland maturity.Fisheries management requires scientifically robust answers to these questionsand this proposal aims to provide these in a format that will directly feed intobetter sustainable management of this joint resource, shared by countriesbordering the Celtic seas. A common and urgent issue is the impact ofenvironmental change in freshwater and at sea, across the habitats used by seatrout during their life cycle. Climate change is indicated to be affecting alreadysea trout marine growth and possibly the age and size of smolts (the juvenilesmoving to sea).The aims of the project are to provide the information and knowledge that willenable the better management of sea trout and the protection of its biodiversity.Also, the project will strive to enhance cooperative working, networking, sharedknowledge and awareness of sea trout fisheries, their environments andmanagement amongst practitioners and stakeholders.The RADSFB has contributed a cash sum of up to £15,000 (including moneyfrom partners such as the Wild Trout Trust) over three years to the Celtic SeaTrout Project and also contribution in kind to collect such as scale and fin clipsamples for parr, smolts and adult sea trout. The programme can be brokendown into eight broad inter-linked tasks. These tasks are as follows:Fishery inventory and descriptionSamplingStock discrimination and structuring (Genetics)Movements and distribution (Microchemistry)Freshwater production capacityMarine ecology and life history variation (modelling for management)Communication and disseminationProgramme management51

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action5.3.5.a5.3.5.b5.3.5.c5.3.5.dDescriptionContinue and expand involvement inpopulation structuring programmes in thecatchmentIncrease understanding of such as thegenetics processes behind the populationprogrammesEnsure full participation of the RADSFB withinitiatives such as the SALSEA Merge project(project looking at the marine survival anddistribution of salmon from different regions ofEurope).Collect all the samples required in the CelticSea Trout ProjectReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoing50% ofrequiredsamplesalreadycollected,remainingwill becollected inthe summer2009Many of thesamplesrequiredalreadycollectedbutcollectionwill continuein 2009 –1152

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.6 Assessment of Non-salmonid Stocks.distribution.The Annan has one of the most diverse fisheriesin Scotland with the river and attached still watersbeing host to some 30 different species. Most ofthese have been introduced and some arecertainly not welcome (e.g. barbel and ide whichhave appeared very recently). Some have becomeestablished over many years and their interactionswith native fish are probably benign. Threeexamples of this would be the Chub and Graylingin the river and the common Bream which seemsto have a long established population in CastleLoch (may be medieval in origin). Most of thesespecies live in the main river and, as a result, arenot easily sampled due to the depth and strengthof flow. In small watercourses (less than 3m or sowide) population estimates of salmon and trout arerelatively straight forward but even here thebehaviour of other species is such that they arenot easily sampled. It is, however, possible to lookat the population structure, crude abundance, andWhilst these fisheries do not have the sameeconomic impact on Annandale as the Salmonfishery they are important and it is probablytrue that there is room for further developmentof these fisheries. Other fish species are eitherunique in a Scottish context (such as thevendace) or where there is concern about theirabundance and viability in the future (such asthe common eel).The main ways in which we can assess theperformance of these fisheries is to useelectrofishing and netting techniques along withangler catch records. This type of work islabour intensive but it is invaluable if we wish tounderstand the whole of the Annan fishery. It isalso an early warning system for novel species.Due to the time involved in this type ofsampling it is also wise to take scale and tissuesamples from all fish caught as they may beinvaluable in the future in helping to describe the structure, diversity and health ofdifferent fish stocks. For example, whilst it is already known that the grayling areintroduced the results from genetic work carried out in 2008 confirms this. Another pointof interest would be genetic work on Chub may result in confirmation that it is a stockedpopulation or it may change the status of this fish by putting it into the natives category.53

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action Description Reactive orProactive5.3.6.a Ensure that all species are recorded as routine Proactivewhen undertaking electrofishing surveys forsalmonids5.3.6.b Continue to develop methods for seine netting Proactiveon the river.TimescaleOngoingOngoing5.3.6.c5.3.6.d5.3.6.eEnsure that scales and fin clips are taken andstored appropriately when sampling.Increase the amount of data taken for at riskspecies such as eels.Develop angler databases for fish other thansalmon and sea trout.ProactiveProactiveProactiveOngoingOngoingOngoing54

