This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Something fishy in the classroom
23/03/2006
A group of schoolchildren are taking the conservation of one of Scotland's most iconic native species into their own hands by releasing newly hatched wild salmon into their local river.
They have been taking part in a nationwide Salmon in the Classroom project lead by Scottish Natural Heritage which has involved them hand rearing 100 salmon eggs in small classroom chillers.
Today Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin helped the Tayside pupils release the young alevins into the River Tay at Quarrymill.
She said:
"The future of Scotland's natural heritage is in our hands and I am delighted to see these young children taking that literally here today by releasing these newly hatched wild salmon into their local river.
"Earlier this week I launched the SNH Species Framework and asked the public to play its role in species management by helping to identify the animals and plants they feel should be given priority attention.
"Wild salmon are a hugely important species in Scotland and their existence helps support many other animals including the fresh water pearl mussel which appears in the Framework.
"We are all proud of Scotland's wildlife and are committed to protecting and enhancing it. Projects like Salmon in the Classroom can only help us achieve this goal."