Western Isles Fisheries Trust
Contact Information :
Mark Bilsby (Fisheries Biologist),
Western Isles Fisheries Trust,
The Sawmill,
Marybank,
Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis HS2 0DD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1851 703419
Fax: +44 (0)1851 703434
Email: [email protected]
The Trust
The Western Isles Fisheries Trust (WIFT), was set up in May 1996 to focus and conduct scientific research on the freshwater fisheries found in the Western Isles in order that they may be protected and enhanced. WIFT is a registered charity, entirely dependant on donations from the District Salmon Fishery Boards, fish farmers, local council, Leader and private donations across the community. The Trustees involved with the Trust represent a cross section of the Islands community and include fishery owners, fish farmers, angling clubs, a local councillor and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The aims of the Trust are not only to conserve the species of fish found in the Islands but to increase opportunities for local and visiting anglers as well as environmental awareness. This should result in the Trust�s work making a significant contribution to the economy of the Islands through, for example, increased fishing tourism benefiting local shops, services and accommodation providers.
Objectives
The Trust has two principal objectives:
To evaluate, and where relevant, restore the ecological quality and value of the freshwater fisheries within the Western Isles.
To protect and maximise the potential of an important economic, educational and recreational resource for the benefit of those living in, and visiting the Islands.
Current Projects
The aim of the research programme is to build upon the knowledge gained over a period of time so that the fisheries and surrounding environment can be managed in a sustainable manner.
A rolling programme of juvenile and adult surveys in selected freshwater rivers and lochs is being carried out to determine the status and productivity of the juvenile fish populations present and provide a baseline of data for future reference. These baseline data will be used to identify areas that have specific problems and require a more detailed investigation.
Habitat surveys and food availability studies are being carried out, assessing the suitability of rivers for different stages of fish life and to gain a fuller picture of the factors affecting the fisheries.
A primary aim of the Trust is to increase local environmental awareness and appreciation of the unique freshwater environment found in the Western Isles. One of the ways of achieving this is by becoming involved with the schools and colleges and this hands-on approach to conservation has proved a great success.
Newsletter
A Western Isles newsletter is produced at regular intervals to provide information on the activities of the Trust within the Western Isles. It is hoped that it will be distributed as widely as possible.
How You Can Help
The Trust is currently trying to gather as much historical and background information as possible. This can be in the form of personal fishing logs, natural history diaries and observations on particular fisheries and areas. These sources of information are tremendously important when trying to determine the factors that have been influencing fish populations over time and will greatly aid the work of the Trust.
You can become involved in the tagging programme either by looking out for tagged fish or by sponsoring a sea trout. For a contribution of �1, which helps to cover the cost of the tag, you will receive the vital statistics from the initial trapping and tagging of your fish. If the fish is subsequently re-captured and the Trust informed, we will update you on how your fish has fared.
If you would like further information on the Trust, have a view to express and want to become involved, or simply to make a donation then please contact Mark Bilsby.
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