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.7Other Research InvolvementThe RADSFB is consistently involved in assisting other research projects such asthe investigation of salmon Red Vent Syndrome (RVS) being conducted by theFRS marine lab. Parasitological investigations have shown the presence ofnematode worms, including Anisakis sp. and Hysterothylacium sp., in the regionof the vent of all fish examined that have shown signs of RVS. These parasitesoccur naturally in wild fish and are a contributory factor, or may be the primarycause of red vents, although research is ongoing (Marlab website).In addition, the Board has collected samples for the marine lab to carry outresearch involving oestrogenic effects of pollutants such as the human birthcontrol pill and also a study of chemical contamination of fish flesh for the FoodStandards Agency.The RADSFB also collects data for such as predator counts of cormorants andgoosanders. Unfortunately, accurate data collections of salmonid smolt numbersare currently outwith the resources of the Annan DSFB.Action Description Reactive orProactive5.3.7.a Continue to assist any research projects Proactiveundertaken by outside agencies within thecatchment where possible5.3.7.b Continue to undertake and attempt to expand Proactiveany new lines of research within the catchmentwhere possible5.3.7.c Continue to collect and improve data on Proactivepiscivorous birds.TimescaleOngoingOngoingOngoing55

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.4 Fisheries Enhancements5.4.1 Habitat EnhancementsA Project Officer has been employed to deliver the Rivers Kirtle & Annan HabitatImprovement project (hereafter referred to as the “Annan Habitat Project”). TheAnnan Habitat Project is one of around 20 involving various partners on theScottish Solway coastlands and river valleys. The projects are being run inconjunction with and on behalf of these partners by Dumfries and GallowayCouncil under the banner of the Sulwath Connections Landscape Project.Funding for the Annan Habitat Project comes from the Heritage Lottery Fund(52.9%), Scottish Natural Heritage (28.04%), the RADSFB (18.02 %) and theRiver Annan Improvement Association (0.94%).The Annan Habitat Project focuses mainly on the fencing of lengths ofwatercourse to prevent livestock encroaching on the bankside. The initial targetfor fencing is to complete 40,000 metres. Examples of completed fencing projectsare shown in Figure 4.4.1 below. Damage caused by cattle and sheep accessingunfenced watercourses results in silt inputs, broadening of the stream channeland reductions in water depth. Silt inputs are known to blanket the bottom of astream, reducing shelter between instream substrate for juvenile salmonids andsmothering fish eggs and aquatic plants. Site-feeding and breathing may also bemade more difficult for resident fish and aquatic insects. In addition, broadeningof the stream channel and reductions in water depth are likely to increase watertemperatures. In time, these temperatures can make the stream a less desirablehabitat for fish and other animals, or may make it totally uninhabitable (e.g.Association of Rivers Trusts website). Grazing by livestock also reduces thegrowth of natural vegetation on banksides. Draped and marginal vegetation isused as cover and shade by fish, reducing predation and water temperature. Inaddition, vegetation gives sources of food with insects falling into the water andleaf litter providing detritus for aquatic invertebrates. Vegetation also helps toreduce erosion by binding bankside soils. The potential benefits of fencingprojects are many in terms of creating optimal habitat for salmon and trout as wellas other aquatic and terrestrial organisms. and may be complemented by ripariantree planting, again providing a source of shade and food for fish. It may also bewithin the scope of the project to help prevent bank erosion by use of softengineering works such as the “Log and Christmas Tree” technique (Figure4.4.2).The Board also carries out inspections of forested areas near watercourses tolook for breaches in the most up to date version of Forest and Water Guidelines.Issues such as tunnelling and inappropriate culverting are of particular concern.There have also been removals of obstructions to fish migration (see Section4.1.3). Further work is required in all the above areas and it is the aim of theRADSFB to secure future funding to continue with improvement schemes.56

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Figure 5.4.1Completed fencing sites at a) Cumstone Farm on the Corrie Water & b) Whitstonehills Farm onthe Water of MilkFigure 5.4.2a) Construction of log and Christmas tree on the Annan Water & b) Completed log and Christmastree work on the Moffat Water57

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014ActionDescriptionReactive orProactiveTimescale5.4.1.a5.4.1.b5.4.1.cComplete the Sulwath Connections projectwithin the agreed timescale (May 2010).Liaise with farmers and landowners to discussthe possibility of further habitat enhancementworkUse habitat and population data to assessareas in need of enhancementProactiveProactiveProactive18 monthsOngoingOngoing58

