"The Endrick Water cSAC Conservation Strategy" (1.

Transcription

The Endrick Water cSAC
Conservation Strategy
Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers
The Endrick Water cSAC Conservation Strategy
Louise Bond
For more information on this document, contact:
Scottish Natural Heritage
The Beta Centre
Innovation Park
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4NF
Tel: +44 (0) 1786 450362
Fax: +44 (0) 1786 451974
This document was produced with the support of the European Commission’s LIFE Nature Programme. It
was published by Life in UK Rivers, a joint venture involving English Nature (EN), the Countryside
Council for Wales (CCW), the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental
Research (SNIFFER).
© (Text only) EN, CCW, EA, SEPA, SNH & SNIFFER 2003
ISBN 1 85716 763 5
A full range of Life in UK Rivers publications can be ordered from:
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This document should be cited as: Bond L (2003). The Endrick Water cSAC Conservation Strategy. Conserving
Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature, Peterborough.
Technical Editor: Lynn Parr
Cover design: Coral Design Management, Peterborough.
Printed by Astron Document Services, Norwich, on Revive, 75% recycled post-consumer waste paper,
Elemental Chlorine Free. 1M.
Endrick Water cSAC Conservation Strategy
This conservation strategy for the River Endrick has been produced as part of Life in UK Rivers, a
project to develop methods for conserving the wildlife and habitats of rivers within the Natura 2000
network of protected European sites.
The project's focus has been the conservation of rivers identified as Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs) and of relevant habitats and species listed in annexes I and II of the European Union Directive
on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EEC) (the Habitats
Directive).
Conservation strategies have been produced for seven SAC rivers in the UK to meet the need for
management plans.The strategies demonstrate how the statutory conservation and environment
agencies have developed conservation objectives, and drawn up action plans with their local partners
for achieving 'favourable conservation status' under the terms of the directive for its listed habitats and
species.
For SAC sites, the directive requires:
z
z
z
Conservation measures to be established that correspond to the ecological requirements of
the annex I and II habitats and species present.
Appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of habitats and the habitats of species, as well as
the disturbance of the species.
Appropriate assessment – in view of the site's conservation objectives – of the implications of
any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on the SAC.
Each river conservation strategy identifies the conservation measures necessary for its SAC, describes
appropriate safeguards against deterioration or disturbance, and represents an aid to assessing any plan
or project affecting the SAC.
In essence, the strategies set out a management plan for securing conditions whereby a SAC site can
contribute to achieving favourable conservation status for its designated habitats and species at a
national and European level.
To accompany the river conservation strategies, the project has also produced a set of reports collating
the best available information on the ecological requirements of each species and habitat, while a
further series contains advice on monitoring and assessment techniques. Each report has been
compiled by ecologists who are studying these species and habitats in the UK, and has been subject to
peer review, including scrutiny by a Technical Advisory Group established by the project partners. In the
case of the monitoring techniques, further refinement has been accomplished by field-testing and
workshops involving experts and conservation practitioners.
Life in UK Rivers is a demonstration project and, although the reports have no official status in the
implementation of the directive, they are intended as a helpful source of information for organisations
trying to set conservation objectives and to monitor for favourable conservation status for these
habitats and species.
Titles in the Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers ecology and monitoring series are listed inside the back
cover of this report, and copies of these, together with other project publications are available on the
project website: www.riverlife.org.uk.
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Contents
1. Introduction and background
1.1 Purpose of the conservation strategy
1.2 European context of river conservation strategies
1.3 Protection of SAC interest features
1.4 Competent authorities
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2.The Endrick Water Catchment
2.1 Characteristics of the Endrick Water system
2.2 Reasons for cSAC designation
2.3 River conservation strategy structure
2.4 The way forward
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3. Endrick Water cSAC interest features
3.1 Lamprey populations
3.2 Atlantic salmon
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4. Conservation objectives and site attributes
4.1 Conservation objectives
4.2 Endrick Water cSAC ecological requirements table
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5.Water resources and water quality
5.1 River flow and control of water levels
5.2 Water quality
5.3 Siltation
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6. River morphology and riparian habitat
6.1 Loss of riparian vegetation
6.2 Loss of natural diversity to the physical river channel
6.3 Gravel extraction
6.4 Obstructions to migration
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7. Fish and fisheries management
7.1 Species exploitation
7.2 Predation
7.3 Introduced species
7.4 Stocking
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References
48
Appendix A
A1. Endrick Water cSAC competent authorities
A2 Links with relevant plans, projects and legislation
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50
Appendix B. Endrick Water cSAC Ecological Requirements Table
51
Abbreviations
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1. Introduction and background
1.1 Purpose of the conservation strategy
The principle aim of the Endrick Water candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) River
Conservation Strategy is to establish a framework for achieving sustainable management of the river,
based on the ecological requirements of the river’s European interest features – Atlantic salmon, river
lamprey and brook lamprey.The strategy specifically addresses the management requirements of these
species, and identifies actions needed to ensure that the aims of the Habitats Directive are met.
It is intended that the strategy will be used as a mechanism to safeguard the European site, and for the
encouragement of competent authorities, whose activities or functions affect the Endrick catchment, to
meet their responsibilities under the Habitats Directive.The strategy will also form the basis for
discussion with land owners and managers about their contribution to the continued care and
management of the river and its fish populations.
It is essential that the strategy complements other plans and does not duplicate or contradict measures
within them. In this regard, the strategy complements the recently developed Stirling Council Local
Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), and Loch Lomond Catchment Management Plan (LLCMP).The second
part of the Stirling Council area LBAP, which contains species action plans for salmon and lamprey, was
launched in September 2002.The Loch Lomond CMP consultation process, and the subsequent
development of an action plan, has allowed the identification of issues affecting fresh waters within the
Lomond and Endrick catchment through wide stakeholder involvement.
The Loch Lomond CMP Issues Report, Consultation Report and Action Plan can be viewed on the
website of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), at www.sepa.org.uk.The strategy draws
some actions from these existing plans, but incorporates further issues identified by competent
authorities that are specifically related to the SAC interest features.
1.2 European context of river conservation strategies
1.2.1 Habitats and birds directives
The Council of European Communities adopted the Habitats Directive in May 1992.The directive aims
to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional
requirements, and sets out measures to maintain (or restore), species or habitats of European
importance at favourable conservation status.The main mechanism used to protect species and habitats
listed in the Habitats Directive is the selection and designation of sites called Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs). In the case of the Birds Directive, these are Special Protection Areas (SPAs),
which support wild birds of European interest.
Sites selected under these two directives form a network known collectively as Natura 2000.The
Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (the Habitats Regulations) translate the Habitats
Directive into domestic legislation and introduce new responsibilities to relevant and competent
authorities.
SACs are initially selected by each EU member state on the basis of the habitats and species listed in
annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive.The SACs that have been proposed in Scotland are currently
referred to as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). cSACs approved by the EU will be
adopted as Sites of Community Importance (SCI), and must be formally designated as SACs by
member states by 2004.
Once adopted as an SCI by the EU, the Endrick Water will become a European site and the Habitats
Regulations will apply. In the meantime, the river is subject to the policy of protection in Scottish
Executive Circular No.6/95 (revised June 2000), which indicates that candidate sites should be treated
as though they are fully designated European sites.
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1.3 Protection of SAC interest features
The Habitats Directive applies a common protection regime to all sites selected as SACs and SPAs.The
major requirements of the directive are summarised below:
z
z
z
European sites should be managed in order to contribute to the maintenance, or where
necessary, restoration, of the favourable conservation status of their natural habitats and
species.
In European sites, steps shall be taken to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and the
habitats of the species, as well as disturbance to the species, for which the site has been
designated.
Activities, plans or projects, whether inside or outside the European site, that are likely to
have a significant effect on the site’s features shall be subject to assessment. Generally, such
plans and projects may proceed only when it has been ascertained that they will not adversely
affect the integrity of the site concerned (see Appendix B).
1.4 Competent authorities
The Endrick Water is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which places legal duties and
responsibility on bodies involved with its management.The Habitats Regulations resulting from the
Habitats Directive, place new and stronger responsibilities on competent authorities to safeguard the
nature conservation interests of the site.
General duties and obligations of competent authorities listed in Paragraph 7 of the revised Scottish
Executive Circular 6/95 are as follows. A competent authority is defined in Regulation 6 as including
any minister, Scottish Executive department, public or statutory undertaker, public body of any
description or person holding public office.
z
z
z
z
Duties are placed on the Scottish ministers and Scottish Natural Heritage to exercise their
nature conservation functions to secure compliance with the requirements of the Habitats
Directive [Regulation 3(2)].
Scottish ministers and all competent authorities are required in the exercise of any of their
functions to have regard to the requirements of the Habitats Directive (Regulation 3(4));
Public authorities are obliged not to permit developments or operations that will have an
adverse effect on a European site unless there are imperative reasons of overriding public
interest (Regulation 48).
Public authorities, such as local authorities, are obliged to review existing planning permissions
which have not yet been implemented, and to modify or revoke them if their effect would be
damaging to the integrity of European sites (Regulation 50).
Appendix A lists existing statutory plans and projects, and the seven competent authorities that have
jurisdiction on or around the Endrick Water cSAC.When the Endrick Water cSAC is adopted as an SCI
by the European Commission, Regulations 50 and 51 will apply, which specify the requirement on
competent authorities to review existing decisions and consents in relation to there effect on European
sites.
Appendix B provides detailed guidance for competent authorities, which includes site-specific examples
of the procedure competent authorities should follow when assessing whether activities, plans or
projects are likely to have a significant affect on the SAC. (Regulations 48 and 49 specify the
requirement on competent authorities to undertake appropriate assessments to consider the effects of
plans or projects on European sites).
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2 The Endrick Water Catchment
2.1 Characteristics of the Endrick Water system
The Endrick Water rises in the Gargunnock Hills, at an altitude of 450 m, and flows west for 49 km to
enter Loch Lomond south of Balmaha.The cSAC commences at a steep waterfall at Gartcarron about
8 km east of Fintry, and continues downstream to the Endrick mouth, west of Drymen.
SNH
The Endrick Water cSAC stretches from Gartcarron to Loch Lomond in the west of Scotland (above). It
includes two SSSIs, an SPA, a National Nature Reserve and a Ramsar site (below).
SNH
The middle reaches of the Endrick valley are intensively farmed – mainly under mixed-farming regimes,
but with some specialisation in dairy and sheep farming.The upper reaches are less intensively
managed, with hill ground used for extensive sheep rearing. Although the catchment retains a rural
character, settlements within the Endrick and Blane valleys have been subject to recent expansion and
development.The main settlements within the catchment are Fintry, Balfron, Killearn, Croftamie,
Strathblane and Drymen.
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The Endrick catchment contains a range of habitats
including floodplain grasslands, small wetlands,
woodlands, and heath and mire communities in the
upper reaches. Above Fintry Bridge the river is steepsided, fast flowing and upland in character. It becomes a
more meandering lowland river in the middle reaches
where agricultural use is most intensive. Downstream of
Drymen Bridge the river forms a series of meanders
where inundated marsh, swamp and carr communities
occur.This area supports the largest-known population
of Scottish dock (Rumex aquaticus), a nationally rare
plant found only beside Loch Lomond.
Rob Cathcart/English Nature
The Scottish dock is found only beside Loch
Lomond.The largest-known population of this
rare plant is found in the Endrick Water
cSAC.
In addition to its cSAC status, the Endrick Water is also
designated and subject to agreements under other
conservation and wildlife legislation.The Endrick Water
cSAC contains the Endrick Water SSSI.The lower
reaches of the cSAC are within the Endrick Mouth and
Islands SSSI, Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, the
Loch Lomond SPA and the Loch Lomond Ramsar site.
2.2 Reasons for cSAC designation
The river is of international nature conservation importance for its fish populations.The main stem of
the Endrick Water has been proposed as a cSAC for its populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar),
river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and brook lamprey (L. planeri) listed under Annex II of the Habitats
Directive.
The population of river lamprey on the Endrick is of particular importance because, rather than
migrating to sea like other populations, most adults remain entirely in fresh water.The Endrick
population has become landlocked and remains in Loch Lomond during its adult stages, feeding on the
resident freshwater fish, including the rare powan (Coregonus lavaterus), itself endemic to only two lochs
in Scotland.
The extensive brook lamprey population of the Lomond catchment also exhibits unusual features,
growing to a very large size and including a golden variety.The Endrick Water is the largest river
flowing into Loch Lomond and is the main spawning ground for salmon and sea trout in the Loch
Lomond catchment. It is one of the least modified of meso-trophic rivers draining the Central
Lowlands of Scotland.
2.3 River conservation strategy structure
This document contains three main sections:
Section 3 provides a description of the life cycle and ecological requirements of the Endrick’s salmon
and lamprey populations, and describes what is known about their current status.
Section 4 gives an overview of the conservation objectives that will enable competent authorities to
fulfil their obligations under the Habitats Directive. These objectives have been produced by Scottish
Natural Heritage (SNH).
Sections 5–7 identify management proposals that have been set out to ensure that the Endrick cSAC is
managed in accordance with the ecological requirements of lamprey (Maitland 2003) and salmon
(Hendry & Cragg-Hine 2003) (fulfilling the requirements of the Habitats Directive), and where possible,
to enhance the status of these interests beyond their current condition.
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The diagram blow illustrates how each issue in sections 5–7 is addressed:
Framework of the Endrick Water cSAC River Conservation Strategy
2.4 The way forward
2.4.1 Implementation of the river conservation strategy
Although the strategy is a non-statutory document, it is hoped that competent authorities whose
activities or functions impact on the Endrick catchment may find the strategy useful in helping to meet
their own responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations.
The strategy proposes a total of 66 separate actions, 30 of which are directly derived from the Loch
Lomond Cathment Management Plan (LLCMP).Thirty-six additional actions needed to address the
impacts facing the cSAC qualifying interest features have been proposed.
