Upland river catchments in Scotland have a long history of water management to provide flow regimes suitable for hydroelectric power production. These modifications have had a large effect on the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological functioning of the Spey catchment. Despite this legacy of human impact, the area supports a diverse freshwater community, including important populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea trout (Salmo trutta), lampreys (Lampetra spp. and Petromyzon marinus) and freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera).

This research, carried out in partnership with the Spey Fishery Board and the Spey Foundation, evaluated the potential impact to the aquatic biota from proposed changes to compensation releases in the Spey and Tay catchments. The study examined the impact of flow redistribution in relation to the requirement to meet Good Ecological Potential (GEP) under the criteria specified by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). As required by the WFD, the research considered the impact of changes to the flow regime relative to all freshwater organisms within the study catchments.

People:

Dr. Tom Worthington

Prof. Paul Kemp