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.4.2 Hatchery ActivitiesWhilst the use of hatcheries for enhancementof fish populations is very popular amongstmany anglers and proprietors the uses of thistechnique is limited. There are inherentdangers in removing fish and subjecting themto an artificial regime. It should be noted thatone of the most prolific salmon rivers inEurope, the Tweed, closed all its hatcheries inthe 1970s and now considers them of noimportance to stock abundance. There arehowever circumstances when the interventionof a hatchery is essential for the maintenanceof fish stocks.Manmade obstructions are a good example ofthis. The preferred technique should be toremove the obstruction and allow fish freeaccess to spawn naturally. Unfortunately this isnot possible in all circumstances and in thesecases, if we wish to maintain a population offish where there would naturally be one,hatchery intervention is required. As we find outmore about the genetic structuring ofpopulations it is clear that more and more carewill have to be taken to ensure that we do notmix these populations with hatchery policies,this is particularly true on a river like the Annanwhich, until very recently, had no history ofsignificant hatchery intervention.There is a clear case for stocking in the Wamphray, the Upper Ae, the UpperEvan and Upper Kinnel due to manmade obstructions but there is little evidencethat stocking elsewhere would be of any benefit. The isolated nature of theseareas means that stocking with fish would be difficult due to the problem oftransporting water. Fortunately ova can be easily transported in rucksacks andbuckets with little water and stocked into artificial redds. As these uplandenvironments are much colder than the hatchery, development of the ova is alsoslowed down and the fry will emerge at a more natural time for that environment.The success rate from this technique over the last few years has generally beengood with salmon populations establishing themselves in areas that they havebeen absent from for many years. The exception to this would be parts of theupper Wamphray where survival appears to be very low, further investigationsneed to be carried out to determine the causes of this.59

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014One of the major issues involving the hatchery is: how do we monitor success?Traditionally tagging programmes would be implemented that would rely uponrecaptured fish being noticed. This clearly leads to problems as a proportion ofthe tagged fish would not be noticed by anglers or netsmen. Also, on the Annan,tagging parr would require the recapture of stocked fish which would be costly.Fortunately with the advancement of genetics it is possible to look for stockedfish within the rod catch if we have a baseline from hatchery fish to compare it to.Action5.4.2.a5.4.2.bDescriptionUsing the best practice information available,further refine stocking strategies to ensure thatthey are successful and do not compromisethe Annan’s natural stock diversityUsing egg boxes, monitor the ova to hatchsurvival in all areas that stocking takes placeReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoing2008 - 20115.4.2.c5.4.2.dContinue to remove obstructions to reduce theneed for hatchery intervention with the longterm aim being to close the hatchery down(Small facility could be kept for educationpurposes)Collect fin clips from adults in the hatchery forgenetic analysis and set up a reciprocalmonitoring program in the rod and net fisheriesto determine hatchery returnsProactiveProactiveOngoing2008 - 201360

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.4.3 Encouragement of Catch andReleaseCatch and release as a management tool is asimple method for ensuring that more fish areavailable to spawn in late autumn. Fish shouldonly be taken where there is a sustainablesurplus. Also catch and release enables somefish to be caught again which, particularly forspecies that live in the river all their lives,increases the economic value of each individualfish. In some areas great strides have beenmade in recent years to increase the numbers offish that are returned. For example all browntrout are now returned as a matter of course onthe Upper Annandale Association water andAnnandale Estates. This already seems to behaving an effect with many more specimenbrown trout being available to the anglers on these waters in recent years. In thecase of spring salmon, a regulation (Scottish Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 37.The Conservation of Salmon (River Annan Salmon Fishery District) Regulations2005) was brought in that made the return of all salmon caught before the 1 st ofJune compulsory. This has meant that almost all the spring fish caught since2005 have been returned to the river to breed. In other areas the success ofcatch and release, as reported, has been mixed and there is room forimprovement. Angler opinion is changing with many more fish being returned asa matter of course, it is also noticeable that many anglers now get annoyed whenthey see anglers either killing coloured fish or too many fish. This change inopinion needs to be harnessed. It should be noted that the hatchery can hold 4-500,000 ova per year. With salmon, if we released 50% of the five year average(currently about 1400 fish) and half of those where females those 350 fish wouldyield something in the region of 2.4million ova. Clearly a significant increase incatch and release will have a clear benefit in terms of egg deposition.Other than trout and salmon catch and release is not an issue as almost all theother species are returned by anglers automatically. Of the non-salmonids thatare caught only pike routinely get killed (when caught by accident by gameanglers). This is changing however as anglers become more aware that thekilling of the larger pike may in fact be detrimental to fishery performance.61

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action5.4.3.a5.4.3.b5.4.3.c5.4.3.dDescriptionRenew current legislation on return of springsalmon for a further five year period (currentregulation falls off the statute book at midnightFebruary 24 th 2010).Encourage the continuation of current browntrout catch and release measuresEducate anglers and proprietors on the use ofcatch and release as a stock enhancementaction with the aim of moving the number offish released to well above 50%. Produceinformation on a regular basis to inform anglersabout the success of the techniqueBy working with clubs and proprietors,continually update the rules to make them asclear to the angler as possible without being soonerous that they discourage anglers fromusing the riverReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleStart workmid 2009Ongoing2009 forliteratureproductionReviewpositionannually62

