SFCC Biologists' Meeting, Feb 2019

1. • map existing fish counters;
• identify the network among these counters that is of strategic national importance;
• list factors that are relevant to extending the national network;
• prioritise rivers for extending the network so far as is possible and set out steps for obtaining
further information required;
• outline requirements for constructing counters.
Five component strategy
Developing a salmon counter network for Scotland

4. Relevant factors: legislative
• Salmon conservation regulations
➢Direct enumeration
➢Rod catch calibration
➢Stock recruitment curves
➢Fish sizes
• Monitoring SAC rivers (EU Habitats Directive)
• Combining with barrier easement under CAR

5. Relevant factors: stakeholder requirements
• Scottish Government, Marine Scotland, Marine Scotland Science
• SNH
• SEPA
• DSFBs
• Fisheries Trusts
• FMS
• SSE, Scottish Power

6. Relevant factors: resources
• Capital and installation costs
• On-going maintenance and operational costs
• Analysis and reporting of data
• Dilapidation costs
• Suitably skilled and trained personnel

7. Prioritisation process: phase 1
In parallel:
• Identify quick wins, where data can be collated from existing counters, or incomplete
installations can be finalised.
• Assess each salmon and FWPM SAC to identify suitable sites for counters.
• Map locations of existing in-river structures at lower ends of rivers that may provide
sites for counters.
• Consider suitability of barriers prioritised by SEPA/MSS for easement.
• Compile a prioritised list of areas/rivers/river types required to improve CRs.
• Compile a list of counter development projects put forward by local river managers.

10. Phase 2
Compare lists derived in Phase 1 to identify a prioritised sub-set of rivers
Phase 3
Apply detailed local assessment criteria (Braun et al., 2016) to assess feasibility and costs of priority
options.
Phase 4
Update the prioritised sub-set of rivers to incorporate feasibility identified from results of Phase 3.
Phase 5
Determine the most appropriate installation from the technology available. Assess whether a suitable
funding and support package can be applied.
Phase 6
Repeat process from Phase 1 as more counters are installed and options for further development
change.

11. A pragmatic solution (building on Brian’s new system)?
1. Use simple triggered or continuous camera systems (possibly with
behaviour modification)
2. Develop automated recording and analysis systems
Cheap to install
Easy to maintain?
Easy to interrogate remotely
Minimises analysis time