Implementation of the strategy will only be achieved through competent authorities and other
interested groups adopting and working to implement the proposed management actions. Effective cooperation, co-ordination and communication between interest groups will be required for successful
implementation. Implementation will rely on the adoption of actions and subsequent commitment of
finance and resources by lead agencies. In light of this, we have not set firm timescales for completion,
but where possible have indicated timescales for lead agencies to start work on the actions.We have
suggested that higher-priority actions be started within two years, medium-priority ones within five
years and lower-priority ones within 10 years.
For some actions, no completion timescale can be given, as they require an ongoing commitment.
2.4.2 Review and monitoring of the strategy
The draft strategy will be reviewed and updated in line with progression on national monitoring
protocols for riverine SAC interest features. In the long term it is intended that a revised strategy in a
more user-friendly format will also be produced, allowing wider public consultation.
This draft strategy has been developed in parallel with the Loch Lomond Catchment Management Plan,
with many of the proposed management actions being derived from the CMP Action Plan. In this
context we hope to build on the relationships established through the CMP consultation process.To
avoid duplication of effort by lead agencies, it is hoped we can bring together the review of action plans
for both the CMP and the river conservation strategy.
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3 Endrick Water cSAC interest features
3.1 Lamprey populations
3.1.1 Introduction
Lampreys are an ancient type of fish without jaws, scales or bones, and quite unlike any other fish found
in Britain and Ireland. Eel-like in form, they have smooth, mucus-coated bodies, gill pores, and sucker-like
mouths that contains an array of teeth.They were once considered a delicacy in Britain, and were often
eaten in preference to salmon.
The three native species, brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and sea
lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) are fairly widespread in Britain and Ireland. However, during the last
century, lampreys have declined in Europe, and rivers such as the Endrick Water that support important
lamprey populations now represent strongholds for the species.
The decline in lamprey numbers and distribution is due to increased pressures on the habitats on
which they depend. Pressures come from a range of sources, including water pollution, land-use change
and river engineering. Pollution can have a direct toxic effect, silt from surrounding land can smother
important spawning grounds, and river engineering can remove important nursery areas. In addition,
artificial weirs and dams can block migration to feeding or breeding habitats.
3.1.2 Current status and distribution of the Endrick lamprey population
The Endrick Water supports populations of brook and river lamprey, listed under Annex II of the
Habitats Directive. Sea lamprey do not qualify as part of the Endrick Water cSAC designation.There are
no records of sea lamprey spawning in the Endrick and individuals have only been observed very
occasionally. Sea lamprey are found mainly in the River Leven, and have been reported to spawn at two
sites downstream of the Leven Barrage.The river and brook lamprey populations of the Endrick and
the Blane have been found to be particularly unusual (Maitland et al. 1980, 1984, 1994; Morris 1989;
Gardiner & Stewart 1997).
Brook lamprey
The Endrick supports a large number of brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), which are found as far
upstream as Low Bridge (McEwen & Gardiner 2001).The population includes individuals with unusual
features, growing to a very large size (up to 170 mm), as well as a golden variety.
Dwarf river lamprey
The bulk of the Endrick river lamprey population are quite different from the normal form, being much
smaller (adults 170–250 mm in length), with larger eyes and black, or almost black skin.They spawn
Peter Maitland
There are three forms of lamprey in the Endrick Water cSAC – the brook lamprey (bottom) and the normal
form of river lamprey (top).The black lamprey in the centre is a dwarf form of river lamprey and is unique to
the Endrick.This dwarf lamprey is of particular importance because it stays in fresh water, in Loch Lomond,
instead of migrating to the sea.
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earlier than brook lamprey (late March to early April), and at lower water temperatures (9°C or less)
than has generally been reported for the spawning of river or brook lamprey. Morris (1989) suggested
that the Endrick dwarf river lamprey represents an intermediate stage between the normal forms of
the river and brook lamprey.This dwarf river lamprey population is of particular interest. Rather than
migrating to sea like other populations, it has become landlocked and migrates only as far as Loch
Lomond, where it spends one season feeding mainly on powan and other fish.The population is of
particularly high conservation value as it is the only known landlocked population in the British Isles.
Although little is known about the population size of dwarf river lamprey within the Endrick, a survey
by Gardiner & Stewart (1997) suggests that the population may not be as high as was previously
documented.They recorded the trapping rate of adult dwarf river lamprey, and found their results to
be lower than previous results recorded by Maitland et al. (1994). In addition, the incidence of lamprey
marks found in 1988–1989 on powan was very much lower than that found in 1951–1979 and
1980–1981.
Normal river lamprey
Adults grow to 280–340 mm in length. Because of their normal morphology, colour and appearance
they were likely to have been anadromous lamprey from the Clyde estuary. Lamprey of this size would
have required two growing seasons in the estuary. During the 1980s and 1990s, normal river lamprey
were reported to be very uncommon. It is likely that the distance from the estuary, and the presence
of Loch Lomond and the River Leven would be major constraints on normal adult river lamprey
reaching the Endrick Water and the Blane Water from the Clyde.
Our knowledge of the status and distribution of lamprey within the Endrick is restricted to one-off
specific research projects, such as those outlined above.The lack of current data on the status of
Endrick lamprey populations and requirements for future research are shown in Section 7.1.3.
3.1.3 Life cycle and ecological requirements
Brook lamprey are reported to be much more abundant than river lamprey in the Endrick system, and
Louise Bond/SNH
The Pots of Gartness waterfall on the Endrick forms the upstream barrier to the migration of river lamprey.
11
are found as far upstream as Low Bridge near Fintry (McEwen & Gardiner 2001).The adult brook
lamprey is non-migratory and non-parasitic, remaining in the river where it spent its juvenile life, and
not feeding at all in the adult form.
In contrast, normal river lamprey are anadromous, they migrate downstream out of the River Leven
into the Clyde estuary to feed and mature. Both sea and river lamprey feed on other fish by attaching
themselves with their sucker-like mouth, removing the scales and feeding on blood and tissues
underneath.
As mentioned above, the unique Endrick population of adult dwarf river lamprey remains entirely in
fresh water, migrating to Loch Lomond.Their main prey species in Loch Lomond is the powan, and the
presence of powan may be essential to the welfare of the river lamprey population. As such, any threat
to the powan population of Loch Lomond is therefore of concern (see Section 7.3).
During the spring, lamprey return to the Endrick and migrate upstream to spawn. Brook lamprey spawn
during April and May.The Pots of Gartness waterfall on the Endrick presents the upstream barrier to
river lamprey migration. A study by Gardiner & Stewart (1997) confirmed that suitable spawning areas
are localised within the stretch of river between Drymen and Gartness, and that dwarf river and brook
lamprey may have slightly different preferences for spawning.The protection of these areas is therefore
essential, both from long-term damage that might arise from river engineering, and from physical
disturbance and pollution during spawning and egg incubation. Lamprey spawn in clean gravel beds in
stretches of fast-flowing water. Using their mouths they excavate circular nests in the gravel in which
the females lay their eggs. Brook and river lamprey are often seen spawning in groups of up to 30.
Once spawning is complete, the spent adults die within a month.
Juvenile lamprey (ammocoetes) emerge from their gravel nests in summer and are carried downstream
to their nursery habitat, typically silty/sandy areas at the margins of the river. Here the ammocoetes
feed on small particles such as diatoms, rotifers and algae, turning the sediment over and thereby
improving its stability and structure. After approximately four years, river lamprey ammocoetes
metamorphose into adults and emerge from the nursery habitat, migrating downstream to feed on
other fish. Brook lamprey remain in the nursery habitat for up to seven years, emerging in late summer
to spawn the following spring.
3.2 Atlantic salmon
3.2.1 Introduction
The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an internationally important species, protected under the Bern
Convention (1979) and annexes II and V of the Habitats Directive.Throughout the British Isles, salmon
can be found in most river systems supporting suitable habitat and not affected by poor water quality
or barriers to migration.
During the last two to three decades there has been a steady decline in the overall abundance of
salmon in British waters, and declines in catches and stocks have been reported throughout the North
Atlantic region, particularly among early-running, multi-sea-winter (MSW) salmon. Despite the largescale buy-out of commercial netting stations throughout Scotland, studies indicate that there has been a
significant reduction in stock abundance.Total catch in Scotland has decreased steadily from about
500,000 fish in 1975 to approximately 180,000 fish per year in the mid-1990s (Scottish Office 1997).
The large-scale decline in salmon stocks throughout their range can be attributed to numerous factors
affecting salmon populations throughout their life cycle. In the marine phase, several reasons have been
suggested for the decline in post-smolt survival rates, including changes in sea surface temperature,
over-exploitation, impacts of aquaculture, and increased predation.
Of wider concern in fresh waters are adverse impacts on the habitat on which salmon depend – for
example, the effects of agriculture, pollution, forestry, development, water abstraction and in-river
engineering. Recent improvements in water quality have seen the return of salmon to rivers where they
have been absent for most of the last century (for example, the River Clyde and River Taff). Scottish
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SNH
The Atlantic salmon migrates to spawning grounds in the Endrick Water cSAC through the Firth of Clyde,
river systems support one of the largest and most diverse Atlantic salmon resources in Europe.
3.2.2 Current status of the Endrick salmon population
Although local anglers experienced a slight improvement in salmon rod catches during 2001–2002, in
line with other Scottish salmon rivers, anecdotal evidence from anglers and fishing proprietors suggests
that numbers of migratory salmonids within the Endrick catchment have declined sharply in the last
two decades. There is currently no routine fish/fisheries monitoring carried out within the catchment.
The only available information on Endrick salmon stocks is restricted to a very limited number of catch
records.The lack of adequate data on fish populations and their habitat, and the need for further
research, is discussed further in Section 7.1.2. Section 7.1.3 describes proposals for a programme of
routine monitoring that will be required at the site to determine the condition of the interest features
and to assess the effectiveness of any management measures undertaken.
3.2.3 Life cycle and ecological requirements
Salmon are anadromous, utilising the marine environment for adult development and rapid growth
before migrating to fresh water in order to spawn in clean gravel areas of their natal river. Adult
salmon returning to the Endrick Water have a particularly complex migratory route: from the Atlantic
Ocean they migrate up the Firth of Clyde and the River Leven, and through Loch Lomond before
entering the Endrick and finally reaching upstream spawning grounds in the Endrick and its tributaries.
Salmon, like all anadromous fish species, can be blocked by high pollution levels in the lower reaches of
river systems. In the past, migrating salmon have been reported turning back at the mouth of the River
Leven.This was thought to be caused by unfavourable water quality conditions, and unnatural flow rates
linked to the operation of the River Leven barrage. However, water quality within the River Leven has
since improved, and was considered to be good (class A2) by Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s
(SEPA) River Classification review for the year 2001.
13
Large stretches of the Endrick Water are suitable for spawning of salmon, with the best stretches found
from Fintry downstream to Meetings Linn below the Pots of Gartness. It is thought that many of the
tributaries also support good spawning grounds. During October to December, salmon move further
upstream into favoured gravel areas in the burns and main river where they pair up and spawn in redds
which are depressions in the gravel bed excavated by the female (hen). Hens will lay around 1,100 eggs
per kg of body weight. Following spawning the majority of adults, known as kelts, will die. Some (mainly
females) may descend downstream back to sea and a few of these return to spawn again. As returning
adults, neither males or females feed in fresh water, and the process of migration and spawning leds to
an approximate 40% loss in body weight.
The eggs are incubated in the redds over winter and hatch between March and late April the following
year.The newly hatched alevins remain within the redd, dependent on their yolk sac, until they emerge
to feed as fry.There is much competition among individuals at this time, with the few that survive
growing on as fry and then parr, and usually remaining in the river for two or three years after
hatching. Salmon fry and parr feed primarily on aquatic insect larvae and occasionally terrestrial insects
that fall onto the surface of the water. Salmon parr are territorial and will defend areas of the stream
associated with feeding sites.
Fry and parr densities vary considerably throughout the system, and often the limiting factor is the
availability of suitable habitat.Within the river, availability of suitable instream habitat for each life stage
will limit population size, and hence influence the river’s carrying capacity. Although areas of suitable
parr habitat have been observed upstream of Fintry (McEwen & Gardiner 2001), the general availability
and extent of suitable fish habitat within the Endrick and the Blane is unknown and would require
further research.
Between April and June the parr (usually two to three years old) begin to turn silver and become
smolts in preparation for their long migration to the sea. At sea, salmon grow rapidly, feeding on a
variety of small fish, including capelin, herring, sand eels and sprats.The amount of time spent feeding at
sea before spawning migration varies from one winter (grilse) up to four winters (MSW salmon).
During the last few decades the proportion of the adult run returning to Scottish rivers as grilse rather
than MSW fish has increased significantly, and ‘spring’ (usually MSW) salmon are much less common.
This has lead to considerable concern, as spring run fish are regarded as being particularly valuable in
terms of both stock recruitment (MSW fish are larger, produce more eggs and typically spawn in the
upper reaches) and angling (their presence lengthens the fishing season).
4 Conservation objectives and site attributes
4.1 Conservation objectives
Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive identifies a requirement for conservation objectives:
“Any plan or project………should be assessed in view of the site’s conservation objectives.”
The conservation objectives should ensure that the obligations of the directive are met – that is, there
should not be deterioration or significant disturbance of the qualifying features from their condition at
the time of formal identification of the Natura 2000 status of the site.This will also ensure that the
integrity of the site is maintained, and it fully contributes to favourable conservation status.
Conservation objectives for the site
To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (Atlantic salmon, river and
brook lamprey) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the
integrity of the Endrick Water cSAC is maintained and the site makes an appropriate
contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying
features.
Conservation objectives enable competent authorities to establish whether there is likely to be a
14
significant effect on a qualifying interest feature.Where a plan/project is likely to have significant effect,
competent authorities must carry out an appropriate assessment of its implications in view of the site's
conservation objectives, so as to ascertain whether or not it will adversely affect the integrity of the
site.