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5 Education and TrainingThis heading covers the public in the widest sense including proprietors, anglers,other water users and staff. Many of the other sections touch on this as in manycases we would like to see a change in behaviour of people who affect the river.A change in attitude can be brought about with a regulatory stick but, in general,a more positive change can be generated with information distribution. Of coursein some circumstances the regulatory tool is a useful backstop. Overall goodeducation programmes ensure that there is a greater empathy for issues withinthe river which should make management easier in the long term. Ignorance isone of the biggest enemies that the fisheries sector has as it allows others with aparticular axe to grind to use misinformation and hyperbole to modify publicopinion. It is important to note that the RADSFB is very lucky in this section as ithas a growing partnership with the Barony College which is keen to developtargeted training programmes with the industry63

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5.1 Ensure that school children are aware offisheries issues.The salmon in the classroom project was developedby the then West Galloway Fisheries Trust in the1990s. It is a simple yet highly successful way inwhich primary school childrencan engage with the riverenvironment. Most importantly it is structured in such a waythat teachers can use the project to engage children in otheractivities such as science, numeracy and literacy. Theprogramme has been run in about twenty schools in theAnnandale area but has not been used as much in recentyears. The programme is now rolled out across the whole ofScotland with the support of SNH (seehttp://www.snh.org.uk/salmonintheclassroom/ for more information).In addition to this there are other programmes either out there or beingdeveloped which relate angling activities to the environment. One such programis called Fishing for Knowledge which is being lead by Solway Heritage and hasall the fisheries management organisations in Dumfries and Galloway aspartners. The best way for these projects to grow is to link them with salmon inthe classroom type projects. One issue that occurs in some schools is lack ofaccess to a good watercourse for study. To this end the RADSFB is leading on aproject called the Salmon Cycle with partners such as the Forestry Commissionto provide good facilities for schools to carry out the field work element of theseprojects in a stimulating environment.Action5.5.1.a5.5.1.bDescriptionContact all the primary schools in thecatchment and offer the Salmon in theclassroom project to them. Aim to complete aprogramme with at least four schools per yearWith project partners, link the Fishing forKnowledge project with the salmon in theclassroom projectReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleInviteschools forparticipationNov 2008Completefirst projectsby end20095.5.1.c5.5.1.dComplete salmon cycle project in the Forest ofAeDevise a coordinated Primary Schools planwith Barony College for the promotion of all‘teacher led or facilitated activities’, gainingsynergies, staffing efficiencies and increasingengagement in Dumfries and GallowayProactiveProactiveOpenfacilityDecember2009PlancompletedApril 200964

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action5.5.1.e5.5.1.fDescriptionIn partnership with Barony College, LANTRAand other Boards or River Trusts, create a planfor the development of resources to supportPrimary School engagement in educationalactivities, including offering interactive learningobjects and teacher resource packs throughVirtual Learning Environments and web tools.(The plan could be used to lever additionalfunds)In collaboration with Barony College and otherpartners, create a relationship marketing database, whereby any young person who hasundertaken an activity and given their consentcan be contacted directly to promotesubsequent activities or educational / careeropportunities. (This can be hosted andmanaged by Barony College)Reactive orProactiveTimescaleProactive March 2009ProactiveData Basecompletedby April200965

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5.2 Educate Anglers and ProprietorsTwenty years ago the idea of putting a salmon ortrout back was an anathema to most anglers.Coloured and unseasonable fish were returnedbut even then they had to be very colouredbefore catch and release was considered.Certainly on the Annan there seemed to be anumber of anglers who could not tell thedifference between a kelt and a clean Springer.About ten years ago the great debate was whether or not the fish survived beingcaught and released. These days on many rivers a great many fish are returnedand few experienced anglers doubt that the fish will survive. Other issues such asbio-security measures require the willing participation of anglers if they are towork. Anglers and proprietors, in general, care about the environment that theyfish in so it is important that the correct messages are reinforced with factualinformation without being preachy or condescending.Action5.5.2.a5.5.2.bDescriptionEnsure that all anglers and proprietors receivethe correct information to base their decisionsonOrganise informal seminars for anglers andproprietors to attend on subjects which interestthem and are important for future managementof fish stocks. (Note the Barony is happy toprovide the venue free of charge)Reactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingAnnually66

