A new study is going to investigate the impact of offshore renewable energy devices on one of Scotland’s most iconic fish, the wild Atlantic salmon.
The research will also look at the migratory patterns of the species. The project will focus on the Pentland Firth, a key area for both salmon and marine renewable developments.
The firth is close to all the rivers of Caithness and northern Sutherland and salmon use it as a route to and from the large east coast rivers further round the coast of Scotland.
The area has also become an international focal point for the development of marine renewables because of the strength of its wind and wave power.
The Pentland Salmon Initiative is being led by scientists from North Highland College UHI’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI), which is based in Thurso.
The group has also enlisted the expertise of Alan Youngson, formerly of the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory in Pitlochry, and Professor Tony Hawkins, former director of the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen
The initial focus of the study will be on mapping salmon migration in northern coastal waters.
As part of the research, scientists will collect field data on the effects that the construction and operation of marine renewable energy developments may have on the fish’s behaviour.
Speaking about the project, Professor Stuart Gibb, director of the ERI, said: “Salmon support important economic activity in and around rivers across Scotland.
“Despite this, little is known about their behaviour when passing through our coastal seas.
“New research is needed if we are to understand how salmon may interact with the arrays of marine renewable devices planned for Scotland’s coastal zone.
“This has become a high priority and exciting area of science for the ERI and our partners in the university.
“We are immensely honoured that scientists of the calibre of Alan Youngson and Professor Hawkins have chosen to join us.”
Recommended for you