In order to determine whether conservation objectives will be met, it is important to take account of
those attributes known to contribute to the status of the qualifying feature of interest. For qualifying
species it is important to ensure that the following attributes are maintained in the long term:
z
Population of the species (including range of genetic types) as a viable component of the site.
z
Distribution of the species within the site.
z
Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species.
z
Structure (riverbed particle-size composition), function (spawning of adult fish), and
supporting processes (river flow, water quality) of habitats supporting the species.
z
No significant disturbance to the species.
z
Distribution and viability of the species’ host species (for example, powan).
z
Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species’ host species.
4.2 Endrick Water cSAC ecological requirements table
In order to assist with assessing whether these objectives are likely to be met, the ecological
requirements of the species (where known) have been identified, and are set out in the ecological
requirements table (ERT) (Appendix C).The draft Endrick Water ERT has been adapted from draft
generic salmon and lamprey guidance produced by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
The table displays guidance ranges for the species themselves (direct attributes) and for certain
predetermined indirect attributes.Targets for indirect attributes are set only where there is adequate
information and sufficient supporting monitoring data. (The proposed target ranges have not been
finalised and will be subject to review).
5 Water resources and water quality
5.1 River flow and control of water levels
5.1.1 Potential effects – variation in naturalised flow
Natural variations in flow regime occur during times of flood or drought, but adverse effects may be
exacerbated by human activities such as river regulation, abstraction, water transfers and land drainage.
Low flows may result in elevated water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen during summer
periods, causing salmon kills.
Additional impacts include loss of spawning areas, a reduction in wetted perimeter and loss of juvenile
rearing habitat (De Graf & Bain 1986). In addition, natural winter spate flows and freshets (that
temporarily enhance base-flows) are of great importance in providing the stimulus to initiate migration
of adult salmon upstream. In contrast, extreme high flows during spate conditions may also cause
problems, such as wash-out of salmon redds and flooding of lamprey spawning and nursery habitat
(Table 1).
5.1.2 Present management and issue background
Issue 1 – Water abstraction from the Endrick to the Carron Valley Reservoir
A small amount of water is diverted by Scottish Water from the headwaters of the Endrick Water in
15
Table 1. Effects of variations in naturalised flow on interest features.
Features affected
Atlantic salmon
River and brook
lamprey
Effects
Low flows may result in elevated temperatures and reduced dissolved oxygen
(DO), salmonids being particularly sensitive to variations in these parameters,
increasing their susceptibility to disease.
Reduced water depth over spawning gravels and in holding pools.
Loss of high winter flows to facilitate upstream migration.
Reduced dilution of contaminating discharges.
Reduced velocity to maintain clean spawning gravels.
Redd wash-out during periods of high flow.
Changes in water depth over spawning gravels and nursery beds.
Reduced velocity to maintain clean spawning gravels.
Reduction in high winter flows which facilitate migration upstream.
Reduced dilution of contaminating discharges.
Elevated temperatures may interrupt life-cycle stages.
DO supply, particularly to ammocoete nursery beds and incubating eggs in late
spring/early summer.
order to supplement levels in the Carron Valley Reservoir, which is a major potable and industrial water
supply. Compensation water is fed back into the river to maintain a minimal flow level.The reservoir
lies outside the catchment boundary, and water is only diverted at times of high flow when the
reservoir is below full capacity. As such, abstraction is usually restricted to autumn and occasionally
spring.There is a provision in the Water Order to ensure that during periods of low flow, water can be
diverted from the reservoir back to the Endrick Water.
The current scale of abstraction from the Endrick is minimal, and is thought to cause only slight
variations to the natural flow regime, which is characteristically ‘flashy.’ However, the potential impacts
on salmon and lamprey are unknown, and the current abstraction rates and compensation flows will be
subject to review. Any subsequent operational changes are restricted by the outdated infrastructure,
which was built during the 1930s.
Issue 2 – Impact of River Leven barrage on water levels in Loch Lomond and flows in the
River Leven
Although the River Leven lies outside the Endrick cSAC site boundary, it is important that the river
conservtion strategy addresses off-site issues that affect the cSAC’s interest features. Natural and
anthropogenic factors operating in the River Leven directly influence the migration patterns of salmon
and river lamprey returning to and from the Endrick Water.
The barrage on the River Leven is used to ensure adequate water levels for abstraction from Loch
Lomond. Anglers and landowners have expressed concern over current operation of the River Leven
barrage, and the implications this has on water levels in the loch, and water levels and flows in the
Leven itself.The barrage is manually operated to maintain loch levels between 23 and 26 ft above
ordnance datum in order to ensure that approximately 100 million gallons of water can be supplied
each day. Future changes in water demand may lead to changes in the rate of abstraction, altering water
levels and hence affecting fish migration and habitat, erosion and siltation processes. Scottish Water is
currently investigating the potential yield of combining both the Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine
catchments, alongside projected future requirements for both industrial and potable demand.
The River Leven has an extremely artificial flow regime due to the impoundment of water, the quantity
of compensation flows specified by the 1966 Loch Lomond Water Board Order, and the weekly release
of freshets (sudden streams of fresh water), which are released from dams, etc., as part of the
management of the system.This unnatural flow regime has implications for impeded passage of
migratory fish, reduced flushing of pollutants, reduced depth of holding pools and exposure of gravel
areas. Anglers have complained about the stranding of salmonids resulting from the rapid change
between high- and low-flow conditions associated with operation of the barrage.
16
Issue 2. Impact of
Leven Barrage on
water levels in
Loch Lomond
and flows in the
River Leven
*A1.1 For future review, provide information on the hydrological and
ecological effectsof the current compensation flow regime on the Endrick
Water.
*A1.2 Assess resource management and environmental implications of
changes to the current compensation flow regime.
*A1.3 Identify optimum compensation flow regime to minimise ecological
impacts, to reflect a more naturalised flow regime.
Issue 1. Water
abstraction from
the Endrick to the
Carron Valley
SEPA
Scottish Water
SEPA
Scottish Water
Long
Timescale
LLAIA
Short
SNH, LLFT Medium
Scottish
Long
Water
Scottish
Short
Water
SNH, LLAIA Short
SNH, LLAIA Long
SNH, LLAIA Long
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
Scottish Water
SEPA
*A1.4 Monitor impacts of revised regime on water quality and quantity,
SEPA
and river ecology.
Scottish Water are
*A1.5 Undertake physical, hydrological and fisheries habitat surveys of the SEPA
investigating the
River Leven to gather baseline data to inform future management decisions.
conjunctive yield
*A1.6 Review the current Leven barrage management regime and identify Scottish Water
of water from
optimum barrage management regime to minimise adverse effects on loch
Loch Lomond
levels, loch shore erosion, fish and fisheries.
and Loch Katrine
*A1.7 Monitor the impact on water levels of any changes in the River Leven Scottish Water
in line with projected barrage management regime.
demand.
*A1.8 Formalise existing mechanisms of communication between those
Scottish Water
Actions identified by parties with an interest in the Leven barrage management regime.
the LLCMP*
Actions identified
by the LLCMP*
Proposed action
Issue of concern Existing initiatives
TARGET
The draft Ecological Requirements Table states that: "The flow regime should be characteristic of the river. As a rough guideline, the impact of
abstraction/impoundment should be less than 10% of the naturalised daily flow throughout the year."
5.1.3 Management proposals: River flow and control of water levels
17
There is currently no regulatory framework to control water abstraction and impoundment in
Scotland. As discussed, compensation flows and freshets are specified by the water order that SEPA
has no statutory requirement to monitor. Scottish Water suggested that future changes to barrage
operation to improve naturalness of the flow regime and reduce implications on fisheries will require
automated barrage operation and will not be achievable within the constraints of the existing water
order. In this context, the Water Framework Directive and the introduction of water abstraction and
impoundment licensing will provide the opportunity for tighter regulation.To accomplish these controls
it is probable that the existing water order will be highly modified if not entirely replaced.
Current research into barrage operation suggests that a stepped release of water, compared to the
current weekend freshet release, could notably improve the flow regime of the River Leven.The freshet
release could be adjusted to make the release more ‘realistic’, only occurring after heavy rainfall.
Table 2.Types and causes of un-naturalised flow.
Issue of concern
Artificial flow regime
Abstraction/impoundment
Abstraction
Intensity and location
Issue 1. Abstraction from the Endrick
headwaters to supplement levels in the Carron
Valley Reservoir.
Issue 2. River Leven Barrage: Impoundment to
maintain water levels in Loch Lomond for
potable supply.
5.2.Water quality
5.2.1 Potential effects: Reduced water quality
Organic pollution tends to accumulate and be most severe in the lower reaches of rivers and in
estuaries.This can cause particular problems for migratory fish such as salmon and sea trout, which
require high dissolved oxygen concentrations. Salmon require very good water quality, typical of that
found in natural upland streams. Salmon are susceptible to deteriorating water quality as a result of
both direct point-source discharges and diffuse, or non-point-source, pollution, which arise from landuse practices or industrialisation.
Lamprey are thought to tolerate lower oxygen concentrations, but will not survive under anoxic
conditions.There is no doubt that significant pollution can eliminate whole populations of lamprey from
rivers or act as a downstream barrier to migration – for example, in the past, the River Clyde. But the
effects of elevated nutrient levels and the toxicity of particular pollutants to lamprey requires further
research (see Maitland 2003).The general effects of reduced water quality on salmon and lamprey
populations are summarised below.
Features affected
Atlantic Salmon
River and brook
lamprey
18
Problem
Toxic pollution
Effects
Direct impact on all lifestages; indirect impact through loss
of available food sources.
Organic pollution Increased biological oxygen demand (BOD), decreased DO.
Eutrophication
Increased algal growth resulting in night-time DO
depletion and potential smothering of spawning habitat.
Algal blooms directly affect the fishery and also the
recreation and aesthetic value of the river.
Toxic pollution
Direct impact on all lifestages (information about the
toxicity of specific pollutants is currently unavailable).
Indirect impact through loss of available food sources.
Organic pollution Increased BOD, decreased DO.
Eutrophication
Increased algal growth resulting in night-time DO
depletion and potential smothering of spawning habitat.
5.2.2 Present management and issue background
Current water quality status:
The Endrick Water, River Leven and Loch Lomond are regularly monitored by SEPA and results are
summarised using SEPA’s water quality classification schemes.The general water quality of the Endrick
Water is good, and its natural meso-eutrophic status reflects surrounding geology and land-use
patterns. Deviations from A1 (excellent water quality) do occur, particularly at monitoring sites located
in the lower reaches of the Endrick and the Blane. Regular sampling in the River Leven is essential to
detect any future deterioration in water quality, as poor water quality could act as a barrier to
migration, preventing the return of adult salmon and river lamprey to spawning grounds in the Endrick.
In this context, water quality in Loch Lomond is also important. Besides providing a water supply for
human consumption, Loch Lomond is also the main feeding ground for adult river lamprey.
Potential threats to water quality arise from both point and diffuse sources, including nutrient inputs,
sewage effluent discharges, chemical pollution from agricultural, forestry and recreational activities; and
run-off from urban and agricultural land.
Issue 1 – Organic pollution and phosphate enrichment
Reduced water quality in the lower reaches of the Endrick Water and the Blane can be largely
attributed to enrichment and other elements of organic pollution and siltation associated with changes
in land use and increasing development pressures. Point sources, including the eight sewage treatment
works (STWs) and an unknown number of septic tanks, contribute a significant proportion of organic
loading to the river. Discharge consents for STWs within the catchment are currently subject to review
by SEPA in response to new legislation and more stringent discharge requirements. Several STWs have
recently been upgraded to cope with increasing volumes of sewage, and future investment will be
required to ensure compliance with consents and to improve effluent quality.
In addition, the Water Framework Directive requires dischargers to take account of the impact of the
discharge on the ecology of receiving waters. From a regulatory perspective the implementation of the
Water Framework Directive is likely to instigate further water quality improvements, which will have
wider benefits for salmon.
Approximately 60% of the nutrient load entering the Endrick and the Blane originates from diffuse
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Water quality in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is monitored routinely as it supports a diverse
freshwater ecosystem, including the dwarf river lamprey, as well as providing water for human consumption.
19
sources, such as land run-off. Recent research indicates that the majority of phosphorus entering Loch
Lomond from diffuse sources arises from nutrient applications such as fertilisers and slurry to
improved grassland within the Endrick catchment (Loch Lomond Phosphorus Control Project 2002).
There is concern about increasing nutrient enrichment of the lower reaches of the Endrick and Loch
Lomond, particularly the southern basin, where higher nutrient levels and shallow waters are more
conducive to enhanced algal growths. Effective action is needed now to control nutrient inputs and to
prevent further eutrophication (Loch Lomond Phosphorus Control Project 2002). It is intended that
diffuse pollution will be partially addressed through the Loch Lomond Catchment Management Plan,
which is being developed alongside this strategy through a partnership steered by SEPA, SNH, Loch
Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority and Scottish Water.
Issue 2 – Toxic pollution
Water can become polluted by toxic chemicals through a number of sources associated with
agricultural activities, including sheep dips, agricultural wastes, herbicides and ammonia as a break-down
product of organic waste. In addition, accidental chemical spillages and surface water run-off from roads
and urban areas are ongoing concerns.The impact upon the water quality and aquatic fauna of the
catchment can be severe if such pollutants find their way into watercourses.The toxicity to fish species
is dose-dependent, and effects may include, for example, elimination of invertebrate food organisms,
sub-lethal effects on fish, or at higher concentrations, fish kills. Many of these problems tend to occur
due to poor management practices or a lack of understanding of the implications.
Causes of reduced water quality.
Issue of concern
Agricultural/forestry sources
Sheep dip
Disposal of spent dip. Poor management of
dipping facilities.
Other
Accidents/poor handling/application close to
agro-chemicals the watercourse/disposal of spent chemicals.
