Biosecurity

Biosecurity is a very relevant and important part of the Trust work. In 2009 we produced the first Biosecurity Plan for the area and are now working with others to prevent the spread of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS), and remove any that are currently present. In 2017 we became partners in the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, updating the Biosecurity Plan, identifying and treating INNS and raising awareness of the issue.

Biosecurity Management.

Following the updating of the Biosecurity Management Plan  (pdf) in 2020, the Trust will continue to monitor and remove non native species such as Himalayan Balsam from the area. Awareness of biosecurity issues, in particular the need to disinfect fishing equipment between catchments and to report the presence of any non native species within the area, has been raised at the annual Ghillies seminars and at District Salmon Fishery Board meetings. It is important that all water users help to prevent the spread of non native species in Sutherland as at present the area is in the fortunate position of having very few.

Invasive Non Invasive species (INNS)

Invasive Plants   

American Mink   

Remember to check, clean and dry to help stop the spread of INNS!

Gyrodactylus salaris

Potential Issues Gyrodactylus salaris is a small ectoparasite that is devastating to salmon stocks. G.salaris is not present in UK waters and it is imperative that it is not accidentally introduced through the use of contaminated equipment. The 1970s saw catastrophic losses in Atlantic salmon stocks in Norwegian rivers following the introduction of the species. The parasite attaches to the host causing large wounds vulnerable to secondary infection. Intensity of infection can be very high with up to several thousand parasites on a single salmon parr. The code of practice to ensure that G.salaris is not introduced to Scottish waters can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/aquaculture/diseases/notifiableDisease/g-salaris .


If travelling to or from infected countries please take one of the following precautionary measures to ensure that watersport equipment is not contaminated:

• Dry equipment at a minimum of 20°C for at least 2 days
• Heat for at least 1 hour above 60°C
• Deep freeze for at least 1 day
• Immerse in a G salaris killing solution for a minimum of 10 minutes.