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5.3. Staff TrainingBoard staff carries out a variety of functions many of whichcould be seen to be potentially dangerous for themselves oreven other members of the public. Often staff will be workingalone in remote areas or they can also be placed in situationswhere tact and diplomacy are important to affect a safe andcorrect outcome.Bailiffs, for example, have the power to detain people andseize possessions. These powers could have far reachingeffects if they are not used correctly, indeed if they wereroutinely abused it is conceivable that they could be removed.Work such as electrofishing does raise ethical questionsabout the welfare of the fish as well as being potentiallydangerous if carried out in a cavalier manner.In addition to the types of work carried out being dangerous,in some situations some of the work is highly technical and requires a diverseskill-base from the purely academic through to the highly practical. In order forthe Board to get the best results from its staff training has to be taken seriously.Currently, it is impractical for staff requiring training to undertake a full time orpart time course. Therefore, through partnership with the colleges, LANTRA, IFMand other River Trusts it is important the Fishery Management sector create aneffective work-based learning system for the future that is more accessible andoffers a range of qualifications from entry level through to Higher National Units.The River Annan will contribute towards creating this national solution.Action5.5.3.aDescriptionRecognise the needs of training in individualmembers of staff and create a training plan foreveryone and act upon itReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleCompleteall stafftrainingplans byJune 20095.5.3.bWork in partnership with Barony College andother Trusts to create a team of A1QualifiedAssessors, developing the in-house capacityfor work based assessment, with BaronyCollege providing verificationProactiveAll workbasedAssessorstrained byApril 201067

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action5.4.3.cDescriptionWork in partnership with Barony College, IFMand other Trusts to create a comprehensive‘flexible’ work based Learning and trainingresource, accessible to all staff (part time, fulltime and volunteers), and leading torecognised qualifications from SVQ to HND).Reactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleCompletebySeptember201068

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.6 PromotionPromotion of fisheries is not traditionally a role thatFisheries Boards have been involved with but, at avery basic level, if money is not brought into thefishery by anglers, it would be difficult to raise themoney from proprietors that is required to run theBoard. In 2005 the Annan joined the FishScotlandRiver Annan‟ type articles.group with its own franchise, www.fishannan.co.uk .This web site has transformed the way in whichanglers book fishing on the river and also opened upour market place to people who may never haveheard of the river before. The website alone howeveris insufficient if we wish to ensure that the river is wellknown and visited frequently. To this end over thelast couple of years an effort has been made to getarticles and news stories into the press as often aspossible. It is important that this continues although itwill be quite difficult to repeat annual „Lets Fish theAs well as promoting the river itself the Boarddoes a lot of varied and important work onbehalf of the users. It is important to promotethis so as to generate goodwill from as manygroups and individuals as possible.Newsletters and shows are a good way ofdoing this. In some activities it is relativelyeasy to work out the cost benefit to for aparticular project but with promotional activityit is not as clear cut. It is however stillessential that a decent amount of resource is allocated to this annually as itundoubtedly pays for itself if done correctly.Action5.6.a5.6.b5.6cDescriptionContinue to grow the FishAnnan brand andencourage greater participation from fisherieswhere possibleDevelop at least one good article in the pressabout the River Annan each yearEnsure that interesting fish/facts/events aresent to the various angling publications so asmany people are aware of them as possibleReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveReactiveTimescaleOngoingAnnuallyWhen theopportunityarises69

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Action5.6dDescriptionEnsure that an annual newsletter is publishedand distributed amongst as high a number ofpeople as possibleReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleAnnually70

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014ReferencesCowx, I.G. & Fraser, D. (2003). Monitoring the Atlantic Salmon. ConservingNatura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 7, English Nature, Peterborough.Crozier, W.W. & Kennedy, G.J.A. (1994). Application of semi-quantitativeelectrofishing to juvenile salmonid stock surveys. Journal of Fish Biology, 45:159-164.Hendry, K. & Cragg-Hine, D. (2003). Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon. ConservingNatura 2000, Rivers Ecology Series No. 7, English Nature, Peterborough.WebsitesAssociation of Rivers Trustshttp://www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/salmonid_conf/downloads/salmonid_21Down Gardening Serviceshttp://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.ukEnvironment Agency, Himalayan balsamhttp://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/commondata/103599/himalayan_balsam__899789.docEnvironment Agency, Japanese Knotweedhttp://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/japnkot_1_a_1463028.pdfMarlab: FRS - Signal crayfish, an unwelcome addition to Scottish streamshttp://www.marlab.ac.uk/Uploads/Documents/FW-SignalCrayfish.pdfMarlab: FRS – Red Vent Syndrome in Wild Atlantic Salmonhttp://www.marlab.ac.uk/FRS.Web/Uploads/Documents/Red%20vent%20Scotweb.pdf71

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Appendix IManagement Action TablesMany of the actions described in these tables are cross cutting the most obviousof these would be education and regulation. Regulation is a stick which isrequired to ensure compliance but continual recourse to court stile actions wouldnot be as fruitful as creating a system where people want to co-operate becausethey want to help the river environment thrive. The only way in which the latterwill happen is through a continual programme of education in its broadest sense.Regulation and education actions therefore occur in most of the sections.Although this section is a useful quick scan of management actions it should beread in conjunction with the explanatory notes in each section.72