Diffuse pollution: Over-application/ application close to the
NPK fertilisers/ watercourse/under the wrong conditions.
slurry
Poor handling/storage.
Siting of middens.
Diffuse pollution: Contamination due to poor storage.
silage
Developmental sources
Road and surface Contaminated surface water discharges to
water run-off
watercourse.
Spillages from road traffic accidents.
Point source
Discharges from STWs.
pollution and
Septic tanks.
development
Increased pressure on existing sewerage
systems.
Contaminated surface water discharges to
watercourse.
20
Used throughout the catchment,
especially in the upper catchment.
Limited use across the catchment.
Extensive and routine use throughout
the catchment.
Routine use of silage on dairy farms.
Increased development/seasonal influx
of visitors and associated traffic.
Increasing development throughout
the catchment, increased pressure
on existing sewerage system.
Development hotspots – Balfron,
Fintry, Killearn, Drymen.
Short
FWAG, SAC, Short
FC, SEERAD
SEPA
SEPA
SEPA
A2.2 Ensure farmers are aware that problems with dipping, spillage of
sheep dip can be reported via SEPA's emergency free phone number.
*A2.3 Promote awareness among land managers of the need to comply
with legislation on the use and disposal of chemicals used in agriculture
and forestry.
*A2.4 Raise awareness of the legislation, good practice guidelines and the
adverse environmental effects of agri-chemicals. Highlight poor storage,
etc., during farm visits.
Actions identified by the
LLCMP* Forest & Water
Guidelines; PEPFAA
Code of Good Practice.
Consent required for
control of aquatic
plants/spraying within 10
m of watercourse.
PEPFAA Code of Good
Practice. Management
actions proposed by the
LLCMP/FWAG Endrick
Farm plan project
(Actions will include
recommendations from
three Endrick Farms).
Actions identified by the
LLCMP*.
Agro-chemicals:
Herbicides,
Pesticides
Diffuse Pollution:
NPK
fertilisers/slurry/
silage
*A2.7 Encourage rural land managers to undertake measures to reduce
nutrient inputs and improve the water quality of the catchment: promote
the use of buffer strips, and positive habitat enhancement techniques.
SNH
Short
FWAG, SAC
Short
SEPA,
FWAG, SAC
A2.6 Promotion of best practice (PEPFAA code) through farm visits, local SEPA
meetings, mail shots and demonstration projects, encourage the use of
farm nutrient budgets and waste management plans where appropriate (eg.
SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative).
SNH
SNH, FWAG, Short
SAC
A2.5 Continue to investigate sources and impacts of enrichment and
nutrient loading within the catchment, review and where appropriate
improve monitoring.
SEPA
FWAG, SAC,
FC, SEERAD Short
FWAG, SAC, Short
SEERAD
SEPA
A2.1 Promote best practice and legislative compliance amongst land
owners and farmers, ensure that all involved are aware of the impacts of
sheep dip on watercourses, compliance measures and good practice
guidelines. SEPA Best-practice guidance distributed during farm visits.
PEPFAA Code of Good
Practice.
Contact SEPA's
emergency hotline (Tel:
0800 807060) as soon
as a pollution incident is
noticed.
Timescale
Sheep dip
(Organophosphate
and synthetic
pyrethroid).
Recommended Other
agencies
lead agency
Proposed action
Issue of concern Existing initiatives
phosphorus target will be at least A2, ensuring no drop in class from the existing situation."
TARGET
The draft Ecological Requirements Table states that: "The general target for water quality will be class A1 in reaches of the river where salmon spawn; in nonspawning reaches the target will be A2. In addition there should be no drop in class from the existing situation.The suspended solids target for salmon and lamprey
spawning reaches and salmon nursery areas will be an annual mean of <10mg l-1; elsewhere the target will be an annual mean of <25mg l-1.The soluble reactive
5.2.3 Management proposals:Water quality
21
22
Point source and
development
Road and surface
water run-off
Diffuse Pollution:
NPK
fertilisers/slurry/
silage
SEPA
See A2.11
effluent generators without compromising water quality.
SEPA
*A2.15 Establish effective joint working protocols between the planning
authorities and other relevant authorities in relation to the development of
planning policy, and the determination of development proposals in relation
to aquatic ecology, water quality and resource issues.
Planning
*A2.16 Establish through an integrated approach to the RCS, LLCMP and
authorities
development plans the overall capacity of the catchment to accommodate
A2.14 Continue to review all new and existing discharge consents to ensure SEPA
that they do not adversely affect the integrity of the site.
SEPA
*A2.13 Assess risks of major fuel and chemical spillage and develop
contingency plans to contain the impact. Ensure all relevant organisations are
aware of their role in the response to major fuel spillage.
*A2.12 Establish specific protocols for achieving sustainable forms of surface SEPA
drainage (i.e. permeable surfaces & soakaways that reduce the amount of
run-off) in new developments, promote the use of SUDS where development
requires the installation of drainage.
Actions identified by
*A2.11 Assess the number and effectiveness of SUDS schemes currently
the LLCMP*.
being undertaken within the catchment and promote where appropriate.
SEPA is currently
reviewing all existing
discharge consents to
comply with the
Habitats Directive.
the LLCMP*.
SNH
Short
Short
SNH, LA,
NPA
Planning
authorities,
SNH
Planning
authorities,
SNH
SEPA, SNH, Short
Scottish
Water
Short
Short
Planning
authorities
Short
Short
Medium
Recommended Other
Timescale
lead agency
agencies
SEERAD
SNH,
Short/med
FWAG, SAC
*A2.10 For future review provide information on the area of water margins SEERAD
being positively managed under agri-environment schemes.
A2.9 Develop an SSSI management scheme to fund positive management
activities: riverbank fencing, use of buffer zones/creation of waterside
margins, control of stocking densities and contribute to positive habitat
enhancement (SNH Natural Care).
A2.8 Encourage the uptake of all available grants which provide financial
support for farmers to deliver environmental benefits (e.g. RSS/ESA grant
schemes).
Issue of concern Existing initiatives Proposed action
5.2.3 Management proposals:Water quality (continued)
5.3 Siltation
5.3.1 Potential effects: Increased silt loading
Siltation is the deposition of fine solid particles which are normally carried in suspension within the
water column.The fines may originate from: bankside material through the erosive action of the river;
from adjoining land through run-off and land drainage processes; or from the re-distribution of material
held within the watercourse (often due to riverbed disturbance). A certain amount of fine material
entering the river is necessary to sustain lamprey populations as juvenile lampreys/ammocoetes live in
silt beds for several years until they mature. However, once in the river, excessive silt loading can cause
a problem both in suspension by causing increased turbidity of the water column and in deposition
onto the riverbed. Consequently high concentrations in the water may physically choke fish or disrupt
their feeding behaviour and siltation of gravel spawning beds can smother salmonid and lamprey eggs
preventing or disrupting the emergence of juveniles.
Effects of silt on interest features.
Features affected
Salmon
River and brook
lamprey
Effects
Smothering of spawning gravels, killing ova, preventing the emergence of alevins
Irritation of the gills.
Turbidity can disrupt feeding patterns.
Smothering of spawning gravels.
5.3.2 Present management/issue background
Solids suspended within the water column are monitored monthly by SEPA. Results in different parts of
the catchment reflect the differing geology, with levels being higher in the lower reaches where the
bedrock comprises relatively unstable red sandstone. Levels of silt loading within the lower reaches of
the Blane and Endrick are thought to be exacerbated by agricultural runoff and in some reaches poor
riparian zone management. Other sources of fines include sewage discharges, and road water run-off.
As discussed in Section 5.2.2, the increased loading of silt reflects a general decrease in water quality in
the lower reaches of the system.
Types and causes of increased silt loading.
Issue of concern
Impact of livestock farming
– dairy, sheep, cattle
Arable crops
Forestry
Development
Gravel extraction from the
river
Sewage discharges
Intensive grazing of pasture and
Catchment-wide.
riverbanks and loss of bankside
vegetation.
Field drainage
Silt input from localised heavy
poaching, e.g. around watering sites.
Field drainage systems and cultivation Very localised within the middle reaches.
close to the river increasing silt
run-off into the watercourse.
Silt run-off – clear felling and ground
Upper catchment.
preparation prior to planting.
Surface water run-off.
Construction of bridges, overhead pipes,
Increased risk of run-off during
etc.
construction.
Extraction of gravel and access by
20–30 known landowners throughout the
machinery disturbs riverbed
catchment.
resuspending silt.
Loading of suspended solids
11 STWs, unknown number of septic tanks.
23
24
See A6.1, A6.2, A6.3
See A2.12, A2.14, A2.16
Gravel extraction
from the river
Sewage discharges
*A3.4 Promote compliance with the Forest and Water Guidelines and
promote land management practices that minimise acidification and
sedimentation.
A3.5 Promote best practice; adhere to practices that minimise bank and
bed disturbance.Where possible avoid disturbance during sensitive times
(spawning and egg incubation and emergence periods). See Appendix B.
the LLCMP*
Forest and Water
Guidelines
Development
Forestry
Arable crop
management
A3.3 Promote positive soil management (SEPA leaflet) and guidance on
best agricultural practice near watercourse.
See A2.6, A2.7, A2.8, A2.9
PEPFAA code of best See above A3.1–3.3
practice
See A2.6–2.9
A3.2 Investigate the extent and impact of silt loading
.
Planning
authorities
FC
SEPA
Recommended
lead agency
Impact of livestock PEPFAA code of best A3.1 Encourage the protection and enhancement of natural vegetation and Local authorities
farming
(LBAP group)
practice
wetland areas:
– Where appropriate fence off river margins preventing disturbance by
livestock.
– Create riverside corridors/buffer zones which allow natural
regeneration of vegetation.
– Leave natural vegetation, do not cut away too many overhanging trees.
SNH, SEPA
Planning
authorities
Other
agencies
SNH, NPA,
FC, FWAG
Short
Short
Short
Medium
Timescale
TARGET
(Suspended solids target see water quality target)
Methods of assessment for monitoring percentage fines in substrate are under development.The generic guidance for both salmon and lamprey adopts a
precautionary target of <10% fines in the top 20 cm of spawning gravels, this target may be refined in the light of further research.
5.3.3 Management proposals: Suspended solids
6 River morphology and riparian habitat
6.1 Loss of riparian vegetation
6.1.1 Potential effects: loss of riparian habitat
Natural bankside cover is important both in stabilising the banks and providing wildlife habitat and
cover. Overhanging riparian vegetation provides shade, shelter from predation, helps control water
temperatures, limits the extent of algae and macrophyte growth, and provides a food source of
invertebrates and organic material for aquatic organisms. If holding pools and spawning areas have little
cover, the fish will be vulnerable to disturbance and predation.
Effects of reduced riparian vegetation.
Features affected
Salmon
River and book
lamprey
Effects
Loss of cover for juveniles from predators.
Loss of shade resulting in increased water temperatures.
Loss of a source of invertebrates (food supply).
Increased bank erosion resulting in changes to channel morphology, loss of
instream habitat diversity and increased silt loading.
Loss of cover for juveniles from predators.
Loss of shade resulting in increased water temperatures.
Increased bank erosion resulting in changes to channel morphology, loss of
instream habitat diversity and increased silt loading.
6.1.2 Present management/Issue background
The middle reaches of the Endrick Water and the River Blane are intensively farmed, with a large
number of mixed enterprises ranging from arable to dairy farming.The upper reaches are less
intensively managed, with hill ground being used predominantly for sheep rearing. Past and current
management, including unrestricted stock access, overgrazing of banksides, arable farming practices, and
land development, have all played a part in bankside erosion, reduced regeneration and the loss of
riparian scrub and woodland cover throughout the catchment. Loss of natural vegetation has
Bankside vegetation is important in stablizing the banks and providing habitat and cover for wildlife.
25
subsequent detrimental impacts on the river system, including increased run-off via land-drainage
systems, increased siltation and nutrient loading, alteration to stream hydrology and channel
morphology.
There is a small area of conifer forestry in the upper catchment. Forestry operations can have
detrimental impacts on water quality and riparian habitat. In addition to the impacts highlighted above,
forests can also result in excessive shading and an accelerated rate of acidification. Many of these issues
are now being addressed through the use of the Forests and Water Guidelines.
In recent years, there have been increased requests for advice on the control of invasive plants, as
several species have become established within the catchment. Non-native species, which include
rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed, have a negative effect on
fauna and flora, as they prevent the growth of native riparian vegetation and their leaf litter is slow to
break down releasing very little organic matter into the watercourse.
Small pockets of native and riparian woodland have been planted within the Endrick catchment,
although this relates directly to the number of landowners involved in agri-environment schemes.
Causes of reduced bankside cover.
Issue of concern
Loss/reduction of natural
riparian and
marginal vegetation.
Suppression of marginal
plant communities by
invasive alien species.
Overgrazing – no natural
regeneration.
Clearance of natural woodland
for agriculture or potential land
development.
Coniferous plantations
Giant hogweed
Japanese knotweed
Himalayan balsam.
Widespread throughout the
catchment.
Throughout the catchment.
Upper reaches of the river
Localised within the middle and
lower reaches.
Louise Bond/SNH
Loss of natural vegetation can exacerbate riverbank erosion, such as here on the lower reaches of the Endrick.
26
FC
SNH, LA/NPA
Planning
authorities
*A4.3 Within the context of the Local Forestry and Woodland Framework,
encourage the preparation of Long-term forest plans and forest design plans
to promote the development of riparian woodlands where appropriate.
A4.4 Encourage better co-ordination of funds (e.g. FC grant, SNH grant aid,
agri-environment measures, other EU funds, lottery funds) used to improve
aquatic and riparian habitats.
*A4.5 Ensure that new developments comply with best practice to protect or
enhance the character of riparian and aquatic zones, and promote the use of
SUDS where development requires the installation of drainage.
