WRFT Newsletter October 2026 published

Posted: Wednesday 14 October, 2026 @ 08:25:55

This newsletter provides a summary of Trust activities during the spring, summer and early autumn of 2026.

In March, herring spawned on maerly gravel to the SW and NW of Loch Gairloch. Later in the year there were feeding frenzies of seabirds and cetaceans around Wester Ross providing plenty of interest for local people and holidaymakers to Wester Ross. There was also plenty of food in coastal waters for sea trout to feed on.

In contrast to much of the rest of the UK which experienced drought conditions, Wester Ross was wetter than average, with 130% of long-term average rainfall during summer months (Met Office data). The results of sea trout sampling were encouraging with fewer parasitic sea lice recorded than in other previous recent years at most sites. Some larger trout (>1.5kg) were caught in several locations.

Much progress has been made with the seagrass project led by Dr Diorbhail Wentworth with support from India Thomas and many other enthusiastic helpers. A polytunnel was constructed to grow-on seagrass cuttings prior to being transplanted.  A large seagrass bed was documented for the first time near Red Point which may provide a source of donor material for the restoration site in future years.

The office has been busy with intern, Mairin Tibbitt; and students Cristina Beams and Lilja Alam.  We thanked outgoing WRFT Chair, Dr Michael Aitchison and outgoing administrator Dr Sue Ward; and welcomed new Chair Dr Steve Kett and new administrator Leah Booker.

Thankyou very much to all our supporters and helpers!

 

Please find the newsletter here: https://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WRFT%20NewsletterOctober2026_v1.pdf