Monitoring Tweed’s Fish Populations
Monitoring the Future of the River Tweed’s Fish Populations
At the Tweed Foundation, our commitment to understanding and conserving the fish populations within the Tweed catchment is at the heart of what we do. One of the key tools in our research is electro-fishing, a method used to monitor juvenile salmon and trout numbers across the Tweed District, including the Leader, Gala, Ettrick, Teviot, and Till. Through this extensive monitoring network, we build a long-term picture of how fish populations fluctuate over time, allowing us to make informed conservation and management decisions.
The Science Behind Electro-Fishing
Electro-fishing involves passing a small electric current through the water, which temporarily stuns fish without harming them. This enables our trained team to count, measure, and assess their health before safely returning them to the river. The network of monitoring sites, established across the Tweed and Eye catchments, allows us to sample each section of the river on a three-year cycle.
By consistently returning to these sites, we gain a clearer understanding of both natural and human influences on fish populations. This data helps us determine whether juvenile fish numbers are stable, declining, or increasing in specific areas, and provides crucial insight into the broader health of the river ecosystem.
What the Data Tells Us
Our monitoring efforts highlight patterns and trends that guide conservation action. The data helps us:
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Identify areas where juvenile fish numbers are lower than expected and investigate potential causes, such as habitat degradation or pollution.
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Assess whether migratory fish, such as salmon, face barriers to their natural passage, such as weirs or obstructions.
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Recommend management strategies to ensure sustainable fish stocks, such as adjusting conservation measures for returning salmon or brown trout.
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Support habitat restoration projects, ensuring the next generation of fish have the best possible environment in which to thrive.
Protecting the Future of Tweed’s Fish
The long-term health of the Tweed’s fish populations depends on continued research and conservation efforts. The Tweed Foundation remains dedicated to monitoring and improving the environment for these species, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the iconic salmon and trout that define the River Tweed.
Our electro-fishing program is just one of the many ways we work to protect the river’s natural heritage. Together, we can ensure that the River Tweed remains a thriving habitat for fish and wildlife for years to come.
The Tweed Foundation
The Tweed Foundation, established in 1983 by the River Tweed Commission, is dedicated to protecting and improving the natural environment of the River Tweed. It engages in a comprehensive program of biological monitoring and habitat enhancement to protect the Tweed’s valuable fish stocks and maximise the river’s natural productivity. The Foundation’s educational outreach includes programs such as TweedStart and Go Wild For Fish, along with citizen science initiatives like Guardians of Tweed.
