The LAIA does many other things to maintain and improve Lochs Awe and Avich as one of Scotland’s top angling locations, particularly rich in wild brown trout and pike.
Litter Collection: This can be a big problem and the LAIA depends on its members, wardens and riparian owners to help clear litter left by less responsible visitors.
Habitat Improvement: The burns feeding the lochs are breeding grounds essential to maintain stocks of fish. LAIA carries out maintenance and improvement work on the burns, including clearing blockages and overhanging vegetation, broadleaf regeneration and conifer removal, protecting spawning pools from the effects of high stream velocity, and seeking the farmers co-operation to keep livestock away from spawning grounds.
The LAIA also maintains a hatchery where eggs stripped from breeding females are provided with a protected habitat to encourage healthy development.
The LAIA also works very closely with the Argyll Fisheries Trust (AFT) in monitoring and developing fish stocks to ensure a plentiful supply for anglers. AFT is a charity whose objectives are to conserve and enhance the native freshwater fish stocks in Argyll. The Trust employs expert staff whose roll is to conduct relevant research and monitoring in order to protect and maximise the existing fishery. Find out more about the work of the Trust, including the Area Fishery Management Plans and Scottish Freshwater Fisheries management at http://www.sfcc.co.uk/ An area management plan has been specifically produced for Loch Awe which will be implemented over the next few years.
How can riparian owners help?
A “non-fishing” membership of the LAIA is available to riparian owners for the annual fee of £30.00. Membership benefits include participation in the governance and well-being of Lochs Awe and Avich and the opportunity to become engaged in the Management Plan previously mentioned, which is intended to maximise the value of Loch Awe as a healthy habitat and World-class angling location. Furthermore, with the support of riparian owners the LAIA can effectively lobby against developments which may threaten the long term environmental sustainability of an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Litter: is in everyone’s interests to avoid the lochs and environs being spoilt by litter. Help with litter collection and disposal and if you have regular fishing from your property provide suitable litter bins.
Habitats : If you have a burn running through your property help to maintain the effectiveness of the stream as a spawning habitat. The LAIA are happy to provide advice.
Non-indigenous species:A recently introduced bye-law controls the introduction of non-indigenous fish species to the lochs. Riparian owners can help by complying with the bye-law and advising the LAIA of non-compliant occurrences.
For more information contact David Price on 01866 833455 or david.struan@btinternet.com |
