Sea trout gorge on sandeels around Wester Ross

Posted: Friday 10 July, 2009 @ 13:45:32

So far, 2009 has been a generally good year for sea trout around Wester Ross. Sweep netting teams have been sampling sea trout in Loch Carron, Loch Gairloch and Loch Ewe. Although fewer fish have been caught, those that have been taken have had generally fewer parasitic lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) on them than in many other recent years.

Rod caught sea trout in the River Ewe have also been in good condition with relatively few lice (usually less than 20). Some larger fish of around the 3lb mark have been taken.

There has been an abundance of sandeels in local sea lochs. Sandeels have been reported washed up on beaches near Kinlochbervie and Badachro; sea trout and mackerel have been feeding well. In early July, dolphins and Minke whales have been reported in and around Loch Gairloch.

Further samples of sea trout will be examined for sea lice during the remainder of July, August and September.

The WRFT sweep net programme is funded by the Scottish Government via the Tripartitie Working Group (TWG).