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Section 5.1 Regulation5.1.1 Reduce and Try and Eliminate Harmful River Engineering WherePossible.Action Description Reactive or TimescaleProactive5.1.1.a. Work with SEPA, developers and engineers to Reactive Ongoingensure that all engineering activity is carriedout in a sustainable way using the licensingprocess.5.1.1.b. Educate all potential developers on bestpractice. Develop best practice guides, inconjunction with SEPA where applicable.Proactive Ongoing5.1.2 Identify the Sources of Point-source and Diffuse Pollution and StopThem.Reactive orAction DescriptionTimescaleProactive5.1.2.a5.1.2.b5.1.2.cWork with SEPA to identify the sources of pointpollution and ensure that they are acted upon.Continue to develop and expand the use of‘quick’ invertebrate assessments.With serious cases seek redress through civilcourts with assistance of ACA.ProactiveProactiveReactiveOngoingOngoingAsnecessary5.1.3 Identify and Remove All Manmade Obstructions to Fish.Reactive orAction DescriptionProactive5.1.3.aCarry out further walkover surveys on all theminor burns to assess obstructions.ProactiveTimescaleCompleteallwalkoversof all minorburns by2010.5.1.3.b5.1.3.c5.1.3.dEnsure all obstructions are known by SEPAand are subject to controls under CAR wherepossibleEnsure during licensing process that fishpassage through structures is conditional forgranting the licences.Where obstructions are causing a problem andowners are not co-operating seek redressthrough civil actions in severe casesProactiveReactiveReactiveComplete2010OngoingAsnecessary73

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.1.4 Reduce the Amount of Poaching Activity within the DistrictAction DescriptionReactive orProactiveTimescale5.1.4.aWork with all neighbouring agencies to ensureOngoingProactivethat enforcement of fisheries regulations isand reactiverobust.5.1.4.bEnsure all bailiffs are aware of their powersand how to use them in an appropriate mannerthrough trainingProactive Ongoing5.1.4.c5.1.4.d5.1.4.e5.1.4fLobby hard for changes in legislation regardingthe legality of fishing for freshwater fish withouta permit.Work with agencies such as Sea Fisheries andSolway Partnership to regulate the Sea Bassfishery in the Solway using powers in theMarine BillContinue to work with the Environment Agencyand pursue infringements of fisherieslegislation in the Solway with the powersafforded by The Scotland Act 1998 (BorderRivers) Order 1999Further develop relationship with wildlife liaisonofficers and the ‘wildlife fiscal’ to ensurefisheries regulations are taken seriouslyProactiveProactiveReactiveProactiveAs soon asa legislativewindowbecomesapparentProcessstarted,meetingswill be heldin early2009 toprogressOngoingOngoing74

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Section 5.2 Bio-security5.2.1 Protect Against Pathogens and ParasitesAction5.2.1.a5.2.1.b5.2.1.c5.2.1.dDescriptionEnsure sufficient literature in the way ofsignage is available to all anglers so they areaware of what to do to ensure that they canmaintain a disease and parasite free fisheryEndeavour to provide disinfection points at allthe popular angling access points on the river.Ensure that people are available to ensuredisinfectants are routinely renewed and olddisinfectant is properly disposed ofOrganise regular seminars for owners andanglers to attend and reinforce the message ofbio-security and GS in particularWorking with other fisheries organisations tryand maintain a frequent press presence of theGS issueReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingHavedisinfectionpointscompletedby Jun 2009Every twoyearsstarting2009Annually5.2.2 Protect Against Alien InvertebratesAction5.2.2.aDescriptionContinue with monitoring & trappingprogrammeReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoing5.2.2.b Education, e.g. provide leaflets for public Proactive Ongoing5.2.3 Protect Against Alien Fish SpeciesAction5.2.3.a5.2.3.b5.2.3.cDescriptionEnsure that all stocking of fish into anywatercourses within the Annan District arespecies which are native to not only thatwatercourse but to that area of the river. Liaisewith FRS to ensure this is the case andencourage enforcement action on anyindividuals that can be seen to be involved withillegal transfersEnsure live baiting measures are firmlyenforcedBy the development of innovative monitoringtechniques, continually check the speciescomposition in the river and associated watersso that an early warning system can bedeveloped for the presence of new speciesand the appropriate action takenReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveandReactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoingAnnualmonitoring75

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.2.3.dThrough education make anglers aware of thedangers of introductions and encourage thereporting of captures of novel fish to the Board,preferably with carcasses for identificationProactiveSeminar onaliensspring 20095.2.4 Protect Against Alien MammalsAction5.2.4.aDescriptionDevelop sustainable methods of minkcontrol/eradication with partners such as Gameconservancy, SNH etcReactive orProactiveTimescaleProactive 2009 - 20125.2.5 Protect Against Alien FloraAction5.2.5.a5.2.5.b5.2.5.cDescriptionContinue to monitor the presence of invasiveplant speciesDevelop strategy for control of invasive plantspecies. Liase with farmers and landowners todiscuss possible methodology for control ofinvasive plant speciesEducate the public on the dangers of invasiveplant speciesReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingCompleteend 2009Ongoing76