A4.7 Carry out a River Habitat Survey1 along the Endrick and its tributaries
to assess the physical character and quality of the river/riparian habitat.
A4.9 Identify and prioritise problem areas where invasives are spreading and
target funding for clearance and restoration.
SNH
SNH
SNH/SEPA
A4.6 Identify key wetland areas which support the interest features; implement Local authorities
measures within LBAPs such as River And Burns Habitat Action Plan to
(LBAP)
conserve and, where appropriate, restore such wetlands.
NPA
Recommended
lead agency
Local authorities
*A4.2 Through the preparation of the Local Forestry and Woodland
Framework provide an overview of the current extent of riparian woodland
and identify priority areas for planting and regeneration.
*A4.1 Raise awareness of the value of riparian and other wetland habitats,
promote practices that encourage improvement of the biodiversity of river
catchments and the riparian zone to all riparian owners, managers and
stakeholders (LBAP objective).
Proposed action
See A2.8, A2.9, A2.11, A3.4
See A3.4
Forest and Water A4.8 Provide clear advice to landowners on the control of invasive plants
Guidelines
within riparian zones.
Existing
initiatives
Forest and Water
Guidelines
Actions identified
by the LLCMP*
Medium
Short
Medium
Timescale
LA/NPA
SNH, FC
SEPA, NPA
SEPA
Medium
Ongoing
Medium
Medium
Short
Short/
SEPA, FC,
FWAG, SAC medium
PA
FCN
Other
agencies
SNH
River Habitat Survey (RHS) is a method for assessing the physical character and quality of river habitats, and has been developed by environmental managers since 1994 to
help the conservation and restoration of UK rivers and their floodplains.The system uses a standard field survey method with full accreditation controls, a computer
database for rapid analysis and includes outputs for expressing habitat quality and artificial channel modification.
Suppression of
marginal plant
communities by
Coniferous
plantations.
Overgrazing – no
natural regeneration.
Clearance of natural
woodland for
agriculture or
potential land
development.
Issue of concern
TARGET
The draft Endrick ERT specifiesthe need to maintain the characteristic physical features of the river channel, banks and riparian zone.
6.1.3 Management proposals – Loss of riparian vegetation
27
6.2. Loss of natural diversity to the physical river channel
6.2.1 Potential effects: changes to river morphology
The river channel includes the riverbed, margins, banksides and bank top. Generally, a natural river
channel will have a good diversity of physical features, and a more modified channel will have more
limited diversity.To provide good habitat for the varying ecological needs of different species at
different life-cycle stages it is important that there is adequate habitat diversity of the type provided by
the typical pool/riffle sequence. For example, salmon need gravel riffles for spawning, shallow broken
water for young parr, and deeper pools for resting adults.
However, many rivers have been extensively modified for land drainage and flood defence, and the
pool/riffle sequence and its associated habitat diversity have been lost. In addition, the more ‘natural’
the river, the more it functions as a balanced system where the processes of erosion and deposition
occur in a moderated fashion. For example, the presence of hard bank protection may prevent localised
bank erosion but can accelerate and re-direct flow, causing increased erosion further downstream
Effects of reduced channel diversity on interest features.
Features affected
Salmon
River and brook
lamprey
Effects
Loss of diversity of water depths, current velocities and substrate types
necessary to fulfil the different spawning, juvenile and migratory requirements.
In-river structures may obstruct migration.
Increased silt loading and direct disturbance during development works.
Loss of diversity of water depths, current velocities and substrate types
necessary to fulfil the different spawning, juvenile and migratory requirements.
In-river structures may obstruct migration.
Increased silt loading and direct disturbance during development works.
6.2.2 Present management/Issue background
Erosion and flooding have been identified as major issues of concern within the catchment.There is a
wide range of river engineering work that is currently outside the remit of the local authority land-use
planning system. For example, river engineering work by landowners is largely outside planning control,
and pressure to constrain erosion and to protect land from flooding has resulted in piecemeal
development of bank protection works along the river with little regard for other riparian owners.
It should be noted that when the Endrick is adopted as an SCI by the EC, Regulation 60 of the Habitats
Regulations (1994) will apply to all river engineering activities. Regulation 60 stipulates that any
operations likely to significantly affect a European site will be prevented from benefiting from permitted
development rights unless the planning authority has decided, following consultation with SNH, that the
proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of the site.The condition applies without exception to
all forms of permitted development. In the medium to long term, all river engineering works, including
those subject to current forms of legislative control (eg.Town and Country Planning Act), will be
regulated under new controls required by the Water Framework Directive.
Artificial reinforcement of the river banks, while helping to stabilise them, can have several impacts,
increased erosion downstream; alteration of channel shape; loss of bank and marginal vegetation, and a
reduced natural injection of sediment into the channel, which results in a general loss of habitat for fish
populations.The past use of readily available materials for bank protection, such as old cars and building
rubble, has further implications due to potential contamination risks.
Existing in-river structures such as breakwaters, weirs and boulder placement are evident of past
fisheries management intervention. Such schemes are often intended to improve fishing opportunities,
but their success can be varied. Even where successful in improving fishing opportunities, many schemes
can have adverse and unforeseen impacts. In some cases, the river channel has become unstable with
altered patterns of erosion and deposition causing serious problems both for the original structure as
28
well as other upstream and/or downstream interests. Changes to natural channel morphology and a
subsequent reduction in channel diversity may also have a detrimental effect on the extent of
spawning/breeding grounds for fish.
As mentioned in Section 6.1.2, rates of bank erosion can be exacerbated due to a lack of natural
riparian vegetation, agricultural practices and access of livestock to the riverbank.The Endrick Water is
a high-energy spate river, and consequently, the long-term history of channel migration in the lower
reaches and its highly erosive nature will influence future management options.
Factors affecting natural channel diversity.
Issue of concern
Fishery management (groynes,
Disruption of natural fluvial
weirs, in-river boulder placement, processes, potential loss
pool creation).
of fish habitat.
Bank erosion protection – hard Loss of habitat.
engineering (gabions, rip-rap,
Disruption of natural
concrete/stone block work).
fluvial processes.
Bank erosion protection – soft Requires commitment to long-term
engineering (willow spiling,
maintenance.
faggoting, etc.)
Dredging – extraction of
Disruption of natural fluvial
river gravels.
processes.
Construction – bridges,
Potential temporary and permanent
overhead lines, pipe crossings.
damage to river channel and banks.
Flood protection works
Reduction in adjacent wetland
(embankments, channel
habitat. Potential disruption to
reprofiling & repositioning).
hydrological regime.
Middle and upper reaches.
Catchment-wide.
Catchment-wide.
20–30 known active sites on
the Endrick.
Catchment-wide.
Catchment-wide.
Bridge construction on the river can lead to disturbance and erosion. However, construction of this
pipeline at Ballochruin was carried out under planning conditions specified by SNH, including the supervision
of works by Stirling Council, to minimise the effects on the river and its diversity.
29
6.2.3 Management proposals – changes to channel morphology
30
Dredging
Extraction of river
gravels.
Good practice
handbook – Farming
and Watercourse
Management.
Bank erosion.
Bank protection
works (e.g.
gabions, rip-rap,
willow spiling, etc.)
the LLCMP*
Best-practice
guidance – Managing
River Habitats for
Fisheries.
Fisheries
management (e.g.
groynes, weirs,
restoration, inriver boulder
placement).
Planning
Short
Authorities
SEPA
SNH
A5.6 Where appropriate promote use of sustainable 'soft' engineering
methods, and move away from hard engineering which accentuates
problems for other riparian owners.
See A6.1, A6.2, A6.3.
See A3.1, A4.3.
SNH, SEPA
Planning
Authorities
*A5.5 Through the planning system, ensure that future bank modifications
are carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines and include
measures to enhance river habitat.
Short
Medium
LA, SEPA,
SNH,
Scottish
Water
NPA
Ongoing
Medium
*A5.4 Establish a working group to raise awareness among land managers
of the causes and impacts of bank and shoreline erosion. Promote best
practice and encourage them to seek site-specific advice and adopt
measures to improve water margins.
SNH, LLFT
Short
Timescale
SNH/Planning
authorities
LLAIA
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
SNH
A5.3 Consult SNH over any proposed bank protection/flood defence
works, and the local authority where bank protection works require
planning permission.
A5.2 Identify and prioritise areas where restoration could improve the
river both in terms of its physical and biological diversity and as a habitat
for fish.
A5.1 Consult SNH over any proposed channel management works for
fishing improvement and fish habitat rehabilitation/restoration, encourage
land managers to seek site-specific advice.
TARGET
The draft Endrick Ecological Requirements T able specifies the need to maintain the characteristic physical features of the river channel, banks and riparian zone. In
addition, new operations that widen, deepen, and/or straighten the channel reducing variations in habitat will not be acceptable within the SAC, while restoration may
be needed in some reaches.
Flood protection Actions identified by
works
the LLCMP*
(embankments,
channel reprofiling
& repositioning).
Construction –
bridges, overhead
lines, pipe
crossings.
See above A5.3, A5.6, A4.3.
*A5.10 Identify areas of the catchment where land management practices
could accommodate periodic flooding and natural river channel migration,
providing benefits of reduced downstream flood risk and wetland habitat
creation.
LA (LBAP
Group)
*A5.9 Establish an appropriate mechanism to address flood appraisal issues Planning
across the catchment.
authorities
A5.8 Discourage in-channel works/access particularly at sites near
Planning
spawning areas.Where construction involves instream access/works, aim to authorities
confine construction between mid-June to September outside sensitive
periods for salmon and lamprey.
SEPA SNH
SNH/SEPA
Recommended Other
agencies
lead agency
SNH/SEPA
A5.7 Adopt appropriate mechanisms to prevent construction materials and Planning
soil entering the watercourse. Abide by SEPA construction guidelines.
authorities
Medium
Short
Short
Short
Timescale
31
6.3. Gravel extraction
6.3.1 Potential effects: gravel extraction
Gravel extraction from the river channel has a direct impact on both the extent and quality of lamprey
and salmon spawning habitat. Extraction also has an effect on the distribution of different sizes of
sediment within the river, as particular grades are preferentially extracted. Gravel extraction causes a
variety of channel alterations over different spatial and temporal scales.
In addition, in-channel extraction by machinery causes local habitat disturbance and damage, but also
the re-suspension of sediment and subsequent siltation.The removal of thin layers of gravel from the
bed of the channel can destroy the existing gravel layer and fines can be eroded, transported and
deposited at downstream locations. It is well established that large scale, in-stream gravel extraction
can led to major channel adjustment and the subsequent loss of habitat in sensitive environments.
Effects of gravel extraction on interest features.
Features affected
Salmon
River and brook
lamprey
Effects
Reduced quantity and quality of spawning grounds.
Reduced quantity and quality of holding pools for salmon parr/adults.
Damage to eggs and alevin during spawning season.
Disturbance to habitats through the use of heavy machinery within channel.
Increased siltation downstream of extraction site.
Loss of sediment from the system leading to potential downstream erosional
impacts.
Reduced quantity and quality of spawning grounds.
Reduced quantity and quality of nursery areas for juvenile lampreys at, or
downstream of, the site.
Damage to ammocoetes during spawning season.
Damage to ammocoete habitats through the use of heavy machinery within
channel.
Loss of sediment from the system leading to potential downstream erosional
impacts.
There is a long history and culture of private gravel extraction in the Endrick Water catchment,
encompassing both low-to-moderate annual extraction for private use and larger-scale amounts for
one-off or staged projects. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) gravel extraction from the
Endrick SSSI is listed as a potentially damaging operation, and landowners extracting gravel for on-farm
use under the General Permitted Development Order therefore legally require written consent from
SNH.
The scale and extent of current and past extraction practices, and the subsequent effects on river
sediment and freshwater species, was relatively unknown.This led to SNH commissioning two research
projects; the first used a sediment budget model to calculate bar sediment storage, transportation and
deposition for the main stem of the Endrick (McEwen & Lewis 1999).The second research study built
on the sediment budget work, but investigated in detail the effects of gravel extraction on salmon and
lamprey habitat (McEwen & Gardiner 2001).
Based on recommendations specified by the research, during the early part of 2002 it was possible to
review the majority of gravel extraction consents and impose site-specific conditions on sustainable
levels of use in agreement with the landowner. Once the Endrick is adopted as an SCI and subsequently
designated as an SAC (expected to be in 2004), operations that may damage the integrity of a
European site will no longer qualify as permitted development.Thus, activities likely to have a significant
effect on the site, such as gravel extraction, will require planning consent from the local authority.
Landowners/developers should bear in mind that if they proceed with a development in or near a
32
Louise Bond/SNH
There are several gravel extraction sites in the cSAC, which will require planning consent once the Endrick
has been adopted as an SAC.
European site on the assumption that it benefits from a permitted development right, without first
checking whether it is likely to have a significant effect on the site, they run the risk of undertaking the
project without the benefit of planning permission and being liable to enforcement proceedings.
Proposals to control gravel extraction and other river engineering activities (for example, bank
protection works) will eventually be introduced through the Water Environment and Water Services
(Scotland) Bill.
Issue of concern
Private extraction
Extraction of gravel for private use, e.g. hard
base for farm buildings. Removal of perceived
flood risk.
20–30 known active
sites on the Endrick
33
34
the LLCMP*
In agreement with
landowners, consents
were reviewed
during 2002 and
subject to sitespecific conditions on
sustainable levels of
use1.
A6.3 In 5–6 years repeat survey work to assess changes in the sediment,
replenishment of extraction sites, review gravel extraction consents
accordingly (or assess planning applications for extraction accordingly).
*A6.2 Promote awareness among land managers of the impacts of gravel
extraction and encourage appropriate management of gravel extraction
from sensitive areas.
*A6.1 Continue to work with landowners to minimise the impacts of
gravel extraction in the Endrick and agree sustainable levels of use based
on results of SNH's 2001 report. Administer consents for gravel
extraction through the SSSI consents procedure and (after confirmation of
the SAC) through the planning system.
