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Volunteering with NDSFB
I applied to join the Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board (NDSFB) to gain experience within fisheries management and add to my academic qualifications. I was also very keen to learn from professionals who have years of experience within fisheries management. Having successfully completed an interview in late January 2015, I joined the fisheries management team for the Nith catchment led by Director Jim Henderson. In addition to Jim Henderson, I was given the chance to learn from other members of staff; including Debbie Parke (Fishery Biologist and Operations Manager), David McMichael (Head Bailiff), Emily Iles (Project Officer for the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust) and Shona Kennedy (Administrator).
Whilst I have only been with the NDSFB for a short period of time, I have already experienced a wide range of roles and been given the chance to work with, and learn from, all members of staff. From the beginning, I have endeavoured to show commitment to this volunteering opportunity. As such, I am with the NDSFB five days a week and working as many hours as I can each day. Additionally, I attended the Salmon and Trout Meeting in Gretna on the evening of Thursday the 5th of February 2015.
So far, I have gained experience in predation control with the Head Bailiff of the catchment, David McMichael. Species’ targeted include American Mink, Goosander and Cormorant. Methods include humane trapping for the American Mink and licenced shooting for both the Goosander and Cormorant. I am now also familiar with the maintenance and care of the on-site fish hatchery, the species’ present are Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout/ Sea Trout. On Thursday the 19th of February I had the chance to attend a geomorphology meeting that had in attendance Jim Henderson, SEPA and the owner of the land on which there had been significant erosion. The aim of this meeting was to establish a suitable method for restoring the river bank in a way that was cost effective and lasting. Thursday the 26th of February provided me with the opportunity to help with the “Fishing for the Future” project, led by Emily Iles. This involved taking photos and providing assistance as Emily gave a lecture at Sanquhar Academy. Led by Debbie Parke, I have more recently been assisting in the preparation of fish scales for photographing and as such, the determination of the age of individual fish. Species’ include Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Rainbow Trout and Grayling. Again, also under the guidance of Debbie, as well as Shona Kennedy, I have been assisting with data entry into the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre (SFCC) database. This data is derived from electrofishing surveys done during the summer months and as such I am now very familiar with this type of data.
To date, my time with NDSFB has been very enjoyable and one in which I have already gained a great deal of experience and knowledge. The working atmosphere and team is first class, with a very efficient and effective approach. Going into the future, I look forward to gathering further experience and skills within fisheries management in the hope that I can fully implement these when the opportunity arises.
Writen By Nico Buttler, March 2015