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Section 5.3 Research & Monitoring5.3.1 Assessment of Juvenile Salmonid ProductionAction5.3.1.aDescriptionDecide on the best methodology for futuremonitoring programmesReactive orProactiveProactiveTimescaleCompleteend 20095.3.1.bContinue to monitor juvenile production in allcatchmentsProactive Ongoing5.3.1.c Ensure all staff are trained to SFCC standards Proactive Ongoing5.3.2 Assessment of River HabitatsAction5.3.2.aDescriptionAnalyse correlations between juvenilesalmonid densities and the habitatcharacteristics assessed at each electrofishingsiteReactive orProactiveProactive5.3.2.b Identify areas in need of habitat enhancement ProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoing5.3.2.cEnsure all permanent and temporary staff aretrained to SFCC standardsProactiveOngoing5.3.3 Assessment of Adult Salmonid StocksAction5.3.3.a5.3.3.bDescriptionTry to increase the accuracy of salmon andsea trout rod catch figure returns byimplementing the Conservation of Salmon(Collection of Statistics) Regulations (2006,Scottish statutory instrument No. 572).Try to improve knowledge of CPUE used in rodcatch return figures by running fishing events5.3.4 Assessment of Water QualityAction5.3.4.a5.3.4.b5.3.4.cDescriptionContinue to expand invertebrate surveyprogramme by concentrating upon one subcatchment per yearInform SEPA of any areas where surveys maysuggest pollution incidents etcEnsure all staff are trained to RiverflyPartnership standardsReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveReactive orProactiveProactiveReactiveProactiveTimescaleAnnuallyAnnuallyTimescaleOngoingOngoingOngoing77

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.5 Assessment of Salmonid Population StructuringAction5.3.5.a5.3.5.b5.3.5.c5.3.5.dDescriptionContinue and expand involvement inpopulation structuring programmes in thecatchmentIncrease understanding of such as thegenetics processes behind the populationprogrammesEnsure full participation of the RADSFB withinitiatives such as the SALSEA Merge project(project looking at the marine survival anddistribution of salmon from different regions ofEurope).Collect all the samples required in the CelticSea Trout ProjectReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoing50% ofrequiredsamplesalreadycollected,remainingwill becollected inthe summer2009Many of thesamplesrequiredalreadycollectedbutcollectionwill continuein 2009 –115.3.6 Assessment of Nonsalmonid Stocks.Action5.3.6.a5.3.6.b5.3.6.c5.3.6.d5.3.6.eDescriptionEnsure that all species are recorded as routinewhen undertaking electrofishing surveys forsalmonidsContinue to develop methods for seine nettingon the river.Ensure that scales and fin clips are taken andstored appropriately when sampling.Increase the amount of data taken for at riskspecies such as eels.Develop angler databases for fish other thansalmon and sea trout.Reactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingOngoingOngoingOngoingOngoing78

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.3.7 Other Research InvolvementAction Description Reactive orProactive5.3.7.a Continue to assist any research projects Proactiveundertaken by outside agencies within thecatchment where possible5.3.7.b Continue to undertake and attempt to expand Proactiveany new lines of research within the catchmentwhere possible5.3.7.c Continue to collect and improve data on Proactivepiscivorous birds.TimescaleOngoingOngoingOngoing79

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.4 Fisheries Enhancements5.4.1 Habitat EnhancementsAction5.4.1.a5.4.1.b5.4.1.cDescriptionComplete the Sulwath Connections projectwithin the agreed timescale (May 2010).Liaise with farmers and landowners to discussthe possibility of further habitat enhancementworkUse habitat and population data to assessareas in need of enhancement5.4.2 Hatchery ActivitiesAction5.4.2.a5.4.2.b5.4.2.c5.4.2.dDescriptionUsing the best practice information available,further refine stocking strategies to ensure thatthey are successful and do not compromisethe Annan’s natural stock diversityUsing egg boxes, monitor the ova to hatchsurvival in all areas that stocking takes placeContinue to remove obstructions to reduce theneed for hatchery intervention with the longterm aim being to close the hatchery down(Small facility could be kept for educationpurposes)Collect fin clips from adults in the hatchery forgenetic analysis and set up a reciprocalmonitoring program in the rod and net fisheriesto determine hatchery returnsReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescale18 monthsOngoingOngoingTimescaleOngoing2008 - 2011Ongoing2008 - 201380

