The partnership project between the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) which is conducting a five-year trial re-introduction of beavers to Scotland has welcomed a new report which reviews the effects of beavers on freshwater fish.
The report, based on a critical review of scientific literature and expert opinions states that whilst that beavers have both positive and negative impacts on some fish there are on the whole more positives than negatives, supported by more than half the expert respondents surveyed on the issue. (58% of respondents suggested the impact was positive, 21% negative and the remainder neutral).
Allan Bantick, Chairman of the Scottish Beaver Trial Steering Group comments that: “the independent review of the effects of beavers upon fish and fish stocks is very much welcomed by the Scottish Beaver Trial partners: the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland . The review highlights the overall beneficial impacts of beavers on fish in general and the positive impact that beavers can have on the abundance and productivity of migratory salmon. It is particularly encouraging to note that the analysis indicated that “for a greater number of [fish] species, beaver presence was associated with an increase rather than a decrease in productivity.”
Simon Milne, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, states: “It is entirely understandable that some anglers and associated organisations raised questions about the impact of beavers on salmon and other fish. However, I very much hope that this report will allay their concerns and provide them with further evidence of the potential benefits of a beaver reintroduction. The report will provide very useful additional information to the Scottish Government when the long term future of beavers is considered at the end of the Scottish Beaver Trial”.
David Windmill, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland also welcomed the study’s findings that, overall beavers had a positive effect and that even where negative impacts have been identified, the evidence suggests that these are likely to be temporary and locally variable. He added: “it is essential that the reintroduction of any species must be looked at in terms of the overall ecological impacts and wider socio-economic factors, and that addressing the perceptions of people must be an essential part of any reintroduction project.”
The Scottish Beaver Trial has already released four breeding beaver families into the wilds of Knapdale Forest, Mid-Argyll. The impact the beavers will have in the current Scottish environment and how the beavers will prosper in Scottish habitats is to be tracked over a five-year trial period and Scottish Natural Heritage, the independent body co-ordinating the scientific monitoring of the Trial, will report their findings to the Scottish Government.
***ENDS***
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR Officer, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4742 or email: nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
Clara Govier, Communications Officer, RZSS
Tel: 0131 314 0312 or email: cgovier@rzss.org.uk
Notes to Editors
• The Scottish Beaver Trial is a partnership project between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and host Forestry Commission Scotland to undertake a time-limited trial reintroduction of the European beavers to Knapdale, Mid-Argyll. It is part of Scotland's Species Action Framework, which sets out a strategic approach to species management in Scotland. The Scottish Government has asked Scottish Natural Heritage to coordinate the independent scientific monitoring of the trial, reporting on whether the conditions of the licence are being fully addressed on the ground.
• SNH is working with a number of independent organisations to carry out the monitoring work. They are Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll Fisheries Trust, Historic Scotland, British Dragonfly Society, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Oxford Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and University of Stirling. Each organisation is contributing resources towards the monitoring of the trial, along with SNH who is contributing £275,000. For information about the monitoring go to www.snh.org.uk/scottishbeavertrial. For more information visit www.scottishbeavers.org.uk
• The Scottish Government approved the application of the trial reintroduction in May 2008. This followed a two-month long consultation period with local residents and key stakeholders. The results of this consultation showed that 73% of respondents were in favour of the trial reintroduction.
• Forestry Commission Scotland manages the trial site of Knapdale Forest as part of the national forest estate. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and is responsible for the protection and expansion of Scotland's forests and woodlands. FCS manages the national forest estate for a range of public benefits – economic, social and environmental. It works closely with a range of national and local stakeholders and partners to deliver the Scottish Government's goals vested in the Scottish Forestry Strategy.
• Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a registered charity, number SC004064. RZSS was founded by visionary lawyer Thomas Gillespie. The Society was set up ‘to promote, facilitate and encourage the study of zoology and kindred subjects and to foster and develop amongst the people an interest in and knowledge of animal life’. RZSS has been involved in several successful species reintroduction programmes in the past. These include native species, such as the Canna mouse, as well as global initiatives including reintroducing the Socorro dove back to the Socorro Islands, off the Mexican coast.
• The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a registered charity. It is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 wildlife reserves Scotland-wide. www.swt.org.uk
• Scottish Natural Heritage advises the Scottish Government on conserving, enjoying, understanding and sustainably using our natural heritage. For further information on SNH, please visit www.snh.org.uk
• Funding for the Scottish Beaver Trial has been gratefully received from Biffaward.
• In 1997 Biffa Waste Services agreed to donate landfill tax credits to the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) to administer under the fund name Biffaward. Grants made from the fund currently amount to £100 million, supporting many worthwhile projects. Biffa Waste Services Limited is one of the largest single suppliers of waste management services in the UK. It collects, treats, recovers and disposes of municipal, commercial and industrial waste nationwide. It is ultimately owned by a private equity consortium comprising Montagu Private Equity, Global Infrastructure Partners, Uberior Co-Investments Limited and other co-investors www.biffaward.org
• The project has also received financial support from a range of sources including the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, People’s Postcode Lottery, the John Ellerman Foundation and the Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust