- s
(NB: Definition:
Smolt refers to a young salmon that has reached a particular life stage, marked by physiological and behavioural changes that adapt it for migrating from freshwater (where it was hatched and spent its early life stages) to the ocean (sea water) for further growth. This stage is crucial for salmon as it marks their transition between being freshwater fish (parr) and ocean-going fish. After 1- 4 years at sea, the adult fish will return to the same river, to the exact same spawning ground, to spawn, and fulfil its destiny.)
A Full project description is here:
Please help us halt the decline of Atlantic Salmon which has been placed on the IUCN list of endangered species. We are raising money to benefit a significant Tay Catchment project which is probably the most important project in the Tay system for over 25 years. This project is fully supported by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board and, at the moment, the Tay Catchment Salmon Alliance has accepted the challenge to fund it. Your donation will help make an impact.
The major project under consideration is smolt tracking exercise in the Garry-Tummel catchment where smolts migrating to sea in the March - May timeframe have to fight their way through major hydro-electric facilities - losses are considerable. We aim to fit acoustic tags to 100 smolts and then track them on their way downstream until they are past the hydro schemes and about to enter the estuary. Previous similar projects show that mortality is extremely high, close to 90%. Our project uses the very latest sensor technology and will complement previous trials to show Government and industry stakeholders that mitigation is essential to save this iconic species. Such mitigation could include stocking in rivers beyond the natural range of Atlantic Salmon (due to natural barriers) or the "trapping and trucking" of smolts below the power stations. This would involve trapping smolts and transporting them in tanks below the dams and then reintroducing them into the river.
The Tummel system is a marvel of engineering but does cause very significant losses of salmon smolts leaving the rivers.
For this project, smolts will be trapped in the Rivers Gaur and Garry and acoustic tags will be carefully inserted into the smolts. After a short recovery period, the smolts will be released to continue their journey downstream. Acoustic sensors will be placed at strategic locations to monitor the smolt passage. See diagram below.
The latest technology is expensive but will provide us with the reliable, accurate data required to convince stakeholders of the issues and to increase funding to help mitigate these issues. We are attempting to start the project during the 2026 smolt drop. The TCSA has already pledged £25000 but we urgently need a further £50000 before the end of 2025 to allow us to commit to the complete programme. Please help us complete this important project and continue our journey to halt the decline of this iconic fish.
More information about Tay Catchment Salmon Alliance:
Vision: Our vision is for a restored and thriving River Tay Catchment, where the endangered Atlantic salmon flourishes once more. By revitalising the catchment's ecosystems, we aim to:
- Support healthy populations of wild fish, animals, and birds.
- Strengthen Scotland's economy through sustainable recreational fishing, hospitality, and tourism.
- Provide a pristine natural environment for local communities to enjoy and cherish.
The Tay Catchment Salmon Alliance is a
Scottish Charity No: SC029645,
regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
Organizer
T
Tay Catchment Salmon Alliance
Beneficiary