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.4.3 Encouragement of Catch and ReleaseAction5.4.3.a5.4.3.b5.4.3.c5.4.3.dDescriptionRenew current legislation on return of springsalmon for a further five year period (currentregulation falls off the statute book at midnightFebruary 24 th 2010).Encourage the continuation of current browntrout catch and release measuresEducate anglers and proprietors on the use ofcatch and release as a stock enhancementaction with the aim of moving the number offish released to well above 50%. Produceinformation on a regular basis to inform anglersabout the success of the techniqueBy working with clubs and proprietors,continually update the rules to make them asclear to the angler as possible without being soonerous that they discourage anglers fromusing the riverReactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleStart workmid 2009Ongoing2009 forliteratureproductionReviewpositionannually81

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5 Education and Training5.5.1 Ensure that school children are aware of fisheries issues.Action Description Reactive orProactive5.5.1.a Contact all the primary schools in theProactivecatchment and offer the Salmon in theclassroom project to them. Aim to complete aprogramme with at least four schools per year5.5.1.b With project partners, link the Fishing for ProactiveKnowledge project with the salmon in theclassroom projectTimescaleInviteschools forparticipationNov 2008Completefirst projectsby end20095.5.1.c5.5.1.d5.5.1.e5.5.1.fComplete salmon cycle project in the Forest ofAeDevise a coordinated Primary Schools planwith Barony College for the promotion of all‘teacher led or facilitated activities’, gainingsynergies, staffing efficiencies and increasingengagement in Dumfries and GallowayIn partnership with Barony College, LANTRAand other Boards or River Trusts, create a planfor the development of resources to supportPrimary School engagement in educationalactivities, including offering interactive learningobjects and teacher resource packs throughVirtual Learning Environments and web tools.(The plan could be used to lever additionalfunds)In collaboration with Barony College and otherpartners, create a relationship marketing database, whereby any young person who hasundertaken an activity and given their consentcan be contacted directly to promotesubsequent activities or educational / careeropportunities. (This can be hosted andmanaged by Barony College)ProactiveProactiveOpenfacilityDecember2009PlancompletedApril 2009Proactive March 2009Proactive Data Basecompletedby April200982

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.5.2 Educate Anglers and ProprietorsAction5.5.2.a5.5.2.bDescriptionEnsure that all anglers and proprietors receivethe correct information to base their decisionsonOrganise informal seminars for anglers andproprietors to attend on subjects which interestthem and are important for future managementof fish stocks. (Note the Barony is happy toprovide the venue free of charge)Reactive orProactiveProactiveProactiveTimescaleOngoingAnnually5.5.3. Staff TrainingAction Description Reactive orProactive5.5.3.a Recognise the needs of training in individual Proactivemembers of staff and create a training plan foreveryone and act upon itTimescaleCompleteall stafftrainingplans byJune 20095.5.3.bWork in partnership with Barony College andother Trusts to create a team of A1QualifiedAssessors, developing the in-house capacityfor work based assessment, with BaronyCollege providing verificationProactive All workbasedAssessorstrained byApril 20105.4.3.cWork in partnership with Barony College, IFMand other Trusts to create a comprehensive‘flexible’ work based Learning and trainingresource, accessible to all staff (part time, fulltime and volunteers), and leading torecognised qualifications from SVQ to HND).ProactiveCompletebySeptember201083

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 20145.6 PromotionAction Description Reactive or TimescaleProactive5.6.a Continue to grow the FishAnnan brand and Proactive Ongoingencourage greater participation from fisherieswhere possible5.6.b Develop at least one good article in the press Proactive Annuallyabout the River Annan each year5.6c Ensure that interesting fish/facts/events are Reactive When thesent to the various angling publications so asmany people are aware of them as possibleopportunityarises5.6d Ensure that an annual newsletter is publishedand distributed amongst as high a number ofpeople as possibleProactiveAnnually84

River Annan DSFB Fisheries Management Plan 2009 – 2014Appendix IIConsultation ResponsesThis plan was sent to the following organisations. For a full break down of theresponses contact the River Annan District Salmon Fisheries Board atinfo@annanfisheryboard.co.ukOrganisationAnnandale Library ServiceAngling Associations on the AnnanAssociation of Salmon Fisheries BoardsBarony CollegeDumfries and Galloway CouncilFarming and wildlife advisory groupForestry CommissionFreshwater Research LaboratoryGalloway Fisheries TrustGrayling SocietyNational Farmers UnionRiver Annan Fisheries Board MembersRiver Annan Fisheries Improvement AssociationRiver Annan ProprietorsRivers and Fisheries Trusts ScotlandSalmon and Trout AssociationScottish Anglers National AssociationScottish Environment Protection AgencyScottish Federation for Coarse AnglingScottish GovernmentScottish Natural HeritageSolway HeritageSolway PartnershipSulwath ConnectionsResponseNNYYYNYYNYNYYYYYNYYYYNNY85