SNH
SNH
Planning
authorities
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
SNH
Planning
authorities
Long
Short
Timescale
Extraction Best Practice
For each site the consent specifies:
- The maximum amount of gravel that can be extracted per year. (sustainable level of extraction are calculated based on sediment availability and the site's sensitivity to extraction).
- That gravel should be extracted from the landward side of bars or abandoned palaeochannels.
- That gravel should be extracted to a greater depth reducing the scale of impact on surface area of the gravel bar, producing temporary backwaters for fish.
- No machinery should enter the watercourse.
- Extraction should take place between mid-June to Sept to avoid spawning, egg incubation periods, and allow recovery of sediment character through natural reworking.
1Gravel
Private gravel
extraction.
6.3.3 Management Proposals- Gravel extraction
6.4 Obstructions to migration
6.4.1 Potential effects: Barriers preventing migration
These include permanent natural features, such as impassable falls, temporary natural features, such as
tree dams, or engineered structures, including dams, weirs, fords and culverts. Natural barriers, such as
the Pots of Gartness waterfall, influence the natural distribution of species and may allow development
of genetically isolated populations, and should not be circumvented. Artificial barriers, however, can
significantly impair the ability of adults to reach upstream spawning grounds, and impede smolts and
lamprey migrating downstream.
In a wider context, coarse woody debris in the channel should not be removed, as it provides an
extremely valuable component of the physical stream habitat, providing vital in-stream cover for fish
and other wildlife.
Effects of migration barriers on interest features
Features affected
Atlantic Salmon
River lamprey
Effects
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
passage
passage
passage
passage
upstream to spawning grounds for returning adults.
downstream for migrating smolts.
upstream to spawning grounds for returning adults.
downstream for newly developed adults.
Water levels in Loch Lomond and the River Leven are linked to the control and operation of the River
Leven barrage (refer to Section 6.1). Artificial river flows may impede the passage of migratory fish
entering Loch Lomond and thus the Endrick Water.The barrage may also be a constraint on the normal
form of river lamprey migrating to the Endrick and Blane from the Clyde. Barriers on the Endrick and
Blane that are likely to be passable, or that have been modified to allow migration (for example, fish
ladders), include weirs and road culverts. However, a walk-over survey may be required to map such
existing structures and assess their passability to both salmon and lamprey under different flow
conditions, particularly as many old structures have been subject to continuous erosion and disrepair
and may impede fish passage.
Louise Bond/SNH
The barrage on the River Leven controls water levels for public water abstraction from Loch Lomond, so can
affect natural channel diversity and migration in the cSAC.
35
36
No known barriers.
Incomplete information on minor
barriers throughout the catchment.
Barriers to lamprey movement.
River Leven, Balloch.
Barriers to salmon movement.
Leven barrage (artificial flow regime)
(see Section 6.1).
Barriers to
Salmon ladder exists See A1.5–A1.10
salmonid and
on the River Leven
lamprey migration. barrage.
A7.1 When carrying out future fish monitoring surveys/River Habitat
Surveys identify, map location and determine the significance of any
potential barriers to migration.
SNH
Timescale
LLAIA, LLFT Medium
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
TARGET
No artificial barriers significantly impairing adult salmon and lamprey from reaching existing and historical spawning grounds, and smolts and river lamprey from
reaching the sea.
6.4.3 Management proposals: Barriers
Issue of concern
Artificial barriers
to migration.
Types of barriers to migration
7. Fish and fisheries management
7.1 Species exploitation
7.1.1 Potential effects: Species exploitation
Freshwater fish, especially salmon, are a valuable natural heritage asset, which can best be protected
through positive management based on ecological criteria. Exploitation of salmonids and coarse fish
within the SAC boundary (for example, angling and poaching) obviously has direct impacts on the
target species, but may also have indirect impacts on other species. Furthermore, associated
management practices may disrupt surrounding habitats.
For migratory species such as salmon, exploitation beyond the SAC boundaries (for example, high-seas
fisheries, coastal and estuarine nets) also needs to be considered. For the salmonid fisheries to remain
sustainable they require healthy and sustainable fish populations. Fish need good habitat and water
quality and a balance should be struck between exploitation and conservation. A crucial element in
positive management is adequate information about the status of populations and the conditions the
species require if they are to continue to thrive.
Effects of species exploitation on the interest features.
Features affected
Salmon
Brook and river
lamprey
Effects
Loss of adults returning to spawn results in reduced total egg deposition and
decreased population size.
Use of hatcheries for restocking can reduce genetic integrity.
Loss of adults (may be used as pike fishing bait) results in reduced total egg
deposition and decreased population size.
Weirs built for angling purposes may obstruct lamprey migration. Deflectors
can reduce the availability of nursery areas.
The Endrick salmon stocks are exploited in a number of ways: high-seas interceptory net fisheries
(mixed stock); coastal fixed nets; Firth of Clyde commercial nets; rods and poaching. All of these have
an impact on salmon to a lesser or greater degree.With the exception of high-seas fisheries, which
require international co-operation, all other forms of exploitation can potentially be controlled via
national legislation, fishing effort and gear restrictions.
Throughout Scotland considerable progress in preserving salmon stocks has been made by the Salmon
Conservation Trust and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (UK) by negotiating the acquisition of netting
rights, which are then not exercised. Salmon, including post-smolts, may also be taken as a bycatch in
commercial fisheries for other species, although this cannot be reliably quantified.There is also concern
that the increased industrial fishing for sand eels may be having a significant impact on the availability of
food sources for salmon during their marine phase.
In Scotland, fishing rights are private and transferable. Salmon fishing rights are heritable titles, which
may be held with or separate from the land, and carry with them the right to fish for brown trout and
other freshwater fish. On the Endrick, as elsewhere in Scotland, angling is restricted by the ownership
of fishing rights and is regulated by permits (both LLAIA members and private proprietors) for salmon
and sea trout only. Closed seasons and some gear restrictions do apply.The weekly close time for rods
is Sunday, and this applies throughout Scotland. On the Endrick the fishing season applies between July
to 31st October, and anglers are restricted to fly-fishing only. On the Leven, fishing is available from the
11th February to the 31st October, and all methods except float fishing are allowed on the river.The
LLAIA actively encourage ‘catch and release’ of salmon and sea trout, and request their members to
return coloured adults.
37
The Endrick Water salmonid fishery is largely managed by the LLAIA.Through its Stock Improvement
Working Group (SIWG) it carries out stocking of salmonids intended to enhance the fishery, and a
limited amount of habitat improvement works. It also employs water bailiffs to police the area and help
reduce the incidence of poaching. However, reports of illegal fishing (poaching) would suggest it remains
a significant problem within the catchment. Unlike many river catchments in Scotland, the Loch Lomond
system is not covered by a District Salmon Fishery Board (DSFB) and therefore does not receive the
associated statutory protection, such as the DSFB’s power to impose conservation measures to limit
exploitation.
Within the catchment coarse fishing is becoming increasingly popular and there is an expanding interest
in pike fishing.The revenue these fisheries generate throughout the year is a direct source of local
employment (including hotels, tackle shops and bailiffs).There is currently no regulation of the coarse
fishery, and there are concerns that the management of coarse fish needs to be brought under effective
control. In particular, the use of live bait has lead to a number of non-native coarse species becoming
established within the catchment in recent years. Greater control over all angling activities should be
encouraged, and there is clearly a need for effective co-ordinated management of all freshwater fish
(not just the species of sporting value) within the Loch Lomond catchment.
Throughout Scotland, there is a lack of any clear management structure which applies to freshwater
fish and fisheries. Indeed a recent Green paper issued by the Scottish Executive entitled ‘Scotland’s
freshwater fish and fisheries: securing the future’ (August, 2001) sets out policy intentions and legislative
proposals relating to management of fishery resources and outlines proposed fish management
structures at the local and national level.The Water Framework Directive may instigate the need for
fishery management plans.
Within the Loch Lomond catchment, it is hoped that the development and formation of a Fisheries
Trust should help in this regard.The LLFT is being set up in response to a number of fish conservation
and fishery management needs, namely:
z
Increasing threats to native fish populations.
z
The need for scientific information upon which to base rational management.
z
z
The requirement for catchment-based management associated with the Water Framework
Directive.
The need for professional support of best management practice.
To this end, much of the work undertaken by the LLAIA, its volunteers, and private owners would be of
greater benefit if underpinned by habitat surveys and population assessments, and if management
decisions were informed by a fisheries biologist. It is felt that a local fishery trust needs to be set up to
work alongside the LLAIA to advise on best practice, and provide support for specific resource
management and enhancement projects. For any future fisheries management, a particular challenge
involves integrating the wishes of individual angling proprietors, the LLAIA, and landowners with the
needs of fish populations and fisheries at the catchment level.
Types and causes of species exploitation.
Issue of concern
Angling for salmon Reported decline in numbers of returning
salmon adults.
Lamprey
exploitation*
Illegal fishing
(salmon poaching)
Absence of catchment-wide salmon data.
Coarse fishing and management of fish stocks.
Potential for lamprey to be used as live-bait.
Unknown.
Widespread throughout the
catchment.
* There should be a continued presumption against the exploitation of lampreys within the catchment.
38
Illegal fishing
Species
exploitation
(unregulated
fishing).
the LLCMP*
SNH, LLAIA, Short
LLFT
A8.8 Assess levels of poaching and review need for further controls. Inform LLFT, LLAIA
SNH.
Long
LLFT, LLAIA Long
SNH
A8.7 In partnership with interested groups produce a leaflet promoting
best-practice fishing; methods to reduce exploitation; and how to avoid the
introduction of non-native species.
Short
LLAIA
LLFT
A8.6 Actively encourage 'catch and release' of rod-caught salmon,
investigate the need for compulsory return of adults during spawning time.
FRS (SEERAD)
A8.5 Encourage anglers to record all fish caught (including released fish).
Issue information to anglers on the importance of reporting catches and
include catch return forms.
Short
SNH.
Medium
*A8.4 Support the development of the LLFT to improve the scientific basis LLAIA
for fisheries management (and its membership of the Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre).
LLAIA
LLAIA, LLFT Long
LLFT
A8.3 Discuss proposals to ultimately develop and implement objective-led, SNH, SEPA
catchment-based fishery management plans that include all freshwater
species, that are consistent with natural heritage objectives and wider water
and land-use needs. (The Water Framework Directive may instigate the
need for fishery management plans).
A8.2 Encourage anglers, landowners, fishing proprietors to recognise each
other's rights and responsibilities, and involve them in developing local
strategies for protection and management.
Timescale
Recommended Other
agencies
lead agency
SNH, SEPA, Medium
A8.1 Develop a fisheries liaison group to improve communication between LLFT
LLAIA
game and coarse anglers, fishing proprietors, LLAIA, SNH, SEPA and other
interested parties, promoting a wider understanding of the fish resource,
the associated freshwater and fishery management needs.
TARGET
Salmon: All exploitation should be undertaken sustainably without compromising any components of the stock.The nature conservation aim is to provide conditions
in the river that support a healthy and natural population, achieved through habitat protection/restoration and the control of exploitation as necessary.
Lamprey: Exploitation is not acceptable within the SAC.
7.1.3 Management proposals – Species exploitation
39
7.2. Predation
7.2.1 Potential Effects: predation
Predation of fish is a natural phenomenon, with fish and piscivorous birds and mammals having coexisted in ecological balance over the millennia. For example, juvenile salmon may be eaten by a
number of different predators including eels, perch, pike, trout, kingfishers, dippers, sawbill ducks, heron,
gulls, otters, and seals. Predation of very young, small fish will have little effect, as the population may be
able to compensate for the losses because of improved growth and survival of those that remain.This
natural compensatory mechanism is known as ‘density-dependence’. However, when fish reach the parr
and smolt stages, the population loses the ability to compensate for losses due to predation. In
contrast to salmon, lampreys are reported to be most vulnerable to predation when, as adults, they
congregate to spawn.
Anglers and fishery owners have expressed concern over the increasing numbers of piscivorous birds
(such as heron) in the catchment and the impacts they may have on juvenile salmon.The Scottish
Executive has produced reviews of bird predation upon both salmon and other fish species, which
acknowledge that significant impacts are possible. However, these reviews highlight the difficulty of
assessing predator impact, since this requires accurate estimates of both salmon population density and
predator feeding rates. Examination of lampreys and observations on the presence of predatory birds
in survey work carried out during 1996/1997, suggests that there may be heavy predation by
goosanders on spawning river lampreys in the Endrick (Gardiner & Stewart 1997).
The spread of non-native American mink within the catchment has raised considerable concerns.The
LLAIA is reported to carry out sporadic trapping. However, total eradication of mink from an
established area is not thought to be a realistic prospect. Any control programme would need to be
permanent, and is likely to prove very expensive and time-consuming. Regarding control, only where
there is clear scientific evidence to demonstrate ‘serious damage’ to specific fish populations, can a
licence to trap mink or shoot a specified number of birds be obtained, and only after all other efforts
to deter predation have failed (SNH 2000).
Types and causes of predation.
Issue of concern
Predation control
40
Mink
Avian
Catchment wide
Catchment-wide
Responsibility
LLAIA
Predation – mink,
piscivorous birds.
LLAIA private
owners carry out
sporadic trapping.
A9.1 Review the need for a survey to assess the level of predation on the
Endrick Water salmon stocks.
7.2.3 Management proposals: Predation
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
Long
Timescale
41
7.3 Introduced species
7.3.1 Potential effects: Introduced species
In a healthy ecosystem, there will be a balance of competition for resources both within and between
species. However, this balance can be disturbed through the introduction of native species or those not
native to the catchment, either as deliberate releases or inadvertently through ‘escapees’. Adverse
effects can include direct competition for habitat niches or food supply, direct predation or indirect
problems through the introduction of disease.
