SFFF SG 6-3b: Regulation of Fish Movements - Summary of
Discussion Forum Comments
Transfers of Fish between England and Scotland
-"Is it OK to transfer species found in England into
Scotland?"
Yes! England and Scotland are purely political entities.
Administrative boundaries are an arbitrary and impermanent
phenomenon, and have absolutely no relevance to this
issue.
Species that we don't want to introduce to
Scotland
"Are there any species that we do not want introduced
into Scotland?"
-Opinion no doubt differs as to the fine detail, but
clearly there is the specific list in the Keeping and
Release Regulations which has been drawn up by the relevant
authorities, and the terms of the Wildlife &
Countryside Act make it clear that Parliament believes it
would generally be preferable to avoid releasing species
not ordinarily resident in GB.
Transfer of fish from one Scottish River to
another
-"Do we need any control over the transfer of fish from
one Scottish river to another?"
The scientists seem to think so. As a layman, I'm not
wholly convinced in relation to anything other than
migratory species, which I think are already covered by
existing legislation anyway.
-"Was it OK to transfer grayling from the Earn into the
Forth system?"
As per the points made with respect to the Clyde barbel,
no. But so saying, they weren't native to the Earn in the
first place, so it's something of an academic point.
-"Is it OK to transfer minnows from the Earn to lochs in
the Highlands?"
As per previous comments. But it might also be useful to
ask whether there is the slightest evidence that the
presence of minnows in any water in Scotland has ever
actually done any harm to anything else living there.
- I would like to see the movement of fish legislated as
many trout waters either want the pike killed or moved
which potentially unbalances the water itself and also the
water where the pike would be moved to.
Transfer of trout from one catchment to another
"What about the transfer of trout from one catchment to
another?"
-Again, there seems to be a scientific consensus against
doing so.
"What about rainbow trout etc.?"
The biggest single source of non-native introductions in
Scotland, much of it uncontrolled as a result of escapes
from aquaculture installations or holding pens.
While alien species should not be introduced it may be
necessary to transfer trout from one catchment to another
in the case of large losses through extreme pollution
incidents, however this should only be carried out under
proper guidance. The genetic integrity of trout in many
Scottish rivers has been changed over the past hundred
years or so through stocking from various sources. Perhaps
if stocking is required in the catchment then surely each
catchment should have its own pool of brood stock, kept in
a safe place in case of such a pollution incident
occurring. This would require that more hatcheries be built
which should only be used as a management tool when and if
required.
What happens to fish bred in these local hatcheries if
there is no annual pollution disaster that would require
their release to the catchments? Who would decide when
stocking is required and when it is not? Are there enough
properly qualified personnel to staff hatcheries and ensure
no damage to the environment is done by a rise in their
numbers?
I have these questions and many more. We should be doing
the utmost to protect what remains of the genetic integrity
of the fish in our rivers, but more hatcheries, even if
they are breeding solely from generational local brood
stock is not in my opinion the answer.
What fish are put in what river and why is something I
strongly believe should be monitored and regulated on a
National and Local scale.
If proposed legislation covered this and was made after
consultation with representatives from affected bodies such
as those on the steering group then I would welcome it.
-So what of the rogue rainbow trout that abounds the
waters of Loch Tay. In the final report nothing was
mentioned of this alien intruder introduced to the loch by
man himself. As most of us have read this ruthless predator
can and does eat vast amounts of small prey in any system
at certain times of the year.
- For the legislation on fish movement to hold any
credibility then the Executive need to take into account
the past pollution of many Scottish migratory waters with
these (rainbow) trout as they spread like any other species
of wild fish more than likely to the detriment of the
fishery.
- As for rainbows, they are triploids (or at least
should be) and as such are sterile.
However they, in my opinion, should not be introduced
into any watercourse containing a native species, or where
they may escape.
In other words, stock them in purpose built man made
Stillwater's, there are plenty of them springing up around
the country.
Responsibility for Transfers of Fish
Fish movements should come under the remit of the areas
Fisheries Trust.
Enforcement
How do you police something that simply cannot be
policed?
Fish are going to spread whether we like it or not.