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Shaping the future of the Spey - (The Spey Research Trust, 01/05/2000)
A major consultation exercise is underway to secure the protection and sustainable management of the River Spey.The valuable and internationally important stocks of Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and otter have elevated the status of the Spey to a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) under the EU Habitats and Species Directive.
With another important EU directive, the Water Framework Directive, soon to be launched a steering group comprising of the Spey Fishery Board, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Moray and Highland Councils has been formed. Their remit is to formulate a Catchment Management Plan for the Spey.
Steering group chairman, Prof. David Mackay (SEPA) who is also a Spey Fishery Board member, indicates that such a plan will help those taking decisions which impact on the river system, whether private individual or public body, to be more aware of how their actions will affect others, and to devise proposals accordingly. A plan of this sort can only be achieved through careful consideration of the key issues and through consensus of all those with an interest in the river and its tributaries over how to devise appropriate measures for the future management of this important resource.
In order to ensure fishery interests are strongly represented on the Steering Group, the Spey Fishery Board have secured a seat, filled by Colin Whittle (Chairman of the SFB). Consultation is an essential part of the process and to encourage debate the Steering Group have launched a consultative document: -
River Spey: Towards a Catchment Management Plan.
Copies of the Consultative Document are available from Kristin Scott, Project Manager, Spey Catchment Steering Group, c/o Achantoul, Aviemore PH22 lQD.
(Tel 01479 810477, email [email protected])
Please forward your comments to Kristin Scott by 17th June 2000.
Your Input Is Welcomed
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