In addition to non-native fish, other species, such as the signal crayfish and the fish parasite Gyrodactylus
salaris, could potentially be introduced to the catchment with devastating effects. G. salaris, for example,
can be introduced to the watercourse on anglers’ fishing gear or on live bait.This parasite, which
infects the skin and fins of salmonids, can seriously damage salmon stocks.
Effects of interspecies competition on the interest features.
Features affected Effects
Salmon
Increased competition for habitat and food sources.
Direct predation on salmon fry and parr.
Source of disease.
Dilution of genetic integrity.
River and brook
Increased competition for habitat and food sources.
lamprey
Direct predation on lamprey.
Changes in fish species diversity, and those species suitable as prey for river
lamprey.
Source of disease.
Coarse anglers may have been responsible for the introduction of non-native species as live-bait.There
have been calls for the management of coarse fisheries to be brought under tighter control, as a
number of fish species non-native to Scotland (gudgeon, ruffe, dace, carp and chub) have been
introduced and become established within the catchment since 1980.
The spread of non-native fish species can threaten indigenous freshwater biodiversity in a number of
ways, including direct predation and increased competition for habitat and food sources.The increasing
complexity of fish fauna in Loch Lomond and the Endrick is unlikely to be advantageous for native fish
populations. For example, the main prey species of the dwarf river lamprey in Loch Lomond is the
powan.The presence of powan may be essential to the welfare of the lamprey population, so any threat
to the powan populations is of great concern.There is a risk that increased mortality from predation of
powan ova by the large ruffe population may seriously damage the powan population. Because of the
rarity of powan, refuge populations have been established at two nearby lochs. Due to the potential
vulnerability of the dwarf river lamprey population, consideration has been given to attempting to
establish another stock of dwarf river lamprey at one of these sites or at a new site.
Throughout Scotland, concerns have been expressed over the disruption and possible loss of native fish
species with the spread of non-native fish, as well as the introduction of new diseases and parasites.To
this end, the Scottish Executive proposes to make an order under the Import of Live Fish (Scotland)
Act 1978 banning the introduction, keeping and release of exotic, non-indigenous species.
42
Introduced fish species.
Issue of concern
Established populations of
non-native fish species
(gudgeon, ruffe, dace, carp,
chub).
Potential to introduce
further non-native species.
Increased predation, and competition
with native fish populations.
Lower reaches of the river and
Loch Lomond.
Louise Bond/SNH
Introduced fish such as the Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) can disturb the balance of
a river ecosystem by increasing predation and competition with indigenous species.
43
44
Established
populations of
non-native fish
species (gudgeon,
ruffe, dace, carp,
chub).
the LLCMP*
See A8.2, 8.7
A10.2 Disseminate information on the serious consequences arising from
unwanted introductions.
*A10.1 Investigate the support for a voluntary ban on the use of livebait
(except where bait fish are caught in the water in which they are used).
7.3.3 Management proposals: Introduced fish species
Medium
Medium
LLFT
Timescale
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
LLAIA
LLFT
7.4. Stocking
7.4.1 Potential effects: Stocking
Stocking includes the introduction of Atlantic salmon and other fish species to improve stocks for
angling.The introduction of salmon can be a useful fisheries management tool, but may detract from the
actual causes of poorly performing salmon stocks, masking the real reasons for decline, and is
unsustainable in the long term. Following pollution events, stocking has been regarded as an essential
technique to re-establish populations, not just for the sake of the fishery itself and recreation, but also
for the benefit of the wider catchment-scale ecosystem.Where possible, depopulated areas should be
allowed to naturally re-colonise with fish from unaffected regions within the river/catchment.
Effects of stocking fish on the interest features.
Features affected
Salmon
River and brook lamprey
Effects
Predation on eggs, fry, parr and smolt stages.
Reduced availability of juvenile rearing areas due to aggressive
territorial behaviour.
Increased competition for food.
Reduced genetic diversity (unintentional selection for strains that
survive well in hatchery conditions).
Predation on juvenile lampreys and adult brook lamprey.
Stocking of indigenous salmonid fry to enhance populations for angling purposes occurs within the
Endrick catchment.The LLAIA operate a stock-enhancement policy that aims to enhance natural stocks
by the release of hatchery reared fry every May to early June.
Within the Endrick Water SSSI stocking is listed as a potentially damaging operation (PDO), so SNH
must be consulted and no consent will be given unless it is content that the requirements of the
Habitats Directive will be met.The LLAIA has recently agreed to a time-limited consent for stocking
practices, which will enable the consent to be reviewed in the light of much-needed information on the
status of salmon populations and their habitat within the Endrick catchment.
The issue of Atlantic salmon genetic integrity and the potential impact of stocking has received much
interest in recent years. Stocking carries various ecological risks, including the loss of natural spawning
from broodstock, competition between stocked and naturally produced individuals, disease introduction
and genetic alterations to the population.There is compelling evidence of locally adaptive genetic
variation in salmon stocks, which can be compromised by inappropriate stocking. From a management
perspective, the precautionary approach should therefore be applied, based on the assumption that
salmon exist in locally adapted populations. As such, the LLAIA should abide to the following
management guidelines:
z
Continue to use broodstock from the local river system.
z
Source adults from throughout the spawning run.
z
Residency time in the hatchery should be kept to a minimum.
z
Monitor results.
An assessment of current stocking practices is much needed, particularly in relation to the location of
stocking sites, as the presence of artificially high densities of other fish may create unacceptably high
levels of predatory and competitive pressure on juvenile and adult brook lamprey. Recent research by
other fishery associations has suggested that inappropriate fish stocking does not produce a significant
increase in adult fish numbers, and could adversely affect the natural balance of other species in the
river.
45
Impacts of fish stocking
Issue of concern
Salmon and trout Potential competition between stocked and native
stocking
salmon. Potential impact of stocking on lamprey
populations.
46
Stocking sites located
throughout the upper reaches
of the Endrick and the Blane.
Salmon and trout
stocking.
LLAIA
Long
A11.3 Future stocking of native fish in the Endrick should be carried out
according to published guidance, and linked to clear approval mechanisms
and a fishery management plan.
SNH, SEERAD
Short
Timescale
Short
Recommended Other
lead agency
agencies
SNH, SEERAD
LLFT
A11.2 Review stocking consents for salmon and trout on a scientific basis, SNH, SEERAD
taking account of the characteristics of particular reaches and the genetic
composition of stocks.
A11.1 Carry out juvenile salmonid and fish habitat surveys to determine
the status of current fish populations and the suitability of individual
reaches to support stocked fish.
TARGET
The population should be naturally self-sustaining.There should be a presumption against stocking of salmon (and trout) unless it is agreed by SNH to be a necessary
measure to maintain population viability.
7.4.3 Management proposals: Stocking
47
References
Cowx IG (2003). Monitoring the Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring
Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough.
Gardiner R & Stewart D (1997). Spawning habitat assessment and survey of lamprey populations occurring
in areas of conservation interest. SNH Report RASD/060/96/N2K, Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.
Harvey JP & Cowx IG (2003). Monitoring the River, Brook and Sea Lamprey. Conserving Natura 2000
Rivers Monitoring Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough.
Hendry K & Cragg-Hine D (2003). Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar. Conserving Natura 2000
Rivers Ecology Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough.
Maitland PS (1980). Scarring of white fish (Coregonus lavaretus) by European river lamprey (Lampetra
fluviatilis) in Loch Lomond. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37, 1981–1988.
Maitland PS, East K & Morris KH (1984). Lamprey populations in the catchments Forth and Clyde
estuaries. Institue of Terestrial Ecology Annual Report 1983, 17–18.
Maitland PS, Morris KH & East K (1994).The ecology of lampreys (Petromyzonidae) in the Loch
Lomond area. Hydrobiologia 290, 105–120.
Maitland, P (2003). Ecology of the River, Brook and Sea Lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, L. planeri and
Petromyzon marinus. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 5. English Nature,
Peterborough.
McEwen L & Gardiner R (2001) Impact of gravel extraction on river lamprey, brook lamprey and salmon on
the Endrick Water cSAC. Report BAT/LG19/00/01/54, Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.
McEwen L & Lewis S (1999). Sediment Budget of the Endrick Water Catchment. Scottish Natural Heritage,
Edinburgh.
Morris KH (1989). A multivariate morphometric and mesristic description of a population of
freshwater feeding river lampreys, Lampetra fluviatilis, from Loch Lomond, Scotland. Zoological Journal of
the Linnaean Society 96, 357–371.
SNH (2000). Protecting And Promoting: Scotland's Freshwater Fish and Fisheries. Response to Scottish
Executive, August 2000. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.
48
Appendix A
A1. Endrick Water cSAC Competent authorities
The table below identifies competent authorities and their responsibilities. It is the responsibility of a
relevant authority to be aware of the interest features and the conservation objectives for the site.
Relevant/competent
authority
Stirling Council
Area of jurisdiction, roles and responsibilities (relating
to specific regulations in the Habitats Regulations 1994)
Strategic and Local Planning Authority
New planning application (Reg. 54, 48)
Existing planning application (Reg. 55–99)
Permitted Development* (Reg. 60–67)
River bank protection/ flood defences (Reg. 3)
Road improvement (Reg. 48, 69)
Deemed planning permission – cycle tracks & other ancillary works
Structure and Local Plans for Stirling District
Mineral and Waste Planning Authority
Loch Lomond & Trossachs As above
National Park Authority
W. Dunbartonshire Council As above
Scottish Environment
Regulatory authority set up under the terms of the Environment Act
Protection Agency (SEPA) 1995. Responsible for protecting the environment of Scotland (air, land and water).
Competent and relevant authority, with a duty to review consents under Reg.
48–50.
Duty to consider the Habitats Directive when authorising discharges or emissions
under Water Resources Act 1991, Environment Protection Act 1990.
Future duties under WFD: abstraction and impoundment licensing, river engineering
works.
Scottish Water
Public water authority.
Treatment and supply of potable water.
Management and maintenance of sewage treatment works, sewers, etc.
Upgrade of sewage treatment works.
Unlicensed water abstraction/transfer.
Scottish Natural
Statutory advisers to government on natural heritage matters.
Heritage(SNH)
Power to make byelaws (Reg. 28).
Duty to designate SSSIs and give consent under Section 28 of the Wildlife &
Countryside Act 1981, and to review previous notifications (Reg. 48–50).
Provide advice on conservation objectives and operations for riverine SACs.
Duty to review consents1 (Reg. 21, 27). (SNH has a duty to review consents issued
under section 28 (6) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 as regards their
compatibility with the conservation objectives of the site and may modify or
withdraw them.)
Provide advice to Relevant and Competent authorities (Reg. 48–50, 61 & 62).
Scottish Executive
Responsible for regulating sustainable exploitation of fish stocks and
Environment and Rural
promoting fisheries conservation measures, and taking action against fish diseases.
Affairs Department
Responsible for developing and implementing policy on flood prevention.
(SEERAD)
SEERAD is assisted by the Fisheries Research Services (FRS), which monitors and
advises on fish stocks, issues affecting the aquatic environment and undertakes
research in support of policy development.
*Permitted Development Rights do not apply where a development could significantly affect a designated European site.This will apply to the
Endrick Water once confirmed by the EU as a SCI. Responsibility for matters such as gravel extraction (currently a permitted development)
will pass from a matter requiring a PDO consent from SNH, to requiring planning consent from the planning authority, and will eventually be
licensed under the WFD. 1SNH has a duty to review consents issued under section 28(6) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as regards
their compatibility with the conservation objectives of the site and may modify or withdraw them.
49
A2. Links with relevant plans, projects and legislation
A2.1 Loch Lomond Catchment Management Plan
See Section 1.
A2.2 Stirling Council area Local Biodiversity Action Plan
See Section 1.
A2.3 Development plans
The Endrick catchment is covered by a range of statutory development plans.The main stem of the
Endrick forms part of Stirling Council area and includes the settlements of Drymen, Balforn, Killearn
and Fintry.The area is covered by the Stirling Local Plan (new alteration on deposit June 2002),
together with the Structure Plan for Stirling & Clackmannanshire (Approved March 2002), forms the
Development Plan for the area (see www.stirling.gov/lplan).
A small section of the lower reaches of the Endrick (south bank only) falls within the West
Dunbartonshire Council area.This area is subject to the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan and the
Dumbarton District Wide Local Plan. Drymen itself, and the river downstream of Drymen, forms part
of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
A2.4 Water Framework Directive
The EC Water Framework Directive, which came into force in 2000, establishes a new, integrated
approach to the protection, improvement and sustainable use of Europe’s rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal
waters and groundwater.The Scottish Executive plans to transpose the directive’s administrative and
regulatory requirements into Scottish Law by December 22, 2002. Proposals for transposition are
described in the SE consultation document Rivers, Lochs, Coasts:The Future for Scotland’s Waters (June,
2001) and The Future for Scotland’s Waters – Proposals for Legislation (February 2002) (see
www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/wfd).
The WFD requires the wider protection of the water environment. Additional control and protection
regimes are needed, covering water abstraction and impoundment, river engineering works, diffuse and
point-source pollution.
50
Appendix B. Endrick Water cSAC Ecological
Requirements Table (ERT)
The Endrick cSAC ecological requirements are set out below in table form.The table is based on
generic attributes and the best/latest available information on what are believed to be the ecological
requirements of the species. It should be noted that the tables will be subject to considerable change
as methods of assessment are developed within a national context.The table may be further altered in
relation to site specific requirements.
The ERT should help to inform the scope and nature of any ‘appropriate assessment’ under the
Habitats Regulations, but an ‘appropriate assessment’ will also require consideration of issues specific to
the individual plan or project.The favourable condition table does not by itself provide a
comprehensive basis on which to assess plans and projects as required under Regulations 20–21, 24,
48–50 and 54–85.The scope and content of an ‘appropriate assessment’ will depend upon the location,
size and significance of the proposed project. Scottish Natural Heritage will advise on a case-by-case
basis.
Following an ‘appropriate assessment’, competent authorities are required to ascertain the effect on the
integrity of the site.The integrity of the site is defined in paragraph 2 of Annex E, Appendix A of
Revised SE Circular 6/1995, as the coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole
area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the
species for which it was classified.The determination of favourable condition is separate from the
judgement of effect upon integrity. For example, there may be a time-lag between a plan or project
being initiated and a consequent adverse effect upon integrity becoming manifest in the condition
assessment. In such cases, a plan or project may have an adverse effect upon integrity even though the
site remains in favourable condition.
51
52
Annual mean <10 mg l-1 (salmon Standard SEPA monitoring method.
& lamprey spawning & salmon
nursery grounds*).
Annual mean <25 mg l-1
(migratory passage).
Suspended solids
Method of assessment
SEPA water quality classification.
Spawning reaches outside the main
stem need to be identified before
specific targets for these reaches can
be set.
Target
Water quality class:
Spawning reaches** = A1
Non-spawning reaches = A2
Endrick Water & River Leven.
Population:
Age
structure
and density
Adult
populations
Total run size at least matching an Rod catch data where available.
agreed reference level, including a
seasonal pattern of migration
characteristic of the river and
maintenance of the multi-seawinter component.
Electrofishing
These should not differ
significantly from those expected
Monitoring protocol, Cowx (2003)
for the river type/reach under
SNH developing site condition
conditions of high physical and
monitoring programme.
chemical quality.
Electrofishing
The full range of age classes of
ammocoete larvae, from 0+ up to Monitoring protocol, Harvey & Cowx
(2003).
metamorphosis should be
present.
Numbers >50% of agreed mean Method to be determined.
at key sites (Maitland 2003).
Target/ target range
Indirect attributes
Water quality
River &
brook
lamprey
Juvenile
population
densities
Direct attributes
Atlantic
Adult run
salmon
Monitoring protocol should include an assessment of the status of
the different forms of adult lamprey; need to differentiate between
brook, dwarf river and normal river lamprey.
Comments
A scale of five water quality classes are used (A1, A2, B, C, D) for
assessing water chemistry, biology, nutrients, aesthetic condition, and
toxic substances.The overall classification of a water is given by the
lowest class derived from these values. All classified reaches within
the site that contain Atlantic salmon should comply with the targets
given. Identify and define the location of spawning and non-spawning
reaches in order to set water quality targets for the river.
Elevated levels of suspended solids can clog the respiratory
structures of salmon and smother developing eggs in redds.The
target of 25 mg l-1 is based on the EC Freshwater Fish Directive; a
more precautionary figure has been used for salmon to help protect
substrates used for salmon spawning. Identify and define the location
of salmon and lamprey spawning reaches and potentially suitable
salmon fry habitat in order to set suspended solids targets for the
river.
At least three distinct size classes should normally be present - up to
six for brook lamprey
Methods of assessment are under development in Scotland by SNH.
Comments
Methods of assessment are under development in Scotland by SNH.
Obstructions to
migration
River substrate
River morphology
Soluble reactive
phosphorus
Flow
Maintain current status or at least Annual mean.
Elevated phosphorus levels can result in enhanced plant growth leading
class A2.
to large diurnal sags in dissolved oxygen levels.
Linnbrane (River Leven) and Gaidrew River flow affects a range of habitat factors of critical importance to
Flow regime should be
(Endrick) gauging stations.
characteristic of the river (as a
designated interest features, including current velocity, water depth,
guideline, at least 90% of the
wetted area, substrate quality, dissolved oxygen levels and water
naturalised daily mean flow
temperature.The maintenance of both flushing flows and baseflows,
should remain in the river
based on natural hydrological processes, is vital. Detailed investigations of
throughout the year). Existing
habitat-flow relationships may indicate that a more or less stringent
flow criteria for salmon should
threshold may be appropriate for a specified reach. However, a
also be complied with.
precautionary approach would need to be taken to the use of less
stringent values. Naturalised flow is defined as the flow in the absence of
abstractions and discharges.The availability and reliability of data is
patchy – long-term gauged data can be used until adequate naturalised
data become available, although the impact of abstractions on historical
flow records should be considered. Springs are characteristic of aquifer
fed rivers and should be maintained. Headwater sections are particularly
vulnerable to abstraction, and downstream migration of perennial heads,
other than in drought conditions, is a sign of unfavourable condition.
Measure river morphology using RHS, The characteristic channel morphology provides the diversity of water
Maintain the characteristic
and/or fluvial audit methods
physical features of the river
depths, current velocities and substrate types necessary to fulfil the
channel, banks and riparian zone. developed by Life in UK Rivers.
spawning, juvenile and migratory requirements of the species*.The close
proximity of different habitats facilitates movement to new preferred
habitats with age. Operations that widen, deepen and/or straighten the
channel reduce variations in habitat. New operations that would have
this impact are not acceptable within the SAC, while restoration may be
needed in some reaches.
Channels should be dominated by To be developed
Fines are defined as particles <0.83mm. Elevated levels of fines can
clean gravels.<10% fines in top 20
interfere with egg and fry survival through suffocation of eggs and loss of
cm of spawning gravels. (To be
interstitial refugia for fry. Sources of fines include run-off from arable
land, land (especially banks) trampled by livestock, sewage and industrial
refined following appropriate
research.)
discharges.
No artificial barriers significantly Baseline survey, then check every six In all river types, artificial barriers should be made passable. Natural
years.
impairing adult salmon and
barriers to potentially suitable spawning areas should not be
lamprey from reaching existing
circumvented. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that
and historical spawning grounds,
migrating smolts are not entrained in off-takes from the river (such as in
and smolts and river lamprey
fish-farm intakes).
from reaching the sea.
53
54
Stocking of other fish
species
Lamprey
stocking/transfers
Impact assessments of stocking
No stocking of other fish species consents on a catchment scale may
at excessively high densities.
be required to determine an
acceptable level.
No specific monitoring required.
The presence of artificially high densities of salmonids and other fish
will create unacceptably high levels of predatory and competitive
pressure on juvenile lampreys and adult brook lamprey.
It is uncertain whether there are significant genetic differences between
lamprey populations of the same species. Since they are of no angling
interest, deliberate transfers between sites are unlikely to have been
undertaken in the past, such that the natural genetic character of
populations is likely to be intact.The degree of fidelity to natal spawning
grounds in unclear. Any agreed introductions should involve local stock
as a precaution.
Liaison with fisheries officers. Impact The presence of artificially high densities of other fish creates
assessments of stocking consents on unacceptably high levels of predatory and competitive pressure on
a catchment scale may be required to juvenile salmon.
determine an acceptable level.
No introduction, or stocking, of
other species, or sub-species, at
excessively high densities in
salmon spawning and nursery
areas.
No stocking/transfers of
lampreys unless agreed to be in
the best interests of the
population.
Stocking of sub-species
or other fish species
Comments
The nature conservation aim is to provide conditions in the river that
support a healthy and natural population, achieved through habitat
protection/restoration and the control of exploitation as necessary.
Stocking represents a loss of naturalness and, if successful, obscures the
underlying causes of poor performance (potentially allowing these risks
to perpetuate). It carries various ecological risks, including the loss of
natural spawning from broodstock, competition between stocked and
naturally produced individuals, disease introduction and genetic
alterations to the population. For these reasons, consideration of
stocking is only justifiable in cases where population viability is
threatened. Stock must come from within the same catchment area.
Liaison with fisheries managers and
the SIWG. Further research to be
carried out by LLFT.
Target
The population should be
naturally self-sustaining.There
should be a presumption against
stocking of salmon (and trout)
unless it is agreed by SNH to be
a necessary measure to maintain
population viability.
Indirect attributes
Stocking
Salmon stocking
Fishery bylaw enforcement and angler Lamprey have recently become popular in the UK as bait for pike fishing.
There are also indications that UK populations are sought after as a
education
delicacy in Europe, where stocks are declining. Adult lampreys are
usually caught by trapping, while juvenile lampreys can be removed by
sieving, netting or digging out nursery habitat. Anecdotal evidence of
adult trapping suggests heavy losses of fish on some rivers. It may take
8–10 years for an ammocoete to reach maturity. In the absence of
adequate knowledge of population dynamics and sustainable yields;
exploitation is not acceptable within SACs.
Zero exploitation until further
notice.
Lamprey
Lamprey
Spawning habitat: Defined as well-oxygenated gravel/pebble-dominated (1.5–11 cm) substrate of at least 10 cm depth, overlain by a range of water depths (0.2–1.5 m).
River and sea lamprey typically spawn in deeper water than brook lamprey, but in larger river reaches brook lamprey also spawn in deeper areas. Area of nursery habitat:
Defined as open-structured, aerated, silty and sandy substrates, between 2 and 40 cm depth, typically overlain by less than 0.5 m of water. Slack-water channel margins are
particularly important, whilst silt accumulations behind weirs can also be valuable in impounded sections.The requirements of the three species are similar and so they are
often found in the same nursery beds, but in deeper water (up to 2.2 m) sea lamprey are more likely to dominate. Brook lamprey will be the only species present above
impassable weirs.
Salmon
**Spawning habitat: Defined as stable coarse substrate without an armoured layer, in the pebble to cobble size range (16–256 mm) but with the majority being <150 mm.
Water depth during the spawning and incubation periods should be 15–75 cm. Coarse woody debris should not be removed from rivers as it plays a significant role in the
formation of new gravel beds, except where infrastructure, human life or property is under threat. Fry habitat: Indicated by water of <20 cm deep and a
gravel/pebble/cobble substrate. Parr habitat is indicated by water 20–40 cm deep and similar substrate. Holding areas: Defined as pools of at least 1.5 m depth, with cover
from features such as undercut banks, vegetation, submerged objects and surface turbulence. Areas of submerged and marginal plants: juvenile salmon in chalk rivers use
submerged and marginal vegetation as cover. Cutting operations should aim to leave at least 50% of the vegetation. Bankside tree cover: Overhanging trees provide
valuable shade and food sources, while tree root systems provide important cover and flow refuge for juveniles.
*Habitat requirements of SAC interest features:
Comments
Liaison and agreement with fisheries Controls on exploitation should include migratory passage to the SAC
within territorial waters, including estuarine and coastal net fisheries, as
managers.
well as exploitation within the SAC from rod fisheries.
Target
All exploitation should be
undertaken sustainably without
compromising any components
of the stock.
Indirect attributes
Exploitation
Salmon
55
Abbreviations
SW
Scottish Water
EU
European Union
FWAG
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
LLAIA
Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association
LBAP
Local Biodiversity Action Plan
LLCMP
Loch Lomond Catchment Management Plan
LLFT
Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust
LLTRG
Loch Lomond and Trossachs Research Group
NNR
National Nature Reserve
SEPA
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
SNH
Scottish Natural Heritage
WWTW
Waste Water Treatment Works
LO
Landowners/managers
SAC
Special Area of Conservation
SEERAD
Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department
SPA
Special Protection Area
SCI
Site of Community Importance
SIWG
Stock Improvement Working Group of the LLAIA
LA
Local Authority
FC
Forestry Commission
FE
Forest Enterprise
NPA
National Park Authority
FP
Fishing Proprietor
56
Ecology Series
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology
of the White-clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes
of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera
of the Allis and Twaite Shad, Alosa alosa and A. fallax
of the Bullhead, Cottus gobio
of the River, Brook and Sea Lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, L. planeri and Petromyzon marinus
of Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail, Vertigo moulinsiana
of the Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar
of the Southern Damselfly, Coenagrion mercuriale
of the Floating Water-plantain, Luronium natans
of the European Otter, Lutra lutra
of Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion Vegetation
Monitoring Series
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
A Monitoring Protocol for the White-clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes
A Monitoring Protocol for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera
A Monitoring Protocol for the Allis and Twaite Shad, Alosa alosa and A. fallax
A Monitoring Protocol for the Bullhead, Cottus gobio
A Monitoring Protocol for the River, Brook and Sea Lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, L. planeri and
Petromyzon marinus
A Monitoring Protocol for Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail, Vertigo moulinsiana
A Monitoring Protocol for the Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar
A Monitoring Protocol for the Southern Damselfly, Coenagrion mercuriale
A Monitoring Protocol for the Floating Water-plantain, Luronium natans
A Monitoring Protocol for the European Otter, Lutra lutra
A Monitoring Protocol for Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and
Callitricho-Batrachion Vegetation
These publications can be obtained from:
The Enquiry Service
English Nature
Northminster House
Peterborough
PE1 1UA
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1733 455100
Fax: +44 (0) 1733 455103
They can also be downloaded from the project website: www.riverlife.org.uk
The Life in UK Rivers project was established to develop methods for
conserving the wildlife and habitats of rivers within the Natura 2000
network of protected European sites.
Set up by the UK statutory conservation bodies and the European
Commission’s LIFE Nature programme, the project has sought to identify
the ecological requirements of key plants and animals supported by river
Special Areas of Conservation.
In addition, monitoring techniques and conservation strategies have been
developed as practical tools for assessing and maintaining these
internationally important species and habitats.
The Endrick Water cSAC is of international conservation
importance for its populations of Atlantic salmon, river
lamprey and brook lamprey. Consequently, the river has
been designated as a candidate Special Area of
Conservation under the Habitats Directive.
This conservation strategy aims to establish a
management framework to ensure that the
requirements of the salmon, river lamprey and brook
lamprey are considered when any activity is planned that
might affect the river ecosystem.The strategy also
provides a guide for how the river should be managed to
optimise conditions for the salmon, river lamprey and
brook lamprey in the long term.
Information on Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers
and the Life in UK Rivers project can be found at
www.riverlife.org.uk
This document was produced with the support of the European Commission’s LIFE Nature
Programme and published by the Life in UK Rivers project - a joint venture involving English
Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum
for Environmental Research.

"The Endrick Water cSAC Conservation Strategy" (1.

Transcription

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