Category: General

  • Nethermills Hydro is Operational

    Nethermills Hydro is Operational

    Nethermills Hydro Scheme opened earlier this month and after testing the turbine over the last few weeks, they are now producing green energy. Robin Wilson from the DSFB and Stuart Brabbs from Ayrshire Rivers Trust provided comments and input through ought the consultation stages and since the scheme received the green light, ART has had…

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  • Nethermills Hydro Update

    Nethermills Hydro Update

    Contractors faced difficulties when they entered the river to start excavating a pool below where the Archimedes Screw turbine with sit. They has installed a temporary dam made of tonne bags filled with stone however, it soon became obvious that the depths would not allow them to carry on working while keeping the lower fish…

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  • Hydro Development at Nethermills

    Hydro Development at Nethermills

    Work at Nethermills is underway to build an Archimedes Screw type hydro scheme. This work will continue all summer and autumn but by November should be complete and the new green energy supply operational. However, there’s a lot to be done and fish passage must be maintained throughout the construction period although it is accepted…

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  • Illegal Fishing at Nethermills

    Illegal Fishing at Nethermills

    We were sent images that I have forwarded to the DSFB and others, of a person spinning at Nethermills fish pass last night. I have blanked his face out in this image and I hope he sees this and takes note of the legislation outlined below. Police and DSFB are aware of the situation at…

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  • Nethermills Hydro scheme commences

    Nethermills Hydro scheme commences

    We have had a few calls looking for information on what’s happening at Dam Park / Nethermills on the Ayr. Machinery moved onto site over the weekend and contractors started working today. An Archimedes screw type hydro scheme is being built along with a turbine house that will generate electricity for the College. The Energy…

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  • Catch Returns from 2020 season

    Catch Returns from 2020 season

    The catch data from the 2020 angling season have been compiled. The River Ayr and its tributaries recorded a total of 446 wild salmon in 2020. All salmon were released. Only 5 sea trout were reported and 4 were killed. Additionally, 29 farmed salmon were reported of which samples from 12 were submitted to Ayrshire…

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  • The Latest advice on what to do if you catch an escaped farmed salmon

    The Latest advice on what to do if you catch an escaped farmed salmon

    Following the escape of 48,000+ farmed salmon at Carradale in the Firth of Clyde 2 weeks ago, reports are now reaching fishery managers that a few of these fish are beginning to turn up in Ayrshire’s rivers. Please look closely at any fish and make the right decisions. Here’s a link to the latest guidance produced…

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  • Catrine Fish Pass modifications

    Catrine Fish Pass modifications

    Work to remove the end wall at the fish ladder at Catrine Dam was underway in the last few days and while the timing was less than ideal, the work was considered to be the last remaining main issue that had to be resolved to improve fish migration through the dam. The only remaining action…

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  • Fish pass maintenance

    Fish pass maintenance

    While the Board actively encourage landowners/operators to maintain their assets on the rivers within the catchment, it is not the DSFB’s responsibility to clear fish passes for them. Indeed the Board doesn’t empoly staff capable of doing so. The Board however, being a statutory body can pursue landowners that fail to manage and maintain fish…

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