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This page is available in Gaelic ~ link here The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project. The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project arose from concern about declining stocks of sea trout and some salmon populations in the West Highlands and Outer Islands. There has been a substantial drop in the numbers of visiting anglers, with serious consequences for many rural areas. Its aim is to discover why there has been a collapse in sea trout and to find ways to restore them to their former abundance. The Shieldaig Sea Trout Project provides for the first time in a West Highland river secure information on the sea trout population by examining stocks passing through a two-way trap situated near the Shieldaig estuary. In the fragile aquatic ecosystems of the Highlands and Islands, sea trout are important as predators and prey. They are also part of Scotland's natural heritage and there is a duty to protect them for future generations. A thriving sea trout fishery would provide sustainable development through angling tourism and create employment in remote rural areas. There are likely to be many reasons for the decline, including climate change and degradation of waters by human activity. But the sharp decline in sea trout catches occurred at a time when there was also a rise in sea lice numbers in coastal waters. Sea lice are commonly found on farmed salmon although continuing efforts are being made to control them. Salmon aquaculture is another important industry in the Highlands and Islands. Recently, the project gained improved understanding of the scale and distribution of the infectious stages of sea lice found at local river mouths. Ollowing the widespread introduction of more effective sea lice treatments on neighbouring fish farms, the project monitors any changes in larval sea lice levels on the shoreline and in lice status of returning post-smolt sea trout. In April 2000, a Visitor Centre was opened near Shieldaig village. The Centre describes the sea trout life history and the recent population decline in western Scotland. In addition, the display boards explain the nature of the Shieldaig Sea Trout Project and the scientific work used to study sea trout and to examine ways of restoring their numbers at Shieldaig.There are also interactive displays for young children that teach them about the life cycle of the sea trout, their predators and prey, through a series of games.
The Shieldaig Sea Trout Visitor Centre is located approximately one mile from Shieldaig village. The entrance is sign-posted on the minor road to Applecross about 100m from the junction with the Shieldaig/Lochcarron road. There is visitor parking in front of the Centre. Opening hours: 9.30 - 16.30 Mon-Fri. Other times by arrangement.
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