One of
the problems encountered when running a hatchery
for
river improvements is the supply of broodstock.
The fisheries manager faces a dilema. Should wild
stock
be caught for the hatchery or would it more effcient
to let them breed naturally in the river? This is
especially important when adult numbers are low
and this is
just when
a manager might want to enhance the population.
One of the solutions used by the Board is the
Kelt Reconditioning Programme. This is radical
approach never before run succesfully for Atlantic
Salmon. The Project is run by the expert staff
of FRS and is funded by the Board assisted by the
Tay Ghillies Association.
The project has now been runing for a decade and
now forms an important part of the restocking programes.
Atlantic Salmon kelts (all the males and
most of the females die any way in the wild) are
caught and transported to huge holding tanks. Here
they are taught to feed in fresh water by hand
feeding. They are then carefully looked after for
a year untill the next spawning season.
The record so far is a hen fish which has now
spawned 7 times!
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