Galloway Fisheries Trust


Galloway Fisheries Trust



 

Renewable Energy Developments

Renewable Energy developments are becoming more prevalent in recent times, whether it is wind farms, hydro electric schemes, wave or solar power.

GFT staff have wide experience on surveying and monitoring fish populations and assessing potential impacts and mitigation measures for fish in renewable energy schemes both in Dumfries and Galloway and various other parts of Scotland. GFT has undertaken surveys for many fish species including: Sparling (smelt), Allis shad, Twaite shad, Salmon, Sea trout, Brown trout, Arctic charr, Lamprey species and Eels. GFT staff are considered expert on the possible impacts of wind farm developments on surrounding fish populations and are regularly approached for advice on these issues. There are numerous ways in which fish can be impacted by renewable energy developments and as such there is a requirement to assess these impacts by performing surveys pre construction, during construction and post construction.

Tongland Dam
Tongland Dam

 

On the local scale the GFT has provided input and completed relevant surveys on a number of wind farm developments, including around 20 in Dumfries and Galloway. This includes: completion of the migratory fish monitoring for Robin Rigg Offshore Wind Farm in the Solway Firth; the completion of fish and habitat surveys for the now operational Artfield Fell Wind Farm (River Bladnoch catchment); completion of baseline fisheries surveys and the preparation of the Fisheries Monitoring Plan for the Arecleoch Wind Farm (River Luce catchment).

Wind turbines
Wind turbines © SW Images

Out with Dumfries and Galloway, GFT has carried out various work for renewable energy schemes including: writing the fisheries chapter of the Environmental Statement (AMEC Wind Energy) for the proposed Lewis Wind Farm (covering 22 different river catchments); completion of a river habitat survey for the Lochluichart Wind Farm; assessment of the impact of the Inverlael and Black Rock Hydro Schemes. GFT has completed baseline fisheries surveys as well as surveys during the construction period for the Glendoe Hydro Scheme.

Galloway Fisheries Trust